You never call. You never write. You never visit . . . unless it’s done with some sort of public demonstration. Is this really how the Student Senate works?

After carefully considering reactions to my last article, I wish to express one last thing about Student Senate that I believe was my main point in writing about it in the first place. The main purpose in writing previously and now about this topic is to point out some flaws that are prohibiting the Senate’s communication with the students they are trusted to represent.

The main problem is in fact communication. It is communication with the students, communication within the organization, and communication of vital information to whomever should like to learn it. As a student on this campus, I would never have known about any of the workings of Student Senate (excepting the occasional emails I have received from them this year, which I always make a point to read) without having personally known one of the representatives. Even then I must embark on a wild goose chase, examining the only available information posted online, and then piece through the facts in order to have any idea of what is happening within our student government. Luckily, I am the type of person who is willing to do this in order to understand the workings of my community, but not everyone is inclined to do so, nor has the time to dedicate to getting straight answers about a subject that should undoubtedly be public knowledge.

I am now aware that there is a Public Relations Committee in the Student Senate. However, there are several things that I do not believe are being advertised well enough by this committee. One of these things is that there actually is a Public Relations Committee. Another is that students are welcome to attend meetings in order to communicate with the senators directly. This second one is most important as it is the basis on which the students are given the opportunity to speak and have their opinions heard. If the students do not even know when meetings are held, what issues are up for discussion, and that they are welcome to throw in their two cents, then how is there to be any effective collaboration between the Senate and the student body?

Another issue when dealing with Student Senate is that there seems to be several different answers for every one question asked. Getting information from them is vague at best, or requires several follow-ups. It seems that Senate is not a united front, which would actually be a good thing for discussion and incorporating different perspectives, except they can very rarely agree on any sort of action.

If the Student Senate wishes to follow the example of our country’s Senate, then they should remain on the course of action (or inaction) they are currently taking. But wouldn’t it be wonderful if the Senate tried to increase their communication, listened to the needs of the student body, and took action according to what was best for us, rather than what reflects in the most positive way politically?

But calls to action only go so far. I do not wish to discredit the Senate, or any of the committee leaders. All I would really like to see is a senate that makes the effort to work with the students, and students that are willing to communicate with the Senate. With these fields of exchange opened up, the Senate could be doing so much more good for the campus. The only way that Senate can be truly successful is with student backing and input; the only way for it to be effective is by taking criticism and using it to better its structure.

Communication is a two-way street. Apparently one that is currently under construction.