USGA requests new BoT student position
BoT chair cautions USGA on student position
Chris Duffy
Issue date: 3/12/04 Section: News
The Undergraduate Student Government Association is currently evaluating the need for a student to sit on the Drexel Board of Trustees.
Though USGA President David Lee has not yet contacted the Board about the idea, Lee said he wants student voices to be heard on all levels.
"My involvement in the student government and on campus the past five years has illustrated to me the need for the voice of the students to be held in a higher regard on campus," Lee said. "The start is at the top, with the BoT. ... Almost all of the decisions made by the BoT ultimately impacts students."
The Board of Trustees "has the authority and responsibility for the general management and control of the affairs of the University including the establishment of policies for the operation of the University and for the guidance of the officers and the administration of the University," according to the 2003-2004 Official Student Handbook. They hold at least four regular meetings each year.
Even though USGA officials already attend most of the committee meetings, Lee said, "We don't have a vote." At times the Board seems to be "detached from the student body" and "unaware of the concerns" of students, he added.
Chairman of the Board Joe Jacovini offered his thoughts, acknowledging that he has not received this USGA request.
"My judgment tells me it's not necessary," he said. "Our meetings are public [and ... it is] terrific having students present. ... We give [USGA] the opportunity to speak - and they do."
According to the Board of Trustees' bylaws, students are non-voting members.
"You don't need to be a formal member of the board [to comment]," Jacovini said. Placing a student on the BoT could have negative effects for the USGA, he added.
"It could compromise [the] independence of USGA," he said. "The student body might lose their clout."
Jacovini added that the relationship "could be awkward," since many of the Board members have decades of business or financial experience.
"It's a lot of work," Jacovini said, regarding holding a position. "A seasoned judgment to bear."
Regardless of the work required, Lee said he would prefer if one undergraduate and one graduate student were on the Board. Ideally, any student sitting on the BoT would have to be very familiar with the Drexel community.
"The students should be involved on campus and have a good knowledge of student concerns," he added.
Though USGA President David Lee has not yet contacted the Board about the idea, Lee said he wants student voices to be heard on all levels.
"My involvement in the student government and on campus the past five years has illustrated to me the need for the voice of the students to be held in a higher regard on campus," Lee said. "The start is at the top, with the BoT. ... Almost all of the decisions made by the BoT ultimately impacts students."
The Board of Trustees "has the authority and responsibility for the general management and control of the affairs of the University including the establishment of policies for the operation of the University and for the guidance of the officers and the administration of the University," according to the 2003-2004 Official Student Handbook. They hold at least four regular meetings each year.
Even though USGA officials already attend most of the committee meetings, Lee said, "We don't have a vote." At times the Board seems to be "detached from the student body" and "unaware of the concerns" of students, he added.
Chairman of the Board Joe Jacovini offered his thoughts, acknowledging that he has not received this USGA request.
"My judgment tells me it's not necessary," he said. "Our meetings are public [and ... it is] terrific having students present. ... We give [USGA] the opportunity to speak - and they do."
According to the Board of Trustees' bylaws, students are non-voting members.
"You don't need to be a formal member of the board [to comment]," Jacovini said. Placing a student on the BoT could have negative effects for the USGA, he added.
"It could compromise [the] independence of USGA," he said. "The student body might lose their clout."
Jacovini added that the relationship "could be awkward," since many of the Board members have decades of business or financial experience.
"It's a lot of work," Jacovini said, regarding holding a position. "A seasoned judgment to bear."
Regardless of the work required, Lee said he would prefer if one undergraduate and one graduate student were on the Board. Ideally, any student sitting on the BoT would have to be very familiar with the Drexel community.
"The students should be involved on campus and have a good knowledge of student concerns," he added.
