Spring Break
Editorial: Get what you need
Issue date: 2/10/09 Section: Editorial/Opinion
02/10/10 - Your parents have told you. Your professors, your employers, your older brother - they've all chimed in, too. "You can't always get what you want."
If you ask Mick Jagger though, he'd agree, and then tell you, "but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.'
Historically, student participation in University of Rhode Island's student senate elections is rather dismal. Ironically, student dissatisfaction seems to be skyrocketing.
So, how do we strike a balance?
This is a simple problem to solve, but the solution, it seems, is often overlooked.
Evidenced by low voter turnouts and even lower attendance at senate's weekly meetings, URI students seem to underestimate the power senate packs. But if you want something changed, the most direct route is through them.
Student senators are the liaisons between students and the administration. One complaint to one administrator won't get you too far, but if you're backed by a group of people, your voice becomes a whole lot louder.
If your club wants funds, it's senate that decides how much money they're willing to fork over. If you think there are things this campus needs, or things we could do without, you should start with senate.
It's their job to listen to you, and it's your job to elect them. Students must, at the very least, make the effort to vote. You need to make sure your voice is heard.
Conversely, senate should put more effort into announcing elections and candidates should take greater measures to ensure students recognize their faces. Some students don't even realize when elections take place. While Facebook invites and groups are a great tool, they'll never circulate to the entire URI population. Physical fliers or posters ensure no one is left in
This semester there are 12 spots open for at-large representatives and eight representative positions for the different colleges.
Do your research and choose a candidate that has your interests in their priorities. A good place to start is on page 5, the one right next to this one.
Today and tomorrow the Cigar will be running candidate platforms. Each candidate that submitted one shares a bit about who they are and what they want to do for you.
Primary elections will be held in the Memorial Union today and tomorrow. Be sure to stop by, and don't forget your student ID. It literally takes a minute to cast your ballot.
(Bonus - the voting booths are just a few feet away from the Ram's Den in case you need a snack.)
While the person you elect might not fulfill your every wish and dream, at least it's a start.
You pay a lot of money to go here, make sure you're getting what you want - and what you need.
If you ask Mick Jagger though, he'd agree, and then tell you, "but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need.'
Historically, student participation in University of Rhode Island's student senate elections is rather dismal. Ironically, student dissatisfaction seems to be skyrocketing.
So, how do we strike a balance?
This is a simple problem to solve, but the solution, it seems, is often overlooked.
Evidenced by low voter turnouts and even lower attendance at senate's weekly meetings, URI students seem to underestimate the power senate packs. But if you want something changed, the most direct route is through them.
Student senators are the liaisons between students and the administration. One complaint to one administrator won't get you too far, but if you're backed by a group of people, your voice becomes a whole lot louder.
If your club wants funds, it's senate that decides how much money they're willing to fork over. If you think there are things this campus needs, or things we could do without, you should start with senate.
It's their job to listen to you, and it's your job to elect them. Students must, at the very least, make the effort to vote. You need to make sure your voice is heard.
Conversely, senate should put more effort into announcing elections and candidates should take greater measures to ensure students recognize their faces. Some students don't even realize when elections take place. While Facebook invites and groups are a great tool, they'll never circulate to the entire URI population. Physical fliers or posters ensure no one is left in
This semester there are 12 spots open for at-large representatives and eight representative positions for the different colleges.
Do your research and choose a candidate that has your interests in their priorities. A good place to start is on page 5, the one right next to this one.
Today and tomorrow the Cigar will be running candidate platforms. Each candidate that submitted one shares a bit about who they are and what they want to do for you.
Primary elections will be held in the Memorial Union today and tomorrow. Be sure to stop by, and don't forget your student ID. It literally takes a minute to cast your ballot.
(Bonus - the voting booths are just a few feet away from the Ram's Den in case you need a snack.)
While the person you elect might not fulfill your every wish and dream, at least it's a start.
You pay a lot of money to go here, make sure you're getting what you want - and what you need.
