With five months left until the presidential election, students and faculty alike expect to create change by promoting awareness throughout the upcoming fall semester.
Lorenzo Morris, Ph.D., chairman of the political science department, said that campus organizations such as the College Democrats of America and Howard University College Republicans should lead programs and activities showing students why they should get involved with the election.
"Every student has a personal need or concern, whether it's financial aid, environmental safety, the oil reserves, international affairs, or more," Morris said.
"The organizations need to bring these issues to the forefront to help bring about student participation."
He further noted that efforts should be made to help the neighboring community become more politically active.
"Issue-based discussions and debates should be held on campus [so] that the community can get involved," Morris said.
Junior public relations major Jasmine Gethers also feels that Howard should be a catalyst for action within the community.
She suggested creating kits to "help people become aware of key information such as voter registration deadlines and the correct forms of identification needed to vote."
Gethers added, "Since Howard consists of students from all over, making sure students understand that they can cast absentee ballots is also key."
Gethers, however, does not doubt that Howard will play a role in advocating during this election season.
"I feel that since much effort was put into the campus elections this past year that students will be ready to put in as much concern into the presidential elections," she said.
Morris believes students should not only be concerned about the presidential election, but also local elections.
He suggested that the College Democrat and College Republican organizations bring the state congressional elections to the attention of students, which will allow them to learn more about their respective parties.
"The two organizations should let students know of careers and internships and possibly get prominent Democratic and Republican leaders to visit campus to foster better knowledge of what goes on in the support structure of the two parties," Morris said.
Ultimately, being aware of the issues and their effects aids a person in becoming "more powerful and effective" in bringing about change, according to Morris.
"Be able to recall what the stands of the candidates are," he said. "Bring vital information into focus when necessary and be able to challenge speakers who visit Howard in a tactful way."
