SA success hinges on students

Throughout my campaign for the presidency, I declared that one of my main goals was to get more students involved in government. The Students’ Association government has suffered for many years from a lack of relevance in the lives of the undergraduates at our college. In my three years here, I have heard students complain that student government doesn’t do anything to improve the lives of the students here, and in a large part they are correct. As president, I’m committed to tackling the major problems that face our school. I will work to improve many things, including dining, security, parking and academic affairs. However, no matter how dedicated to these things I may be, I can’t possible accomplish all of my goals on my own. Just as the most productive and effective groups on campus are those with a vibrant and active membership, I will never be able to accomplish the things that the student body wants without the active participation of students like the loyal readers of the Campus Times Op-Ed pages.Student government can tackle the problems at our school. It can improve upon student services, allow student groups more freedom and autonomy and represent student concerns and needs to administrators. However, it is only going to get these things done if more people involve themselves in the process. So if something at this school is bothering you, or if you have a great idea for how to improve some aspect of student life, please contact me, and together we can go about accomplishing our shared goals. Every president in recent history has had a chief of staff, and I will be no exception to that rule. I need another person to help with the affairs of the executive branch of government. Therefore, I’m asking that anyone interested in becoming my chief of staff to contact me, and we can set up an appointment to go over the job. Applicants need not to be current members of student government, nor do they need to have any experience as members of Cabinet or Senate. However, I need someone who shares my outlook on government, and will be able to work closely with me.On a much more personal note, I’d like to say something about the tragic death of Jared Rogers. Jared was one of the first people I met when I came to this university three years ago, and I was overwhelmed with sadness when I heard of his death. Jared was one of the kindest, gentlest and most caring people I’ve ever known, and was someone who I will miss tremendously. Words can’t really express the feeling of loss that many people are feeling over his passing, and I hope that everyone’s thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.Nabozny can be reached at pnabozny@campustimes.org.