2008 Woodie Awards
Council Criticisms
Brian Galgano
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Op/Ed
As one of Student Council's most outspoken critics, I have closely followed the actions and at times lack of action by our student government over the past four years. I have publicly criticized our student government in an OP/ED dated last Feb. entitled, "Council Falling Short of Achieving Goals." I consider myself to be an informed critic of this organization due to my regular attendance at meetings and committee sessions, drafting resolutions, and continuous advocating on behalf of issues that matter on this campus.
It deeply disappoints me when students on this campus complain about an issue without proper facts and information. The Muhlenberg Advocate's unsigned editorial is an example of such criticism with its false assumptions and intermingling of fact and fiction. Although one could certainly argue that Student Council used poor judgment at the "Pass the Gavel" event, the charges of corrupt behavior are inaccurate and inflammatory; not to mention, parts of the original editorial have in fact been rewritten and edited. Despite the poor judgment used that night, this should not be turned into a broader indictment or denunciation of student government at Muhlenberg.
I have always asserted that Student Council is a prestigious organization that can wield a strong influence with its ability to be the student voice to the administration and Board of Trustees. It is a privilege that any member of this campus can choose to join. Over my four years there have been countless elections in which students have run unopposed or positions have remained vacant. If a student has ever been upset or discouraged by the actions of their elected leaders, the option to seek election and make change has always been there. Perhaps more importantly, even without holding an elected position, the ability to make changes to benefit the students on this campus is still available.
I have been attending Student Council meetings for four years and have felt both welcomed and listened to. Unfortunately, I have been one of the few non-elected members of this College advocating for change during meetings. Non-elected students rarely attend Student Council meetings and Student Body Association meetings are also rarely attended. The non-elected student has been given a chance to express issues, concerns, and suggestions repeatedly (in fact once a week on Thursday nights), yet students don't seem to care enough to make that effort.
It deeply disappoints me when students on this campus complain about an issue without proper facts and information. The Muhlenberg Advocate's unsigned editorial is an example of such criticism with its false assumptions and intermingling of fact and fiction. Although one could certainly argue that Student Council used poor judgment at the "Pass the Gavel" event, the charges of corrupt behavior are inaccurate and inflammatory; not to mention, parts of the original editorial have in fact been rewritten and edited. Despite the poor judgment used that night, this should not be turned into a broader indictment or denunciation of student government at Muhlenberg.
I have always asserted that Student Council is a prestigious organization that can wield a strong influence with its ability to be the student voice to the administration and Board of Trustees. It is a privilege that any member of this campus can choose to join. Over my four years there have been countless elections in which students have run unopposed or positions have remained vacant. If a student has ever been upset or discouraged by the actions of their elected leaders, the option to seek election and make change has always been there. Perhaps more importantly, even without holding an elected position, the ability to make changes to benefit the students on this campus is still available.
I have been attending Student Council meetings for four years and have felt both welcomed and listened to. Unfortunately, I have been one of the few non-elected members of this College advocating for change during meetings. Non-elected students rarely attend Student Council meetings and Student Body Association meetings are also rarely attended. The non-elected student has been given a chance to express issues, concerns, and suggestions repeatedly (in fact once a week on Thursday nights), yet students don't seem to care enough to make that effort.