This Tuesday, the Student Assembly will begin to vote on a new constitution. This constitution will not include any change in the representational system, even though many students have expressed dissatisfaction with its current form.
I have submitted an amendment which would replace the current "at-large" system with a class representation system. The class system would provide much more effective representation.
The current at-large system calls for the election of 21 students to represent more than 3,000 upperclassmen. The proposed constitution keeps this system in place. The only change is that the number of representatives will be increased to 24. Each representative would still be responsible for representing the same 3,000 students. This is both illogical and ineffective.
The main problem with an unrepresentative Assembly is that it creates the possibility that the group may pass resolutions and take actions that are contrary to the sentiments of the student body.
The at-large system, furthermore, does not meet the realities of Dartmouth. The proposed constitution states that at-large representatives shall "Regularly consult and inform the student body about information and issues relevant to Assembly business." This is nearly impossible. How are Assembly representatives supposed to consult and inform the whole student body?
In practice, this system fails in providing adequate representation. The logistics of consulting and informing 3,000 people is extraordinary. No one has the time, organizational energy or resources to accomplish this.
The fault lies not with representatives for failing to meet their responsibilities, but with the system that places them into this dilemma.
The situation of the current Assembly exemplifies the problem the at-large system creates. There are 21 "representatives" in the Assembly, but whose views do they really represent? From my experience, it is mostly their own. Representatives attempt to probe student opinion but it is unrealistic that they will ever know what it actually is. This is a systematic flaw in the Assembly that needs to be corrected.
We need a system that promises the student body greater representation. I propose a class representative system whereby eight students will represent each class in the Assembly. This is a much more sensible system. It significantly decreases the number of students each representative has to represent. It also creates class constituencies. This makes it easier for representatives to find out what students in their class believe.
A greater amount of interaction with a smaller amount of students is key to more efficient representation. There seems to me a much greater chance for a senior class representative to interact with another senior than with a sophomore, as would be required in the at-large system.
No system is perfect, and a class representative system would not be a panacea. However, it is significantly better than the current system.
I was a member of the Assembly's Constitutional Committee and contributed to the research behind the proposed constitution. Every book on college student government I read supported a division of representation by class representatives. There is both practical and theoretical evidence to support the introduction of a class representative system at Dartmouth.
The choice, ultimately, lies with the students. I have talked to many recently who questioned the representation the Assembly provides. This is your opportunity to influence the student government. I urge you to advocate a class representation system.
The better representation that would result would lead to an Assembly that does what you, the student, wants. If you are interested in improving this system, contact the Student Assembly and make your voices heard.
