Controversy is nothing new at Dartmouth. This year, like every previous one, has seen a number of important issues and debates. From the decision to lock the dorms, to the new financial aid policies, to the "Zetemouth," our campus dialogue has questioned all aspects of the community. Every person has had to evaluate what is important to them and determine his or her individual opinions. Naturally, there is a diversity of opinion among students, administrators and faculty. The only idea that everyone can agree upon is that Dartmouth needs to change. The question is simply how?
That question, however, is not quite as simple as it seems. If you asked the average student what is the best method for positively and productively effecting change at Dartmouth, he or she could not give you a clear answer. You can protest at Parkhurst or write on the Collis sidewalks but how effective have those methods truly been? Unfortunately, despite these amazing displays of activism and caring, the results have been few and far between. What concrete change has come from them? The student body needs a cohesive voice to rally behind -- one in which every student can participate, one that can effect meaningful change.
The Student Assembly is that voice.
I know some people would laugh at this statement or dismiss it simply as campaign rhetoric but it is true. In principle, the Assembly is structured to be the voice of student opinion and a powerful vehicle for effecting change based upon it. This principle, as great as it may be, is only that -- a principle. SA, in reality, is a group of dedicated and thoughtful students working hard to do what they know is best for Dartmouth. As noble as its intentions is, the SA often times falls short of fulfilling the principle behind it.
As Vice President, that is what I want to change.
The role of the VP is internal to SA as he or she is responsible for running and maintaining the institution. It is the VP's job to make sure that the Assembly is living up to its principles and not shortchanging the students that it represents. It is a job that has never been fully realized.
As VP, my goal will be to transform the Assembly into a participatory forum where everyone feels welcome and is able to have his or her voice heard. This change will create an opportunity for all students to come together and improve our campus. The means for this change include a number of procedural and structural enhancements that I am proposing.
The most important change will be the creation of a powerful, campus-wide steering committee to improve the communication between the Assembly and the student body, as well as to strengthening student leadership. A steering committee, chaired by the Student Body President, and including leadership from other umbrella organizations such as the Coed Fraternity Sorority Council, Class Councils, Programming Board, Council on Student Organizations, Tucker Foundation, Rockefeller Center, the Hopkins Center and the Affinity Houses would create a strong, unified group to guide all aspects of campus life. Working with these groups, the Assembly could better represent all Dartmouth students. Towards the same goal, by solidifying strong lines of communication between students and the Assembly, the student government at Dartmouth could become more responsive to campus needs.
Other issues that I will address include greater representation for all organizations, the extension of autonomous student services to provide such things as DA$H in the vending machines and online PE registration, close and accountable relations with administrators, the creation of a work/study position for the upkeep of blitz computers, a direct and institutionalized voice with the trustees, and a more diverse and efficient Assembly.
The time is now. Lets make these changes and we can improve Dartmouth beyond what anyone has ever imagined. I am passionate about making this happen.
