2008 Woodie Awards
SGA candidates need to focus on campus issues
Issue date: 3/23/07 Section: Opinion
Sidewalks are being chalked, debates are taking place and many students at SRU are taking a closer look at campus issues and how they can be improved in the coming year. That's right, Student Government Association elections are right around the corner.
Parties have been working diligently on flyers, speeches for open forums, and Web sites to sway SRU's student body into believing that their party platform is what the school needs for next year. Each party has published a number of strong ideas for 2007-2008. But several questionable platform ideas from all parties involved in this year's election showcase unreasonable or unfocused goals.
First of all, no matter if the ideas are strong or weak, it's a moot point if there is a lack of organization, or numbers, for that matter. Of the three parties competing in this year's election, none currently sport a full ticket. Of 32 party slots, the Cornerstone Party has filled the most spots of the parties with 30. The B-E-S-T Party and Poplar currently have 21 and 17 vacancies, respectively. Among those figures are two executive board vacancies for each party. In order for an SGA administration to accomplish its goals, it needs solid contribution from its members. That isn't possible if there aren't enough members.
While those problems need figured out, several platform ideas hold merit, while others need an overhaul.
First, the good. The B-E-S-T Party and the Cornerstone Party both vow that student organizations will hold votes on SGA initiatives. Granting a vote to organizations would correctly convey an idea that students have a say in their SGA, and that SGA represents these organizations and doesn't outright control them.
The Poplar Party's plan to improve food service on campus is reasonable. With the building of new residential suites, Boozel is becoming more of a central dining location than ever before, and accommodations like longer hours are necessary.
The Cornerstone Party promises to expand office hours, which has the potential to provide SGA members more direction as well as make them more available to students. The party also plans to organize the Happy Bus schedule by posting schedules at stops. If this platform item becomes reality, then maybe more students will ride the bus and the parking problem won't be a problem any longer.
Parties have been working diligently on flyers, speeches for open forums, and Web sites to sway SRU's student body into believing that their party platform is what the school needs for next year. Each party has published a number of strong ideas for 2007-2008. But several questionable platform ideas from all parties involved in this year's election showcase unreasonable or unfocused goals.
First of all, no matter if the ideas are strong or weak, it's a moot point if there is a lack of organization, or numbers, for that matter. Of the three parties competing in this year's election, none currently sport a full ticket. Of 32 party slots, the Cornerstone Party has filled the most spots of the parties with 30. The B-E-S-T Party and Poplar currently have 21 and 17 vacancies, respectively. Among those figures are two executive board vacancies for each party. In order for an SGA administration to accomplish its goals, it needs solid contribution from its members. That isn't possible if there aren't enough members.
While those problems need figured out, several platform ideas hold merit, while others need an overhaul.
First, the good. The B-E-S-T Party and the Cornerstone Party both vow that student organizations will hold votes on SGA initiatives. Granting a vote to organizations would correctly convey an idea that students have a say in their SGA, and that SGA represents these organizations and doesn't outright control them.
The Poplar Party's plan to improve food service on campus is reasonable. With the building of new residential suites, Boozel is becoming more of a central dining location than ever before, and accommodations like longer hours are necessary.
The Cornerstone Party promises to expand office hours, which has the potential to provide SGA members more direction as well as make them more available to students. The party also plans to organize the Happy Bus schedule by posting schedules at stops. If this platform item becomes reality, then maybe more students will ride the bus and the parking problem won't be a problem any longer.
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