Student Council's new administration officially transitioned into office yesterday night. President Colin Hood and company will attempt to build on the relative success of John Nelson's term.
Many of Council's activities during the past year focused on adjusting its internal functions, making its operations more efficient. Nevertheless, a few of Council's biggest undertakings resulted in visible changes. Among these external reforms was the contracted independent organization consultant program launched to train CIO leadership about financing issues like balancing budgets and fundraising. Although the program does not deal directly with the appropriations process, it still has proven effective and popular with students. With 23 consultants made available for students, this program was a notable achievement for Council. Students in these CIOs were offered guidance from Councils through individuals who could answer any questions about the financial management of a CIO.
An even more significant accomplishment of the past administration was the institution of SpeakUpUVA - a novel idea originating from former Council Chief Technology Officer William Reynolds' campaign for Council president last year. This Web site serves as an online forum for students to voice their top concerns about the University, as well as comment and vote on various Council proposals. An impressive endeavor, SpeakUpUVA is successful largely because Council members continuously update the site, informing the community of new projects and Council's progress along the way. Hood, as an executive member in last year's administration, should recognize the potential and importance of this forum and continue to use the Web site as a source of innovation.
Council's new leadership should build upon last year's initiatives and continue to work to increase the organization's visibility across Grounds. SpeakUpUVA has been particularly effective in this manner because it identifies specific undertakings students want to see accomplished and then gathers feedback along the way. The Web forum is important in that it helps build the foundation for engagement between Council and the student body. It's clear that SpeakUpUVA must remain a central platform for communication, and Council must explore new ways to keep it especially relevant to students. Now that the relationship between students and their chosen representatives is becoming stronger, it is up to Council to broaden the scope of its initiatives.
For example, Council could do more to embrace its role as a liaison between students and administrators. When confronted with controversial issues such as the living wage debate, students benefit from clearheaded leadership that can present a balanced perspective to University officials. In short, Council representatives should work to ensure students' visions for the University are considered adequately by those in power.
Council has done well to build its credibility with students by tackling small-scale projects like extending library hours during final exam periods, unveiling UVAirBus and prolonging the hours of Wilsdorf and West Range Caf
Read More
PARTING SHOT: Risk and reward
By Charlie Healy | 10 hours agoThe college newspaper was nowhere on my radar, and I had no previous experience with journalism.
PARTING SHOT: You are your own limit
By Wardah Kamran | 15 hours agoMe, my staffers, we were there. And it happened. And I think that is important enough.
PARTING SHOT: When it comes to art, it pays to pay attention
By Delaney Hammond | 2 days agoEven among people who value the arts, carving out space for critical engagement with — rather than just passive consumption of — art has been an endeavor I have treasured.
