University College referendum increases SA inclusivity

Next year, University College students will be able to vote for Student Association president, comptroller and the University College representative. This move further closes the gap between the full-time and part-time student bodies, and is another step in creating a more inclusive student government.

The change came in the form of a referendum on this year’s Student Association ballot. A total of 1,809 students voted in favor of allowing University College students to serve in SA, and 1,639 voted against the change.

University College students include former full-time students who aren’t taking a full course load, as well as nontraditional students. The University College students can take classes with full-time students, but since they don’t pay the student activity fee, they’ve long been excluded from representation in SA.

Regardless of the student activity fee, those enrolled in the University College are still Syracuse University students and should still have a say in who gets to represent them. Graduate students have the Graduate Student Organization, which coordinates with SA; State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry students have representatives in SA, along with their own Undergraduate Student Association.

Last year, University College students gained one representative. This year’s change allows these students to finally have a say, and brings them closer to full-time SU students.

Moving forward, SA officials should consider further integrating University College students into the general student community. SA officials could explore a prorated student activity fee, which could allow for more University College representation and participation with the general student body.