Visions for the University: From the Student Body President
Tommy von der Heydt
Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Commentary
As I look back on my experience as study body president there is one lesson that stands out to me in particular, and that is to think big. Yes, it sounds slightly cheesy, but it's true. Student government leaders should never underestimate their role on campus and the amount of influence that they hold. SG fulfills a very distinct and important purpose on this campus.
I personally remember my own discouragement as I first encountered some of the administrative "red tape" that exists at our university. It is essential, however, for student leaders to carry a vision that looks beyond administrative limitations in order to properly fulfill their role. Not that they should ignore protocol or harbor false hopes for bringing about change that lies beyond their reach. For example, it is not the role of student government to lower tuition, or solve the housing crunch in the dorms. It is however, the role of student government to "collectively participate in shaping the quality of student life within the University," as stated by the Student Government charter itself.
As each year's new executive counsel forms, the most important task that lies before them is to accurately define the scope of their responsibility and action. In this regard, our student leaders should never underestimate the potential that lies at their hands. Past leaders have made historic contributions to this campus by realizing this very potential. My hope is that it will continue to be realized in the future.
I personally remember my own discouragement as I first encountered some of the administrative "red tape" that exists at our university. It is essential, however, for student leaders to carry a vision that looks beyond administrative limitations in order to properly fulfill their role. Not that they should ignore protocol or harbor false hopes for bringing about change that lies beyond their reach. For example, it is not the role of student government to lower tuition, or solve the housing crunch in the dorms. It is however, the role of student government to "collectively participate in shaping the quality of student life within the University," as stated by the Student Government charter itself.
As each year's new executive counsel forms, the most important task that lies before them is to accurately define the scope of their responsibility and action. In this regard, our student leaders should never underestimate the potential that lies at their hands. Past leaders have made historic contributions to this campus by realizing this very potential. My hope is that it will continue to be realized in the future.
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