It’s that time of year again when students become familiar with the select group of faces that cover campaign signs mounted on windows and sidewalks across campus.
This week, these individuals will stand up in Chapel to present lofty goals and visionary promises that will benefit the student body, and in return, the student body will choose the best candidate for the positions of Students’ Association officers for the coming school year.
Though ACU students are responsible for electing SA officers who will make the best choices for the student body as a whole, many are unfamiliar with the role SA plays on campus. What goes on behind the glass doors of the SA office under the Bean next to the Bean Sprout, and most importantly, who is SA?
Students’ Association is a representative body that has been elected to provide services for the student body. The new bike racks on campus, the more convenient Bean hours, the creation of Welcome Week and the establishment of Fall Break can all be attributed to the efforts of SA. Also, SA works with and among all student groups on campus, providing them with representation and financial support.
Despite all the beneficial services and changes SA has provided for the ACU community, there has been a disconnect between the SA office and its student body as SA hasn’t effectively communicated its capabilities to help students, and students’ often apathetic attitude has kept them from seeking SA’s help.
Ironically, as the Optimist editorial board interviewed this year’s SA candidates, each addressed the problem of uniformed students, and each presented their personal solutions as how they could provide better communication between the students body and SA. Ideas like providing student forums, weekly posting of information presented at SA meetings online and working harder to advertise SA around campus were all talked about.
As students empowered to vote for the most qualified SA candidates, choose individuals who will bridge the communication gap between students and officers. Elect the candidate with the strongest platform and hold them accountable to their promises. Don’t be apprehensive about approaching SA with your needs and concerns. SA has been put in place to serve you.
Likewise, if or when you are elected SA officers, don’t back down from the things you committed to the student body because the race is over. Make communication your priority. Though you have always encouraged students to go to you with their concerns, historically, they have not. Go to them. Host forums, post information online. But don’t let another year pass where students don’t know how to aproach you for help.
