During the past year, the Editorial Board has done everything from lecturing, complimenting, complaining and even scolding readers in an attempt to fight student apathy. With topics ranging from tuition increases to Government of the Student Body presidential slates, the board has tried to simplify, articulate and inform Iowa State’s student body in hopes they will make an effort and aid in the planning and practice of their time here at the university.

Well, here we go again.

For the last several months, a presidential task force has been pondering a number of questions concerning not only ISU students but staff and faculty members as well. Class length, semester duration and a possible mini-term have all been tossed around in an attempt to plan the next academic calendar.

Four proposals have been brought forth and submitted for approval.

This is where the “student voice” comes in.

Before making his choice on which proposal to recommend to the Board of Regents, ISU President Gregory Geoffroy said he wants to seek a broad input on the merits of the proposals. By offering an online survey for the proposals students, staff and faculty alike can rank the proposals from their favorite to least favorite option. You can log on and vote at the task force’s Web site, http://www.iastate.edu/news/cal/survey.html, and students can view the complete proposal details located at http://www.iastate.edu/news/cal/summary.html.

While it seems odd that participants are required to rank the proposals instead of just voting for a favorite, the opportunity for students to play a key role in the future of their education is quite evident. This the opportunity students have asked for — to weigh in on an important decision affecting their time here at Iowa State without having to go through organizations such as IRHA or GSB — every vote counts and the students make the decision for themselves.

And there are some interesting issues students may want to look into — not just letting the administration make the decision for them.

Two of these issues include lengthening winter break and the addition of a mini-term. Three out of the four proposals have lengthened winter break ranging from four to five weeks long. Should winter break be lengthened to five weeks, a mini-term will be instituted. During the this term, students will be able to earn three credit hours in 13 days, including one Saturday class, which will begin on the first Tuesday in January.

So the time has come again for the student body to speak up and be heard. The proverbial ball has been thrown in our court and the decision to act upon this request is solely up to the individuals who choose to participate in the survey.