The Facts: President Barack Obama gave his first State of the Union address Wednesday evening. He addressed the economy, health care and the state of the American political system.

Our Opinion: Obama’s words ring true for all Americans, including students. Students at the University must take this semester and urge the changes they wish to see at the University.

President Barack Obama gave his first State of the Union address Wednesday evening. The president capped off the end of his first year in office by addressing a joint session of Congress on the problems facing the nation. Principally, the president talked about the economy, but also alluded to the importance of continuing work on health care reform and removing the mysterious clout of the ‘Beltway gang.’

Obama proposed a spending freeze on most discretionary governmental spending that would take effect in 2011. He also used the opportunity to address the anxieties that plague America.

He quipped at one point that, ‘change has not come fast enough.’

It’s a strong message — one which should not be lost on Americans and the students in the University community.

Students continually complain about class sizes, the lack of administrative responsiveness, the construction on Hillsborough Street and the availability of parking on campus.

Make the change happen. Students should talk to the student senator for their college and ask what he or she is doing to address students’ concerns. Call the director of Transportation, the University registrar or the chancellor’s office and let them know how you feel.

The University is not a democracy; all of students’ problems aren’t going to be addressed with a phone call or two. But the foundation those comments and concerns create has a palpable impact on University policy.

The chancellor, student body president and many other student and University leaders are receptive to new, fresh ideas.

Those innovative ideas have come slowly, though. The only way the University’s problems, budgetary or otherwise, are going to get solved is through the help of ordinary students. The same senators and administrators who have addressed our problems in the past are not going to solve them into the future without the help of the entire student body.

If students see problems around them, they must address them; the burden is on everyone. Students ought to do what is necessary and work together to change campus for the better in the coming semester.

The University must heed the president’s words as it welcomes the Woodson administration and work to create a better University and community.