Our new student government has power, and it will shape the future of our university. A student government position is not just a title on a resume. It is a commitment to represent the interests of the student body. The act of representing the student body with selfless intent is honorable.
SGA President BreAuna Shaw centered her campaign on inclusivity and unity. It is our hope that her office exceeds this expectation. These aspects are vital for any government. SGA should not be an exclusive organization. To be truly representative of the student body it must be diverse, equitable and inclusive.
Only so much can be accomplished in one year. The graduation of student leaders has caused our student government to regress. Initiatives face legislative death sentences. This problem is an Achilles’ heel for the SGA. When the objectives are valiant, student leaders must commit to finishing the work of their predecessors.
SGA must be transparent regarding its practices. It must make an effort to inform the student body of the legislation it is working on. Student officials must stand behind the initiatives they are championing. They must be willing and able to share information with their constituents and be available for comment.
This year we witnessed numerous senate meeting cancellations and rescheduling without notification. The senate must inform the student body when it makes these decisions. The senate should provide a way for students to view agendas and minutes.
There are many challenges ahead for the new government. An office in student government is not a full-time position and officials may face burnout. We hope this government will persevere through these challenges and thrive. We ask our new government to fulfill its duties to the best of its ability to make our campus better.
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