This semester, complaints have run rampant about Student Senate. As senate members, we too were disheartened by the lack of proactive response to student concerns. This was key in our decisions to end our senate terms this semester.

Although our experiences in senate may seem very different (1 1/2 years versus one semester term, committee chair versus new senate member), our reaction has been much the same: disappointment.

Student Senate has been resting in a pool of stagnation all semester. Old ideas, which are clearly ineffective, continue to hold top priorities, while new ideas for change are discouraged and dismissed.

Last Wednesday, Student Senate faced the opportunity to change when Alison Mormino challenged Joe Robbins for the position of Speaker of the Senate. No one questioned her qualifications for the position; many even stated that she was a great candidate. However, in the minds of the majority of this organization, as stated by one senate member, “Now is not the time for change.” Well, if not now, then when? The student body is unhappy with Student Senate and lingering in the status quo will not alleviate this problem.

We are taking this step to challenge Student Senate to question themselves as representatives of the student body. Are you doing what is best for all of us, or just what is best for you? We encourage students to follow us in this challenge. Demand more from your Student Government. Make them work for you.

Someone once said, “The most important quality in a leader is that of being acknowledged as such. All leaders whose fitness is questioned are clearly lacking in force.” Well, Student Government, your leadership has been questioned. It is time for you to answer.

Kristen Wooden

Senior English major

Stina Heldman

Junior psychology major