Regarding recent debate in SGA senate, students were asked whether they believe that academic representatives should exist in Student Government. They were informed of the opinions from elected officers that all senators are academic representatives. They were also asked if they felt that representatives nominated by department chairs would produce a bias and whether they would agree to become an academic representative if they were chosen by their department chair.

              “Yes, I think there should be a variety of people representing. I think having an athletic or online rep would be useful. I think that [department chairs] choosing who they wanted would have a natural bias as to what they preferred or wanted. Yes, [I would be a representative], if I understood what was going on.” -Kayla, an 18-year-old freshman natural resource management major with a minor in criminal justice.

               “I don’t believe they should because if all senators are academic reps. Then they basically win voting rights. There probably would be bias no matter what because we all have opinions on departments.” He would not agree to become a representative. -William,

              “If I’m getting it right, I think there should be academic representation so the students could get more classes that they want or have better treatment. Most definitely [department chairs] would pick students that agreed with them. I’m too busy with all my other work to be a member and go to meetings.” -Luke, a 20-year-old sophomore general studies major.

              “I was in student government at my old college, so I do believe. We did not have academic representatives because it was so small, but I think that they should have one from each department here. You should have representatives because I think it should be one sided- like one side having more power than another. I don’t feel like it would introduce bias to be nominated by department chairs because it would be right to have someone from that department to pick someone to improve the issues and communication with all of it- I think that all the departments would be more balanced out. Yeah, I would attend if selected because I feel like I would be able to do good for my department.” -Carla, a 31-year-old junior art major with a minor psychology.

              “Personally, I think it’s a great idea. Someone needs put in the hot seat by the student body about the way certain departments are being swept under the rug. While certain departments are having new money and faculty shoveled in by the ton, the English department dwindles and the curtains in the FAB remain in shreds. I definitely think there needs to be further discussion on how to choose the representative. I would lean towards a student election, because that would most likely provide a representative who represents the students instead of a mouthpiece for the department head.” He would serve as a representative if chosen because “if the department decided I’m the best option to represent them, I would trust their judgement and feel it would be my responsibility to do it for the sake of that department.” -John*, a senior music major.

        The new purposed amendments to the SGA Constitution include further athletic, online, and Riverfront representatives. The discussion was laid on the table to await the opinion of Dr. Morris. The issue will resume discussion on the next meeting, Thursday, March 5 at 12:30 pm.

*indicate names that have been changes