Today is a fresh start for Iowa State University. It’s the first day of classes. For some this is the first day of their college career. For others it’s the first day of their final year. Wherever you are in the educational journey, this is your year.

For whatever reason, university officials decided to make this year a year focused on students. They are “Challenging Students to Become Their Best.”

And we think this theme is perfect.

First of all, our new president, Gregory Geoffroy, appears to be working with students instead of against them. Already, he’s sang the school fight song with freshmen and visited with students as they moved into the dorms.

But most importantly, he is working with Government of the Student Body leaders in an effort to help students.

While the rest of campus enjoyed their summer break, GSB President Andy Tofilon and Vice President Charlie Johnson convinced President Geoffroy to wait another year before splitting recreational fees from tuition.

This early GSB victory will lower the tuition increase for next year by one percent.

Plus Tofilon and Johnson are already talking with Board of Regents members about another large tuition hike next year. This comes before the September meeting where the Board of Regents will announce its recommendation for the 2002-2003 tuition increase.

For the first time in a long time, GSB seems to be focusing on issues students care about.

So while you are munching on burgers on Central Campus or listening to Real World former cast members talk about their experiences, remember this year is about you.

In the wake of this theme year, the Iowa State Daily editorial board has set their own challenges for ISU students.

We challenge students to be active instead of passive.

You are a very important part of this campus. Each student needs to remember that without students, there is no Iowa State. If you don’t like the way things are going, don’t just accept it. We want you to work to change it.

We challenge you to be informed and educated about issues on campus.

Each student needs to look closely at how the budget cuts are affecting their education. Students need to read newspapers and watch television in order to be aware of changes on campus. And if there is an issue that isn’t be examined that you think should be, call your GSB representative. They will listen to your concerns and help educate you on the issues.

We challenge you to express your opinions.

The letters to the editor section is a great way to express your opinion. So write your first letter to the editor and let the campus know how you feel. Another way to express your opinion is in the free speech zone. We want to see more students voicing their concerns and complaints. Everyone has an opinion. We want to hear yours.

We challenge you to be leaders.

In these first weeks of class, take the time to find a student organization. There are hundreds of clubs and activities looking for you. You need to find one that you care passionately about so that organization can become your voice.

We hope you accept these challenges.

And as the university challenges each of us to be our best, let’s challenge the administrators to give us the quality education we deserve.

editorialboard: Andrea Hauser, Tim Paluch, Michelle Kann, Zach Calef, Omar Tesdell