It’s no secret that we’ve been unhappy with Student Senate and its leaders this year.
Not that it’s been all bad, but we’ve seen far too much wasted potential.
We’ve seen far too much drama.
We’ve seen a committee chairwoman quit.
We’ve seen a student body officer resign for the first time in recent memory.
To say it’s been a rough year for the university’s student representatives is putting it lightly.
But the light at the end of the tunnel is coming. Fast.
There is an informational meeting for those interested in running for a student body officer position on Feb. 28. The exact time and location aren’t set yet, but they will be heavily publicized on this page next week.
That’s a week from Monday, so it’s time people – everyone, really – start thinking about what they’d like to see changed and whether they’re the person to make those changes.
The student body as a whole seems a bit too lackadaisical when it comes to student government happenings. But we know there are people out there who care and who want to do right by everyone on campus.
There are basically no positions on campus better than student body officers to do so.
Petitions are due March 9, only a week and a half after the Feb. 28 meeting. It doesn’t take long to collect the 150 signatures needed.
And then you’re on the ballot. That’s all that it takes.
There’s no experience required. Everyone is eligible.
So this is a message to each and every student, graduate or undergraduate, who roams these hallowed halls, not just to those already involved in student government.
Last April, only one person – current Student Body President Nick Swiatkowski – filed a petition to run for president.
A write-in candidate entered the game a bit late, and the race was split almost down the middle, though it obviously leaned in Swiatkowski’s favor.
Current Student Body Secretary Sarah Rayfield ran unopposed.
In fact, only the treasurer and vice president seats were contested.
The goal is to never let that happen again.
Every student body officer seat – president, vice president, secretary and treasurer – needs to be contested to help ensure students end up with the best representation.
So here’s your heads up, students. Start thinking about it. Go to the meeting. Circulate petitions.
And then run.
