Normally, I use this column to examine the faults of FEMA, the Governor or the City of New Orleans. But this week, I’d like to talk about what I see as one of our own weaknesses here at Loyola: the lack of institutional support for public service in New Orleans. In order to help out New Orleanians and put Loyola back in touch with its mission, and increase retention, Loyola should implement a public service requirement for all incoming students.

Mandatory public service would help the residents and institutions of southeastern Louisiana. Of course, individuals still need help, as thousands of people living Uptown, Gentilly, in St. Bernard Parish and all over need help . But the institutions of New Orleans – small businesses, City Hall, and community groups – need just as much help to continue serving their populations.

Moreover, a public service requirement would more closely align Loyola with its Jesuit mission. Jesuit universities are founded on the notion that students emerge as men and women for others, living out the “magis”. This concept contains two different ideas: First, as men and women for others, graduates will remain dedicated in their post-graduation lives to the ideas of helping the other in society. Second, living out the idea of the “magis” entails giving more of yourself but, most importantly in service to others. A public service requirement fully encompasses both of these notions.Students will live out the “magis” by feeling the need to do more for those in need.

But requiring public service does not just improve the lives of New Orleanians. Loyola remains in the midst of an admissions problem. The number of new students in fall semester 2007 did not increase over the low number entering in fall semester 2006.

Tulane has already more closely attached itself to the community through a mandatory public service program. By ceding the title of “service university” to Tulane, Loyola gives up one of the few inherent advantages it has over Tulane: the Jesuit emphasis on serving the community. One might argue that the University does not need a requirement, because of community programs like the Jesuit Center or LUCAP (of which I have been a member for my whole time at Loyola). These groups do perform great works but, they would do better with the flood of volunteers that would come from a requirement.

The university ought to reexamine the idea of instituting a service requirement for all undergraduates. The requirement could come in a variety of forms, from a service learning requirement similar to Tulane’s, or a basic hours requirement.

Perhaps the university will change course and will support service on the University-wide level over the coming year. If so, that will truly be a great Christmas gift for both New Orleans and Loyola.