Walking to class on Ball State University's campus, you see numerous people day in and day out. All of these people leave footprints.
Whether it's in the white snow, slushy snow, a rain puddle or on a dry sidewalk, they all leave their mark.
There's one footprint on Ball State's campus that is everywhere. Many people don't realize it, but it's there. It's a footprint that is behind the scenes and all too often goes unnoticed. It's the footprint of Student Government Association.
Now, I'm not going to bore you with the technicalities of the SGA system in whole because either I will mess it up or you just won't care. In simple terms, SGA is like a mini-Congress on Ball State's campus.
According to Carson Lance, the executive secretary, SGA consists of legislative, executive and judicial branches, much like the government of the United States.
You see the work of SGA around campus on a daily basis, you just don't realize it.
"We work on dining issues, constantly making changes like healthier options in LaFollette," Christopher Buck, Student Services whip, said. "We even have a week of events scheduled with the health education department for educating smokers on the smoking policy."
But it doesn't stop there. When the Rev. Jesse Jackson came to speak at Ball State, SGA contributed $5,000 to make it happen. In fact, SGA co-sponsors many things. They recently had $45,000 to give to campus organizations, spending $30,000 of it so far.
SGA is in charge of the Pride Guide that is handed out each year as well. Kayla Pickersgill, Student Services chairwoman, said SGA has also produced "Ball State: How To," a very handy book for the student body.
"It's a how-to book for freshmen or anyone on campus. Things like how to pay your parking ticket are included," she said. "The book is on the SGA Web site and within the next week, we would really appreciate student feedback."
Personally, I think it's a great idea to have a book like that, not just for freshmen but for all students. Instead of roaming around the Ball State Web site or making phone calls, having a how-to book makes it easier for students to find out answers to questions, whether it's something big or small.
Buck mentioned that the Student Services subcommittee will be holding an old furniture rummage sale. What better way to buy cheap furniture? All thanks to SGA.
They are even in the process of holding an orientation for transfer students so they can receive adequate information before being thrown onto a different campus.
Many students would like to see changes with Parking Services. SGA is forming a better relationship with them, working on 3 p.m. parking for Family Weekend and Homecoming Weekend, Lance said.
I would like to start giving thanks now to the Academic Affairs committee because they are currently working with the Ball State Bookstore on textbook rentals. CBX and TIS have already initiated this change, but the Ball State Bookstore has failed to do that so far.
As you can see, SGA does a ton for the Ball State community. How come many don't know about it?
As of now, SGA publicizes by streaming their meetings on YouTube, through stories about its meetings in the Daily News, on table tents and through SGA senators at Hall Council meetings. But what happens if you don't watch the meetings, you don't read the Daily News, you don't eat in the Atrium (where the table tents are usually located) or you don't attend Hall Council?
You won't know about SGA. Many students fall under one or all of those advertising venues and therefore don't realize all that SGA does. I think SGA needs to better publicize what they are doing because they do a lot. How many people honestly could say they knew SGA did all of what I have mentioned? Very few.
SGA members wish people would bring more concerns. If you want something done, contact SGA. If they can't do it themselves, then they will direct it to someone who can.
"We represent the student body as best we can," Buck said. "We do make a difference in life on campus."
I agree. They make a huge difference on campus and are quite unnoticed to the majority of the student body. I hope people start taking note. Here's to our unsung heroes.
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