In March 2002, the Governance Task Force convened under the direction of University Senate (comprised of students, faculty, staff and administrators) to review the current inefficiencies within university governance and to propose needed recommendations.
The student representatives on the task force included former SGA vice president Anthony Head and myself (then the incumbent vice president) to serve and vote in the interest of the student body and to link the outgoing Calvin administration with the newly elected Rector administration.
After countless hours of research, discussion and drafting, the task force unanimously decided to send forth two recommended models to the Governance Committee within University Senate in December of 2001.
Model I revised the existing governance structure by streamlining the flow of legislation between Student Senate and University Senate. It also improved the communication between all governing bodies (students, faculty and professional personnel) and increased the voice of students in the form of the Campus Life Council.
Model II created three separate senates for each of the aforementioned governing bodies, to provide clear, undiluted voices within the system. This model aimed to improve communication between senior staff and the Board of Trustees through the formation of an executive committee.
As an original member of the task force and your student body president, I wholeheartedly support the Revised Senate Model because of the access it will provide to student issues and the possibilities it will create for student leaders. With this structure, Student Senate will be able to maintain a more viable relationship with all key constituencies without alienating one group at the expense of another.
As a student of political science, I realize that everyone will not (nor should they) share my sentiments favoring the Revised Senate Model. So once again, I encourage you to voice your opinions.
On Thursday, April 25 at 4 p.m., the governance system and atmosphere at Ball State University will change decisively. Exercise your right to affect change by contacting your student government senators. Call the SGA office or attend the University Senate meeting as a very opinionated guest. Whatever method you employ, take the time to make this difference. It is time for the Ball State community to recognize the power of its voice and votes of its students.
Write to Tolu at taolowomeye@bsu.edu
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
