Shining a light on Student Senate
Kaylia Cornett
Issue date: 10/1/09 Section: News
A long time ago, in 1789, a congressional assembly of round-faced men with funny wigs devised a very important document known as the Bill of Rights. And because of this, the American people have been able to voice their opinions to government bodies at every level - including the collegiate level.
The Student Government Association (SGA) is committed to promoting the best interests of Eastern's students. And in order to do that, the organization is divided among three main branches: the Student Activities Council (SAC), Residence Life Council (RLC) and the Student Senate.
Most students are familiar with SAC and RLC because they seem to work more closely with student involvement by planning countless events throughout the year, and working with housing to ensure the voice of students living in the dorms are heard. But, Student Senate, Eastern students' liaison to all things legislative, seems to be overlooked by the student body.
"The main purpose [of Senate] is to be an advocate for the student body," said DaJuane Harris, executive vice president of SGA.
Greg Gunderson, student senate advisor, believes Senate can make a big contribution to the student body, but that the student population isn't as politically active as it could be and isn't aware of the capabilities of the organization.
"In general, [there is a] more apathetic student body, more interested in getting shit-faced and playing video games," Gunderson said. "We need a student body that seeks out student government and what it means for the student."
Gunderson said the Student Senate currently in place is very active and can play a real leadership role for the student body by bringing things to the attention of campus administrators.
Aaron Pardieu, who has been a student senator for three semesters, said he thinks one of the reasons students are unaware of Senate is a lack of interest, or lack of concern for student issues.
"My desire to get involved has been inspired by apathy and lack of critical thinking when it comes to the student body," Pardieu said. "If more students were involved, a lot of issues would be addressed."
The Student Government Association (SGA) is committed to promoting the best interests of Eastern's students. And in order to do that, the organization is divided among three main branches: the Student Activities Council (SAC), Residence Life Council (RLC) and the Student Senate.
Most students are familiar with SAC and RLC because they seem to work more closely with student involvement by planning countless events throughout the year, and working with housing to ensure the voice of students living in the dorms are heard. But, Student Senate, Eastern students' liaison to all things legislative, seems to be overlooked by the student body.
"The main purpose [of Senate] is to be an advocate for the student body," said DaJuane Harris, executive vice president of SGA.
Greg Gunderson, student senate advisor, believes Senate can make a big contribution to the student body, but that the student population isn't as politically active as it could be and isn't aware of the capabilities of the organization.
"In general, [there is a] more apathetic student body, more interested in getting shit-faced and playing video games," Gunderson said. "We need a student body that seeks out student government and what it means for the student."
Gunderson said the Student Senate currently in place is very active and can play a real leadership role for the student body by bringing things to the attention of campus administrators.
Aaron Pardieu, who has been a student senator for three semesters, said he thinks one of the reasons students are unaware of Senate is a lack of interest, or lack of concern for student issues.
"My desire to get involved has been inspired by apathy and lack of critical thinking when it comes to the student body," Pardieu said. "If more students were involved, a lot of issues would be addressed."
Be the first to comment on this story