As students of UW-Eau Claire we must look out for the best interests of ourselves as students and of the university as a whole.

Protecting one’s own interests is obviously important, but so is protecting those of the university. The degrees that students are working toward are valued in a manner directly proportional to the quality of the university as a whole.

Student Senate and a provost group created to address the issue agree that the number of subcategories in GE III and IV should be decreased.

The provost group proposed nine to 12 credits be taken from seven subcategories (currently 12 credits are required from just four subcategories). It also proposed nine to 12 credits be taken from two subcategories in GE IV (currently 15 credits from four subcategories are required).

While considering the university and its students, it becomes clear that the proposed changes to the graduation requirements are appropriate for both parties.

Alleviating students from the hassle of completing some of the GE courses makes sense. It allows students more freedom without threatening the liberal arts education students are seeking at this university.

A student, for example, could be allowed to take a course under the proposed scenario to fulfill a GE requirement – but a class that might also be helpful in his or her career.

This makes much more sense than making that student take, for example, yet another science class that for that student might be totally useless (other than the fact that it is fulfilling a university requirement).

Hopefully these proposed changes will be adopted. It would be a benefit to every student at this university – not to mention the university itself.