Each Friday in April CM Life will run a winning essay from the Speak Up, Speak Out Writing Competition. For more entries published, visit cm-life.com.

Civility, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, entails an “observance of civil order; orderly behavior; good citizenship.” In other words, acts of civility are those that promote order in society.

From the above, one notices that civility is an important characteristic expected of citizens of any stable society. In fact, Sam E. Ezeanyika has written that the level of civility exhibited by members of a society “determine the degree of stability and order in such a system.” Beyond the theoretical postulations of scholars like Ezeanyika, a particular CMU experience has also shown me that civility fosters social harmony.

I came to CMU from Nigeria in the fall of 2009 and I had the experience in the spring and fall of 2010. Like other international students, I received an email message from CMU Health Services in spring 2010. According to the e-mail message, it was compulsory for all foreign students to purchase a CMU health insurance policy beginning this fall. I was worried about the high cost of the CMU insurance policy and decided to mobilize other students to express our grievances to the appropriate quarters.

We held meetings that culminated in a protest rally in September 2010. Of course, we had to meet with President Ross and other university officials to protest against the seeming insensitivity of the directive from the University Health Services. At the end of negotiations, the university accepted our case, which allowed us to purchase any policy of our choice so far that it meets the minimum requirement set by the university. Also, we were permitted to purchase such a policy every semester as opposed to the one-year coverage earlier requested.

In all of these, I was impressed by the civility of the university officials who found time to listen to our grievances and to make the necessary concessions. The more interesting thing to me was that several international students avoided our meetings and rally, and when I inquired about their non-participation in our activities, I learned they were afraid the university could victimize us since we are foreign students. In fact, an Asian student warned me to be careful because my assistantship could be withdrawn by the university. In the end, concessions were made and nobody was victimized.

Overall, that experience showed me how civility could engender peaceful co-existence in a society. By adhering to civil procedures, the university and its international students were able to negotiate an acceptable compromise. The other thing I learned from that experience was that the use of force or other acts of incivility would have negatively affected the relationship between the university and its international students.

Here you are, six years old, playing with a fantastic toy, when your arch-rival, Billy Thomas, comes over to try to take it from you.

Before you know it, you and Billy Thomas are in a no holds-barred death match. This is swiftly followed by a time out session where neither of you receive the privileged toy despite your many temper tantrums.

This is an all too common occurrence for adolescents in primary school; however, even as time passes and children grow into adults, it seems the experience hasn’t changed a bit. Americans have access to hundreds of media outlets where countless grown men and women can be seen throwing full-blown tantrums, screaming their opinions, all the while demonizing “the bad guys.”

It becomes completely obvious that some kindergarten lessons like sharing and compromise never stuck as we see many in politics cross their arms and pout about America’s current list of problems, simply refusing to budge on any standpoint.

There can only be one possible outcome for this behavior; both parties sitting in time out, bitter toward each other, and neither enjoying any reward of progress. How long will it be before Americans realize that civility alone can help us improve our situation?

Programs at Central Michigan University like “Speak Up, Speak Out” can help people realize the effectiveness of civility and reasonability. “Speak Up, Speak Out” provides a safe place for a panel and audience to meaningfully discuss and deliberate on a wide array of topics.

It becomes apparent to anyone in attendance that this format allows participants to accomplish a lot more than any debate filled with name-calling and accusatory remarks. While incivility may anger a person, shutting down their listening skills, civility promotes respect.

If more aspects of American life were like “Speak Up, Speak Out” perhaps we would not be trapped in a dead-locked Congress. This uncivil war happening in America’s political arena

Civility has seemingly put a halt to a functioning democracy. Compromise and negotiation are currently unheard of in Congress and consequently, so is progress.

With representatives screaming, “You Lie!” at the President of the United States and the House promising vetoed legislation until their demands are met, incivility is continually hindering the well-being of the American people.

Civility and mediation alone can harbor true progress in America. In a diverse nation founded on liberty and freedom, it is imperative that every voice is not only heard, but actually considered. We need to call an end to this uncivil war and work together as citizens to better the collective whole.

Relearn from your kindergarten teacher, communicate problems and find common ground; or everyone will be left bitter without shining gold stars, cookies or a functioning democracy.

Moving to Mount Pleasant from Columbus, Ohio, was a culture shock in more ways than one.

But it was the overt anti-gay messages—from homophobic sidewalk chalking to editorials questioning the need for diversity programs—that bothered me most on a visceral, human level. I had been sheltered, but not in the way most people think: The issue was nearly a non-issue at my liberal college in a city The New York Times called “ a Midwestern gay mecca” (Murphy).

With a general sense that something was amiss and a largely unfocused plan to “ do something” about it, I joined CMU’ s gay/straight alliance. As my involvement grows, now co- chairing Spectrum’ s Inclusion Committee, I see just how personal this broader social issue has become for me.

French historian Alexis de Tocqueville theorized that acting in one’ s self-interest gives rise to an improved society. But how, exactly, does a straight woman benefit from furthering the LGBTQ cause?

First, I believe in a more just America for me and for my future children without discriminatory laws, policies, and practices making it unsafe to be “ different.” Hate crime legislation, for example, makes our society safer and raises awareness of how we treat each other, in turn enhancing my own safety and treatment as a member of that society.

Researching issues like Don’ t Ask, Don’ t Tell, marriage equality, and employment and housing discrimination have made me a more informed citizen. I now understand a drawback of democracy de Tocqueville also feared: the tyranny of the majority. Realizing that the rights of a minority will be denied when left to a vote of an uneducated or not compassionate majority has fueled my support for top-down gay rights legislation.

Inclusive Worldview I have been fortunate to form friendships with courageous, intelligent, motivated, inspiring LGBTQ individuals. Consequently, I know it is not their sole responsibility to fight for equality and civil rights protection. My involvement demonstrates that it is acceptable, even encouraged, for straight people to support this cause.

Thanks to Spectrum, as well as SafeZone and Ally training through the Office for Institutional Diversity, I have the tools to stand up against heterosexism and homophobia,

including a valuable education in LGBTQ history, issues, terminology, and concepts like gender binary, pansexuality, and the deep significance of male and female pronouns.

As a more educated and active citizen, I have written letters asking that CMU suspend its United Way campaign until the Isabella County chapter stops funding the discriminatory Boy Scouts of America; planned events to increase LGBTQ visibility in mid-Michigan; and finally spoke up when a coworker again referred to a colleague’ s partner as “ her, uh…friend?”

“ Partner,” I said strongly. And I felt strong for saying so.

Perhaps that is the best evidence here for de Tocqueville’ s theory: my feeling of personal accomplishment from working toward a more inclusive society. As a straight ally at CMU, I find peace in knowing my children can look back on the great social revolution of this generation and know I was on the right side.

The chopper is going to be a showpiece displayed at the Soaring Eagle through August, said Mike Dini, advertising and public relations manager for the casino.

It will be at the Soaring Eagle until August. It will then be at Seganing Eagles Landing Casino, located at 2690 Worth Road in Standish, from September to October and then will reside at the Ziibiwing Center, 6650 E. Broadway Road.

Although no student likes to hear that college tuition is steadily increasing with each academic year, Central Michigan University’s tuition increase for next year is fair and manageable. Despite the cut backs in state funding, CMU’s increase will only be at 4.6 percent as opposed to the state average of 5.24 percent. What’s more, the Board of Trustees is taking the student’s financial well being into account and increasing financial aid by $1.8 million.

The decision to increase tuition should not be much of a surprise, especially with Michigan’s dismal economy. It is encouraging, though, that the Board of Trustees kept the increase lower than other Michigan universities, showing students that CMU is not set on just on making a profit but working out ways to keep higher education affordable.

Although nothing has been completely confirmed, budget cuts from different departments are being considered and reviewed, showing that the Board is exercising their resources. It shows that the burden is not being laid solely upon the students. Like the tuition increase, no one likes to hear that cutbacks will be made around a university, but it is necessary, especially when retaining and attracting students.

The increase in financial aid should not be overshadowed by the tuition increase. Most first-year students are awarded financial aid, encouraging students to continue their education. The increase in financial aid should be at the forefront of CMU’s recruitment for freshmen in the fall, backed by the lowest tuition increase in the state. It is by far not as attractive as the CMU Promise, but it does let prospective and current students know that Central is still affordable.

Ultimately, the Board’s smartest decision is not looking for quick fixes for a semester or two with simple tuition hikes and budget cuts, but looking at the bigger picture and planning for the next few years. As students with the CMU Promise begin to phase out of the university, the Board is keeping in mind that attracting new students will become harder and harder as state finances continue to dwindle. Tuition will most likely continue to increase each academic year, thus making it harder to retain students.

With a three-to-five year plan though, the Board can hopefully make adjustments to any upcoming surprises, good or bad. Michigan is in dire need of an educated workforce, and higher education seems to be the focal point for reaching this goal. Students should also understand that universities are businesses, and, like any other business, needs to turn a profit in order to be operable.

The Board of Trustees is undoubtedly making difficult decisions that won’t make everyone happy. But by addressing these problems with gradual changes and sacrifices, CMU can continue to be a university that delivers to its students.

Torreano began work in Dallas June 8, meaning more than a month to begin work and settle. Steve Smith, director of public relations, said her relocation would not affect her state-appointed duties. Yet, she was not at the meeting last week because of work-related reasons. Board Vice Chairwoman Stephanie Comai chaired last week’s meeting because of Torreano’s absence.

Torreano must make a decision whether or not to stay on the Board with her recent relocation. Being in Texas is much different than being in Michigan, and she won’t be able to see the problems the state is dealing with firsthand to know how CMU should confront them.

If she decides to continue her work as Board chairwoman, she needs to pay extra attention to her duties here to keep up and needs to be back to campus whenever she is needed. But if she cannot continue to provide CMU with that type of service, she should look to resigning her position to someone who can be there.

Torreano’s absence Thursday meant one less voice to discuss an important topic when it comes to CMU: tuition. CMU’s students can’t afford to have its leaders not present when discussing events that will directly affect them. After all, the students are still here.

inSITEful
Young inventors coming to campus today

InSITEful, a camp for young inventors, will take place today through Friday. The camp will take place in Grawn Hall, and will provide campers the opportunity to develop their ideas into practice. Students will learn how to run their own business, and will learn to use skills to be creative in the business world. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. today to noon Friday.

Soaring Eagle

High School Musical coming to casino

The show “High School Musical: Summer Celebration” will take place at 8 p.m. Sunday at Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, 6800 Soaring Eagle Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at the casino’s box office by calling (800) 585-3737, 8:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If you have an interesting item for Life in Brief, let us know by e-mailing news@cm-life.com

Other Michigan universities have seen their tuition increase this summer, and more are to come. Saginaw Valley State University is the highest jump in percent, raising tuition by 6.3 percent. Other schools in the state such as Northern Michigan University and Oakland University, will set their tuition later this month.

Interim University President Kathy Wilbur told Central Michigan Life last month that three things will affect tuition: salaries, utilities and health care costs. While these three items continue to increase, so will tuition.

This is the second year without the CMU Promise, and more students are paying the higher rate. With these students putting more money into the university, and the possible lack of funding from the state, the Trustees should make sure to consider the needs of students before everything else at CMU.

With the threat of the Michigan Promise Scholarship being taken away, and CMU hoping to at least keep their state appropriations constant from this year, keeping college affordable and competitive for CMU students should remain in the forefront of the decision to change tuition.

With projects such as the medical school beginning, CMU will be in need of funding, and tuition will be the main source. Despite the prestige medical schools bring to a university, tuition rates that are too high will sway perspective students away from CMU.

If every university in the state of Michigan continues to raise their tuition like clockwork, students will not be able to attend college, creating an uneducated workforce. With the need for young, innovative minds – especially in Michigan – a workforce that cannot think for itself is bound to find itself in the same economic trouble the state currently is in.

While it’s understandable that tuition has to increase in order to keep the university functioning, the Board of Trustees should keep in mind every resource available when trying to save money. The university could be more conservative with planed events and slow down on expanding into new schools. Students may express some disapproval at first, but will quickly see the value of lower tuition rates.

At the very least, CMU should be as honest as possible with students. If tuition increases to a certain percentage, students should be aware of the reasons why and what other steps have been taken to ensure it’s the lowest percentage possible.

Those who have seen lot 63 at a football game know just how crazy and crowded it is; there is hardly any room to walk through the rows of vehicles, much less allow an emergency vehicle through.

The new procedures set for the fall will add both safety and room to the activities, as the new procedures call for the tailgating area to double in size.

The procedures will also add more options for students – more places to get food, for example. Maybe the concession lines will shorten up a bit with the addition.

More port-a-potties are also included in the plan, which could also shorten up lengthy lines for the bathrooms inside the stadium.

But the new procedures aren’t just about safety – they are to encourage students to go in and cheer on the football team. A team that has been at the top of the Mid-American Conference for three years certainly deserves that.

The addition of a siren or something similar to announce kickoff will fit in well with CMU’s tradition of shooting of cannons. Increasing the number of students in the stadium will prove that CMU has the best sports culture in the MAC.

CMU has a great tailgating atmosphere. Just because there are more strict procedures in place, doesn’t mean students should stay home. They should come, have a good time and support the team.

Here are some of the main points Central Michigan Life feels she needs to focus on during her one-year tenure as president.

Tuition needs to stay low

Public universities across Michigan have hiked tuition this summer. Michigan State University students are facing a 5.2 percent increase this fall and a 4.9 percent increase in 2010. The University of Michigan increased tuition by 5 percent and Eastern Michigan University hiked tuition 3.8 percent.

CMU will likely be no different.

Wilbur said while she expects the Board of Trustees to raise tuition at the July 16 meeting, she plans to work with the board to keep it at a minimum.

And she should.

With the threat of cutting the Michigan Promise Scholarship, students and their families are going to need as much financial help as they can get. If Michigan wants a college-educated workforce, the government and the universities need to take into consideration the cost of attending a university.

While much of that is beyond her control, Wilbur should do what she can to make CMU a place students can afford to come.

Keep people here

Wilbur should focus on administration stability and hiring permanent administrators.

With former University President Michael Rao’s departure came a flood of other departures, including Provost Julia Wallace, Vice President of Alumni Relations Mike Leto and Vice Provost of Academic Affairs Catherine Riordan, to name a few. Both Wilbur and Interim Provost Gary Shapiro have expressed that they will continue to move CMU forward, instead of just “treading water” at this stage in the university’s history. Wilbur should be proactive with her appointment powers, and she should hire administrators accordingly. The number of people that have left this year is understandable, with Rao departing. But this could be a very critical time in the university’s history, and she should work to keep and bring in people that are willing to help it grow.

The med school needs stability

It might be huge expense for the university, but at this point, the decision is moving forward. An interim dean has been hired, and CMU will begin to investigate costs and accreditation soon. With a project of this size, Wilbur needs to secure funding and stability for the program to make sure it stays on course. Even though it is an unpopular decision by some, it is still moving forward and needs the utmost care to assure its success.