A CRASH course on the University could be taught with just a few words. Not a fancy seminar on the history of Mr. Jefferson's University, but rather the real deal -- a few catch phrases to sum things up around here. The Lawn. Alcohol. Honor. Sabato. ISIS. Tradition. Self-governance. To better participate in the world that we live in, a clear understanding of one of our most unique institutions -- student self-governance -- is necessary.
Yes, there is meaning behind the phrase that we all heard on our first tour of the University. We stand out among universities across the nation in this regard. Student self-governance is both a necessary and important function of our community. Understanding the process and participating in it are vital to our lives as students.
To begin with, it is political in nature. The self-governed bodies, clubs, and organizations around Grounds are a concentration of powerful students. This is in contrast to an institution of similar stature; the students at the University of California at Berkeley operate under the principle of "student shared governance" (The Cavalier Daily, March 21). According to the Constitution of the Associated Students of UC-Berkeley, this means that their acts are "in concert with other constituencies of the university community."
The tone is much different here. The influence afforded to students by our system of self-governance is quite awesome indeed. As stated in the Student Council Constitution, the "sole authority to act in the name of the Student Body" is a tremendous amount of power. Because our peers possess such influence, it's essential to understand the political culture.
For example, the failure of the recent honor referendum illustrates the need for better involvement in the process. What actually happened is a separate issue, but such a mishap need not occur for students to take note of the process.
By participating, students can gain the power and influence to effect change. For example, activities such as the control over budgets of tens of thousands of dollars. Just ask Student Council Chief Financial Officer John Finley what he can defund. The power to do these things is surprisingly accessible, though it is easy to suppose that unless you are an insider or politico, you don't stand a chance of participating in the process.
Sure, no one will deny that that type of status can get you some things -- perhaps an invitation to the Politico Open. But the system is not limited by these constraints. Anyone can take part in the system and should. There is a committee, awareness group or even Student Council Representative seat available to sign up for; each come with the power to change.
This involvement is important because it is part of civic duty. We all learned about the political process, whether it came in the form of watching "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" or reciting the Preamble to the Constitution. It is part of the American tradition in our democratic model. Why is it then that more students probably have a fake I.D. than they do a voter registration card?
Our high-school teachers didn't belabor this point needlessly. The purpose was to instill a set of behaviors and attitudes that shape each of us as active citizens in the communities that we live in for the rest of our lives. Not communities that we will live in at some point down the road, when we're middle-aged taxpayers and concerned parents. We are a part of the University community -- and it is our responsibility to act in this community.
Therefore, it is imperative to understand the political nature of our world, take an interest in it, and become involved in the process. It is part of the learning experience of being at college. Granted, part of coming to college is gaining the experience of living on your own -- you could say this is where a fake I.D. comes in to play. But becoming a greater part of the political process at this school is not mutually exclusive of going out and having a good time any day of the week. Social discourse is one of the best ways to bring a group of people together and reach a consensus over their interests. This is as true on college campuses as it is in the "real world" of politics.
Understanding the activities of student-led groups is part of our necessary political education. Because it's "just university politics" doesn't mean that it's not important. We are functioning in a microcosm of the real world -- but not the one that appears on MTV. The power that our student leaders have over each of us is quite unique. Their actions truly do have an impact on the way things run -- whether it's the expulsion of students, appropriation of your student activity fee, or maintenance of the Student Escort Service.
These are just a few of the functions performed by students. Educate yourself and take part in the process -- it can only make our community a better place.
(Katherine Martini is a Cavalier Daily viewpoint writer.)
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