The Student Government Association is at a crossroads. After an uneventful election with only one party in the running for the executive board and many class senator positions unfilled, SGA faces clear signs that a major re-evaluation needs to take place.

This year’s election should be a glaring signal to the new executive board that something needs to be done to resurrect the council’s importance and credibility on campus. SGA needs to consider the fact that it can no longer claim to be the linking voice between the student body and the administration. Students are not voting or participating in the process, breaking down this façade of communication. In all reality, if students want to talk to the administration about an important issue, they have the ability to organize and meet directly with the college’s leaders.

Every three years SGA is required to look at its constitution to rewrite or add rules. The current executive board did implement some changes to specific areas like campus affairs and business and finance. The new executive board, though, is encouraged to seriously consider what SGA’s role should be on campus and take another look at what can be done to improve its relationship with the student body. The administration does need a ruling body to allocate funds to student organizations; this is important. In this current economic climate, members of SGA are reminded to take a closer look at the budgeting process and find ways to correct possible problem areas. The student body is also reminded that a call for change in its representation can only happen through involvement. Ignoring SGA or complaining about the organization does little to help improve the effectiveness of its practices.

Next year’s executive board will face a new economic climate on campus. New, clearer budgeting procedures will be necessary. SGA should take this time of transition to change its message to the community and re-evaluate what its purpose is. Members of SGA are still important leaders at the college, but their efforts in the current structure are not working as a link in communication for the campus community.