Students should make sure their values are heard during the upcoming leadership changes, whether that’s by voting or simply voicing their concerns and opinions.
Each Student Government Association presidential candidates made it clear that students should vote in the election Thursday, and that student votes should represent what they feel is important.
Officials will send the SGA election form to students via OrgSync. Last year, 478 students voted. That’s barely one-fourth of OCU’s undergraduate population. Let’s raise that number.
Many students aren’t shy in expressing their frustrations with issues on campus, but, to make changes, they should be diligent in making sure they communicate concerns to the candidates and listen to their platforms.
See HERE for more on SGA presidential candidates.
SGA presidential candidates campaigned during Spring Break. Although many students were probably not thinking about elections then, they should start thinking about what’s important to them before they vote. If a student decides that improving theater facilities or repainting areas around campus is crucial to their happiness, now is a good time to mention it to the candidates so they can make that part of their focus.
While student government is in transition, so is the office of the university president. With President Robert Henry retiring, OCU is selecting a new president to take office in July. Students may not be able to vote in this process, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have a say.
Candidate Martha Burger visited campus Monday, Dr. Myron Pope was scheduled to visit Tuesday, and candidate Dr. Thom Chesney is visiting today. Like the other two, Chesney will have a meeting from 12:15-1:15 p.m. designated for addressing students directly.
See HERE for more on university presidential candidates.
Students should feel empowered to bring up their concerns or enthusiasms about certain ideas to the candidates. The board of trustees chooses the final candidate, but that doesn’t mean students can’t make their concerns known through conversations with whomever will become president. These visits are designed for students to have conversations with the candidates, and they can be helpful if students aren’t shy about their preferences.
Students should vocalize their choices for both campus leadership positions and express what’s important to them.
Selection is the first step. These conversations don’t stop after the presidential election or selection. Students should have an ongoing dialogue with their student government officials and university president about their concerns.
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