Last April, Cardinal Impact took over as the leaders of the Student Government Association under a cloud of controversy. They survived a damaging scandal over methods used to gather student signatures, but serious questions still remained.
Over the course of the year, Cardinal Impact has reorganized and refocused, bringing significant change to the Ball State University campus — quite an accomplishment for a slate that many believed would drop out of the race, ending their dream before it ever began. I sat down with Cardinal Impact last week and spoke with them about their term, and they seemed eager to speak with students who may be interested in running for the SGA office this spring.
Yes, election rules limit what slates are able to say and do before the nomination convention next month, but students looking to run should take note and enlist the help of those who have come before them.
Instead of focusing entirely on a laundry list of platform points and ignoring the people, Cardinal Impact has shown dedication to the members of University Senate and the students of the campus. Their passion for people is obvious.
"None of us is a big politico," SGA president Beth Cahill said. "We're very focused on people and relationships. I'm really proud of us for that."
That's not to say their agenda has been glazed over. Cardinal Impact has tried to address each of the 27 agenda points outlined on their Web site, although Cahill admitted budget cuts have hampered their efforts.
"That's something we've battled all year," she said. "There is just not enough money."
Despite struggling through a tough financial climate, Cardinal Impact has made significant progress. A brief look through the slate's agenda shows that 21 of the 27 items have been addressed in some way.
Parking Services will unveil a Web-based notification system next year for students to check their standing with the office. Work continues to create an online real estate site for students to search for available off-campus housing. For the first time in at least five years, Cardinal Impact managed to fill nearly all of the Senate seats. And for the first time ever, Senate meetings are streamed live on the slate's Web site.
"The results showed ... even with the little mistake we made, [students] still trust us to run this campus," secretary Carson Lance said.
Indeed, the members of Cardinal Impact have proven themselves trustworthy and effective in leading the student government. Yet, students aren't exactly knocking down the doors to seek advice, despite all four members of Cardinal Impact insisting they would be thrilled to help students in any way possible. Cahill was the only one to acknowledge she has spoken with interested students.
A source involved in forming a slate, who will continue to remain anonymous until after the Feb. 15 spring nomination convention, said someone from his team has sought advice from Cardinal Impact.
"It wouldn't make any sense for a slate to form without talking to someone who is in the office," the source said.
The source declined to give details on how Cardinal Impact was able to assist them or what platform points have been discussed but did say that specifics have been outlined.
If the slate I have been in contact with is indeed the only group to approach Cardinal Impact with questions (and from conversations I've had I believe that to be true), they are clearly ahead of the curve. But in order for the students of this campus to get a fair election, more than just one group needs to make a concerted effort.
This is not the time to hide behind a veil of secrecy. Resources exist that can aid a slate significantly in building a successful campaign — something the students of this university demand and deserve. Cardinal Impact has shown it is a strong group of student leaders who are willing to help possible successors. To not take advantage of that seems foolish. So pick up the phone, SGA hopefuls. The experts are standing by.
Correction: In last week's column, I incorrectly identified Feb. 16 as the date of the SGA spring nomination convention. The convention will take place on Feb. 15.
Write to Dillon at dekimmel@gmail.com.
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