Spring Break
USGA presidential race uncontested again
For the third time in five years, there is only one person looking to lead the student government.
Alexandria Phillips
Issue date: 5/9/08 Section: News
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Barring a surprise write-in campaign, Smith's presidency is secured.
The USGA has been put in a similar situation in years past - both John Dougherty and Dan Steinberg ran unopposed for the organization's presidency in 2004 and 2006, respectively.
"It seems that generally the person that runs for president emerges from within the [student] government as the most capable person and one that is willing to do the job," Dougherty, now a third-year Drexel Law student, said.
Some members of the USGA are not willing to run for president; they would rather re-run for their current position said Craig Eisenberger, a senior majoring in communication and USGA vice president.
To run for a position, a student must have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.0, be a full-time undergraduate student and not have a standing judicial sanction, according to the USGA web site. Additionally, to be eligible for president, the student must have been a member of the USGA for one year.
"I think that it is a 'Who wants to step up to the plate?' kind of thing, and I think that it is good that we have someone who's been in the government before," Smith said.
Stacy Rose, the USGA's Student Life Assembly chair, added, "The one-year requirement we have for president obviously excludes a large number of students, but the reason why we have that [rule is] because we want someone who feels comfortable in the position."
After discussing the progress made by first-year members of the USGA, many of them said they appreciated the time given to them in order to learn the procedures, according to Smith.
Dean of Students David Ruth praised Drexel students for being both heavily involved in extracurricular activities and highly motivated academically. However, Ruth expressed concern for the lack of student involvement in the USGA.
"I'm disappointed that they are uncontested - not just the president, but other positions as well. I would like to see more people get involved," Ruth said.
According to Eisenberger, part of the problem of running unopposed is due to the way elections are structured, since students can only run for one position.
"I think it shows a lack of interest in what the USGA can be," Dougherty said. "I'm not sure students realize the impact they can have on the campus by putting forth a little bit of effort and stepping up to run for a position that interests them."
There are numerous positions that are still vacant or unopposed, Dougherty said.
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