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Thanks, FAMU, for Ruining My Semester

By Robyn K. Mizelle

Robyn Mizelle

I would like to officially thank FAMU President Fred Gainous, Interim Athletic Director J.R.E. Lee III, Board of Trustees Chairman Jim Corbin, the trustees and the Student Government Association for the worst semester I've had at FAMU.

Professionalism was lacking in all areas and I am truly disgusted to be a student at FAMU.

President Gainous:

You allowed, or at least ran away four deans, and act as though that yields no problems. You also made a very unwise decision to move the football team to Division I-A. I've heard all of the positives for this move, but everyone is forgetting the negatives. And no, the positives do not outweigh the negatives. The university needs new classrooms; professors need offices; equipment is needed for instructional and distance learning; buildings need proper air- conditioning systems -- it doesn't need to be cold in the winter. And now you want to add seats to a stadium that isn't filled unless it is homecoming. It doesn't matter that that is an NCAA requirement. It is useless, pointless and an inefficient use of money.

The pharmacy school still hasn't moved into its new building and the School of Journalism and Graphic Communication still needs $4 million for equipment for the new building.

And will someone please tell me why we were two months late turning in the financial statements, even with an extended deadline? This can no longer be blamed on your recent arrival to the university. You have been in office almost 18 months.

Board of Trustees and Chairman James Corbin:

The childish feud you have displayed with Gainous since he assumed office is unnecessary. After watching how you have behaved, I can understand where the student Senate gets its ideas. I think the Senate and the Board of Trustees are on the same side -- shepherds for the devil.

Student Government Association:

Why did you try to impeach President Larry Rivers?

OK. You say he falsified documents and overspent funds, among many other problems, but how often have you done the same thing? The Senate has completely ignored various clubs and organizations on campus in order to give money to whom they like.

Everyone:

I hope you understand what you are doing to the students. You are so busy fighting your little childish feuds and trying, but failing to recruit new students, while forgetting about the ones who are already here.

You have no idea how many times I've heard people say, "I hate FAMU," "I hope I can transfer next semester," "Finally, I'm leaving" and "I'm going to a private white institution."

The only reasons I am still here are my mother and the best journalism program in the country.

The only things good about FAMU now are the band and the few professors and deans who truly care about the students.

People can say their motto is "Excellence with caring," but I have yet to see it depicted.

Students are leaving FAMU; you need to get your act together.

Robyn K. Mizelle, 20, a junior broadcast journalism student at Florida A&M University from Lake City, Fla., writes for The Famuan. She can be reached at [email protected].

Posted Dec. 6, 2003