What SG Can Do For You

Over the course of the campaign, I've often been asked the typical question "So, why should I vote for you? What will you do?" At first I answered by briefly outlining our platform and talking briefly about each of our points.

But as the campaign progressed, I came to realize that we're not really running so we can pursue the projects we described in our platform. We're running to represent you, the students, and your voice. So what will we do? Well, tell us what you want us to do!

This is the most important distinction between what SG will be next year and what SG, and governments in the US, have been: full of elected officials who, once elected, are content to sit in their offices and only come out to campaign for reelection.

The current Slate has done an amazing job starting us out along the path to a louder student voice and greater student involvement not only SG affairs, but in University affairs in general. We want to continue and expand their tremendous work, not only by continuing posting minutes, updating the SG blog, sending out surveys, and e-mailing students, but by taking it to the next level. We'll be around the dining areas consistently, introducing ourselves and asking you all what you would like to see changed on campus. After all, a SG is of the students, by the students, and most importantly, FOR the students.

Unified Student Voice

One of the powers of the Executive Slate of SG is to appoint students to all University Committees. These committees often give important and direct feedback to the Administration about specific issues to develop plans that often get executed.

This year's slate has made many such appointments, giving students the chance to express their views with administrators. However, we have not done as good a job keeping in touch with these individuals once they are appointed.

This is very easy to fix. By maintaining lines of communication with appointed students, we will have a better understanding of what is going on in the administration, and can more effectively publicize these actions so that students know their voice is being heard.

RSO Orientation

There is one event every year that is dreaded by all RSO leaders on campus: RSO orientation. This Saturday morning affair leaves students apathetic about ORCSA (often a fantastic resource) and not much better off for having gone. While we won't be able to abolish it, we can work hard to make it much more interesting and specific to the issues that matter to you and your RSO.

For example, on Tuesday I organized an SG forum with the Vice President for Communications Julie Peterson where attendees learned invaluable skills about dealing with the press and media. ORCSA does not hire many field experts, so this could be a day where students attend break-out sessions with experts in their fields to learn about how they can be more effective, in addition to just hearing about the funding process.

Additionally, we can use the time that all RSO leaders are in the same room to build connections among similar groups and enable communication so that groups will be better equipped to work together during the school year, something that I think can add a lot of value to student activities. I often hear complaints that students don't know what is going on in other groups. By meeting at the beginning of the year, working relationships can be formed that could last the whole year.