The Students’ Association adjourned early Wednesday after only a few announcements, making it the third meeting in a row where no legislation was brought before Congress, and nothing was accomplished.
This semester, Congress members have presented and passed a total of three resolutions: to encourage Edwards Hall residents to not park in Mabee Hall parking spaces; to direct its Administrative Relations committee to look into the costs of intramurals; and supporting unity among women’s social clubs.
Not only do these resolutions lack any meat or substance to them, they do nothing for students’ well being, not to mention the reputation of SA itself.
At this time last year, two freshmen residence hall representatives were in the process of adding the WB channel to the campus’ cable, which was added in early November 2004. At the same time the WB was accomplished, Congress unanimously passed a bill recommending the university to connect the Sikes Hall and Williams Performing Arts Center parking lots, which was accomplished in the spring.
These two projects were the highlights of last year, when Congress brought forth more resolutions and bills than the current Congress has, and it only has four meetings left in the semester. At this rate, students shouldn’t count on their representatives to pass anything substantial before the term is over.
At the Oct. 19 meeting, chief development officer Erin Dimas pleaded with Congress to continue to work on projects and conducted a brainstorming session of possible projects members can take on. About five projects are in the works right now according to executive officers, and because it will take time to complete these and any of the ideas mentioned in the meeting, projects should have already been in the works to be presented at coming meetings.
The executive officers can only do so much encouraging and prodding to members, as they have plenty of projects on their plates. Congress members should be in touch with their constituents, learning what students would like to see done on campus and taking the appropriate steps to represent them well.
Students should also seek out their respective representatives if they want to see any change on campus, which is hard to do considering only about half of Congress members were elected by their peers. The other half was appointed at the beginning of the year, making it hard for students to be aware of who their representatives are. Those who were appointed should take extra steps to get their name out to their constituents.
SA is well equipped to handle any projects sent their way; members just need to take the initiative to follow through on ideas and adequately represent students.