Spring Break
USGA still has problems reaching the students they represent
Anthony Cesarini
Issue date: 5/16/08 Section: Ed-Op
The Triangle reported May 9 that the Undergraduate Student Government Association presidential race was uncontested yet again. You may recall that the race was uncontested in 2004 and 2006 as well.
To an outsider, it would appear that either these presidential candidates are so strong that no one wants to oppose them, or that there is a genuine lack of interest in the USGA across the student body. Unfortunately, the truth is that many students at Drexel - even some of my fellow seniors - have never heard of the USGA.
This is not new news. During my time as editor of The Triangle, I had the privilege to work with many active students in the USGA. The USGA's attitude largely has been to increase their visibility by making campus better for students.
To this end, they have been successful. Many facets of the Drexel experience have improved over the past five years. However, the USGA continues to be elusive to many students. It appears that this approach, while beneficial to students, has not worked for the organization.
So, if the USGA has had overall success in improving Drexel, what's the big deal? That's the goal of the organization anyway, right?
Well, even if things have improved, have they improved as much as they could? My gut feeling is that if more students were involved in the USGA, things could be even better than they are now.
For example, many campus "improvements" have confused or even bothered students. For example, there has been mixed feedback about the pyramid lighting along 32nd Street park.
If we were to ask the administration about the selection of these lights or a similar improvement project, they will most likely tout the fact that they sought input from the USGA.
Here lies the problem with a small, tight-knit group of students making up the USGA - the opinions administrators receive are not necessarily those of the entire student body.
There is another side to the problem: the limited amount of power that the USGA has at Drexel. At Gettysburg University for example, whenever administrators propose to change the student honor code, the student government senate must approve the change. At Drexel, the USGA serves mainly as an advisor to the administration.
To an outsider, it would appear that either these presidential candidates are so strong that no one wants to oppose them, or that there is a genuine lack of interest in the USGA across the student body. Unfortunately, the truth is that many students at Drexel - even some of my fellow seniors - have never heard of the USGA.
This is not new news. During my time as editor of The Triangle, I had the privilege to work with many active students in the USGA. The USGA's attitude largely has been to increase their visibility by making campus better for students.
To this end, they have been successful. Many facets of the Drexel experience have improved over the past five years. However, the USGA continues to be elusive to many students. It appears that this approach, while beneficial to students, has not worked for the organization.
So, if the USGA has had overall success in improving Drexel, what's the big deal? That's the goal of the organization anyway, right?
Well, even if things have improved, have they improved as much as they could? My gut feeling is that if more students were involved in the USGA, things could be even better than they are now.
For example, many campus "improvements" have confused or even bothered students. For example, there has been mixed feedback about the pyramid lighting along 32nd Street park.
If we were to ask the administration about the selection of these lights or a similar improvement project, they will most likely tout the fact that they sought input from the USGA.
Here lies the problem with a small, tight-knit group of students making up the USGA - the opinions administrators receive are not necessarily those of the entire student body.
There is another side to the problem: the limited amount of power that the USGA has at Drexel. At Gettysburg University for example, whenever administrators propose to change the student honor code, the student government senate must approve the change. At Drexel, the USGA serves mainly as an advisor to the administration.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
kagedmunky
Andy
posted 5/16/08 @ 5:07 PM EST
I agree! I think it would help if the USGA set up tables around campus from time to time (i.e. in the quad, student center, dormitories and other popular areas) and talk to students passing by and accept input to discover the key issues and concerns. (Continued…)
kagedmunky
Andy
posted 5/16/08 @ 5:12 PM EST
And another thing...'activities unlimited' is great but you shouldn't stop there. In reality everyday should be 'activities unlimited' on campus. You need to constantly promote (and not just for freshman involvement) so the motivation/membership doesn't fizzle out. (Continued…)
Post a Comment