Grades are in and the results are surprisingly good. After analyzing U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative's campaign platform it appears that the slate worked consistently to change things around campus.
However, several of the things they wanted to change were already being changed by the university before the group took office. More in-depth platform research could have prevented this and allowed the slate to allocate more time to new issues relating to students.
We realize the limitations and time constraints that each slate faces; however, this is why slates need solidified, practical platform goals that they want to achieve before attaining office.
In comparison with recent slates, U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative reigns triumphant by accomplishing many platform goals but adapting to new issues that arose throughout its term. While doing better than the recent slates, U.N.I.T.E.D. Initiative still did not fulfill the expansive role SGA should have at Ball State University.
We want an SGA slate who if it is told no, the students will pursue three other avenues to be certain that there is no possible way to achieve the goal.
We want an SGA slate who sets realistic, achievable goals and ensures that the university isn't already rectifying the situation.
We want an SGA slate who accomplishes all of their goals; practical is better than lofty.
We want an SGA slate who accommodates the changing campus environment.
Also, we want an SGA slate who will be open and vocal to the student body and tell them everything that has been accomplished because of SGA.
That slate would get an A in our minds.
However, that slate has yet to grace Ball State's campus.
When it does, we will sing its praises.
DN Report Card
U is for University: C+Under this category, the slate compensated for unaccomplishable goals by altering the original goal to something that could be attained. However, the amount of unaccomplished and accomplished goals evened out to result in an average grade.
N is for Networking: BThe slate was unable to get Village parking vouchers, however, did successfully get the lines repainted to prevent unsuspecting students of being towed. A name-brand eatery will be in the renovated L.A. Pittenger Student Center and 110 hours will be added to Dining facilities in the fall. Overall the group was highly successful in this area.
I is for Innovation: C-Half of the items in this category were not accomplished, the other half could not be attributed to the slate. However, the slate did succeed in bringing back the McKinley Mile Bike Race.
T is for Technology: A-By far the best category, the slate was able to achieve all but one of the goals it wanted to achieve. Students will have increased inbox space, access to a free fax service and computers in the Amelia T. Wood Health Center because of U.N.I.T.E.D.
E is for Education: D+While the slate worked to achieve a Dead Week, the lofty goal was impossible to accomplish in a year's time. However, we look forward to slates continuing to bring this to campus. Nothing under this platform section was accomplished, although we hope conversations regarding issues raised by the slate will eventually be addressed.
D is for Diversity: CThe accomplished and unaccomplished goals in this section evened out. A Multicultural Council has been created, however, having multicultural academic advisers for minority students is far from completion.
Overall Grade: C+
Below is U.N.I.T.E.D Initiative's original platform
U is for UniversityExtension of the Red LoopLights on the CowPath/Sidewalks in QuadNight class parking pass for students, faculty and staffCampus revitalization plan: Increase bike racks, bulletin boards, kiosks with regular maintenance
N is for NetworkingVillage parking vouchersImprovement in Dining service hours, name-brand eatery in the L.A. Pittenger Student CenterImproved ticket appeal processCombined Ball State recycling initiatives with East Central Indiana Solid Waste DistrictAll-President Student ForumStudent Government Association State of the Student Body AddressStudent forum with Ball State President Jo Ann Gora, Athletics Director Tom Collins, Director of public safety Gene Burton, Muncie mayor
I is for InnovationSpring Homecoming Left turn arrow at the Scramble LightOnline visitor registration for Anthony/Scheidler apartmentsParking decals sent in mail before school beginsDesignated path for bikersOnline search program for off-campus housingSGA Daily News Blog
T is for TechnologyIriving/Ball Recreational Facilities and Health Center online tracking nad online signup for specialized equipmentBigger e-mail boxes for bsu.edu accountsCardinal cash payments for all pop and vending machines as well as residence hall washers and dryersfree fax service in the Student Government office to be used for job applications, graduate school applications, internships, etc.Computers in the Health Center waiting room
E is for EducationDead WeekPersonalized Ball State Homepage/All-inclusive Events Calendar OnlineMandatory professor evaluationsInteractive 3-D tour of campus marketed to all potential students and posted online
D is for DiversityMulticultural CouncilMulticultural Academic Advisors for Minority StudentsAdded Diversity Statement to all Ball State course syllabi and accountability of diversity in the classroomIncreased funding for Early Start Programs, including EXCEL and C.L.A.S.S.
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