Shining a light on Student Senate

A long time ago, in 1789, a congressional assembly of round-faced men with funny wigs devised a very important document known as the Bill of Rights. And because of this, the American people have been able to voice their opinions to government bodies at every level - including the collegiate level. The Student Government Association (SGA) is committed to promoting the best interests of Eastern's students. And in order to do that, the organization is divided among three main branches: the Student Activities Council (SAC), Residence Life Council (RLC) and the Student Senate.

Most students are familiar with SAC and RLC because they seem to work more closely with student involvement by planning countless events throughout the year, and working with housing to ensure the voice of students living in the dorms are heard. But, Student Senate, Eastern students' liaison to all things legislative, seems to be overlooked by the student body.

"The main purpose [of Senate] is to be an advocate for the student body," said DaJuane Harris, executive vice president of SGA.

Greg Gunderson, student senate advisor, believes Senate can make a big contribution to the student body, but that the student population isn't as politically active as it could be and isn't aware of the capabilities of the organization.

"In general, [there is a] more apathetic student body, more interested in getting shit-faced and playing video games," Gunderson said. "We need a student body that seeks out student government and what it means for the student."

Gunderson said the Student Senate currently in place is very active and can play a real leadership role for the student body by bringing things to the attention of campus administrators.

Aaron Pardieu, who has been a student senator for three semesters, said he thinks one of the reasons students are unaware of Senate is a lack of interest, or lack of concern for student issues.

"My desire to get involved has been inspired by apathy and lack of critical thinking when it comes to the student body," Pardieu said. "If more students were involved, a lot of issues would be addressed."

Harris said in the past, it seemed some students might have thought SGA representatives were elitist, which is definitely not the case.

"We're trying to put [on] a friendlier face," Harris said. "[Because] that's not what we're about. [Our] door is always open."

Student Senate, while being the legislative branch of SGA, essentially helps pass resolutions that directly benefit everyone on campus. They also allocate funding for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) on campus.

Harris said one thing Senate has recently pushed for is the free speech policy. He said Senate worked to pass a policy allowing students who are not affiliated with RSOs to post fliers around campus in designated posting areas, without having to go through the Office of Student Life. Pardieu added that SGA has also helped with some residential changes. He said whether administrators will admit it or not, Senate and SGA have had help in the push for more co-ed dorms on campus.

In an effort to meet student's needs easier and to investigate particular student issues, Senate is divided into five committees: Appropriations, Academic Affairs, Student Rights, Information and Technology and the Committee on Committees.

Student Rights Committee Chair Emily Wells said she has three main goals to work toward this semester: promoting a condom initiative, organizing the safety walk and making campus more handicap accessible. Wells said her biggest goal is the condom initiative, which would allow the placing of condom machines in residential halls in an effort to promote safe sex practices.

Information and Technology Chair Zac Caldwell also has a variety of ideas he wishes to push for in his committee, as well as having a different reason in mind for joining Senate upon his appointment last December.

"Definitely the ladies," Caldwell said jokingly, "and the power."

Some of Caldwell's goals for this semester include some heroic feats of chivalry concerning blackboard.

"[I plan to] slay the blackboard dragon that's eating everyone's tests," Caldwell said.

He also mentioned he will continue to promote the DVD library that recently opened, and try to get a game console rental up and working.

Luke Morgan, vice chair of student senate, said he joined Senate to serve others and was interested in being a voice to the student body.

Morgan said he hopes that more students get involved because if students don't make their voices heard, SGA and Senate can't exercise their legislative potential and work toward making greater changes for the student body.

Harris said if students have problems or concerns regarding campus issues, they are welcome to visit the SGA office, visit the organization's Web site or email any of the representatives.

"If you just see us out and about and have something on your mind, just walk up to us," Harris said. "We're all approachable.