Progress feasible if SA prioritizes several concerns

The last several weeks have proven tumultuous for the Student Association. Moving forward, SA should become a symbol of betterment for the campus community, leaving an example of unprofessional leadership in the past.

By striking a balance between long- and short-term initiatives, SA representatives can create needed progress that can be observed in both the next three weeks and the next year.

Representatives have had no direct involvement with the breakdown of leadership, and have continued developing initiatives to improve the campus. Most recently, the assembly decided Monday it would rightfully begin working to improve academic advising, especially in the College of Arts and Sciences.

Though there are scattered projects emerging, members must address several main concerns to improve campus life for all students. Areas in need of improvement include meal plans, student safety, printing equality and increasing the visibility and frequency of Impact Week.

Meal plans are problematic for three reasons: cost, no rollover meals and minimal vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options. The cost of a 14-meal plan last spring was $3,120, or $13 per meal. In 2013-14, the same plan will rise to $3,310 per semester.

Representatives should work with the administration to both lower the cost and enhance the plans. Enhancements should include a rollover meal plan policy from week to week and increased vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

Student safety concerns should continue to be one of SA’s priorities. Working to install more off-campus lighting is a pursuit that will benefit students living off campus. SA members can also work with the administration to increase the presence of the Blue Light Alarm System.

Addressing discrepancies in printing quotas across campus is an issue SA members have been trying to combat. This effort must be continued and resolved to raise the quota and standardize the printing credit for all SU students.

Increasing the frequency of Impact Week is another effort representatives should tackle. Though the program was instated last year as an annual event, having an Impact Week once a semester, instead of yearly, appears to be feasible and would help the initiative benefit more of the campus community.

The Public Relations Committee must promote the organization’s progress to its constituency. Finding the most effective way to achieve this should become the lead goal of committee members.

Though committees already present reports to the general assembly, this should become mandatory on a weekly basis for every committee to prove its developments. This would keep students and representatives better informed to supply feedback.

The end of the spring semester is quickly approaching, but these next several weeks and summer months provide ample time for representatives to regroup and begin planning for a semester of growth and needed change this fall.