Editor:
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard my fellow classmates whine like kicked mules (no offense to the Student Organization for Animal Rights) about the policies and procedures of the university. I also could not tell you how many times I’ve heard these same peers come up with refreshingly new and exciting ideas for change and improvement.
What happens to these critiques and suggestions? Unless they are expressed in a medium where change can happen, they fizzle into nothing like a budget surplus, leaving little behind of any value.
Where are these happy, little mediums where change can happen? They are in the student committees that give students a voice in how things are done here on campus. I completely concur with The Chronicle that students need to be more involved in these opportunities for student government. Students at the U love to make jokes about parking and are quick to complain about university fiscal policies, but still aren’t inspired to change things. Don’t complain about it unless you are willing to do something about it.
As the chair of the undergraduate economic student advisory council, I can say that it is quite a power trip knowing that my vote in the SAC meeting has the power to decide whether we make or break my professor’s career. The SACs are created for the students, by the students. They are self-governing and usually have a very low time commitment, an hour or two a week at the most.
I want to urge everyone go to his or her department office and get involved in the student advisory councils. It does not matter which year you are in school?we need the experience of seniors and the new ideas of freshman. Do your whining in a place where it will make a difference. Join a SAC.
Brian Bosworth, Junior, Economics