This is not the first editorial written by a Clock Staff member to urge students to become involved. In fact, this is one of three that I have written myself. However, with student elections just around the corner, I ask a question of the student body that has already been asked before: do you know your Student Senator? Even more importantly, have you thanked them?
As Editor of The Clock, I have had the opportunity to work with several groups, organizations, academic departments and individuals. Consequently, I also had the opportunity to work with the Plymouth State Student Senate.
The Clock and Student Senate did not always have the best working relationship, but leaders from both sides have been working hard to correct that. The professionalism between the walls of The Clock office and Student Senate office has improved greatly. In fact, the relationship is extremely unique in comparison to other campuses. At the Associated Collegiate Press Conference in St. Louis, MO that the Clock Staff attended in October, several newspapers expressed resentment towards their elected Senate. In the same turn, Plymouth State representatives that attended COSGA at Texas A&M, reported the Senators from other schools were unhappy with their newspapers. One newspaper went as far as to claim that the Student Senate was corrupted because one Senator stole another’s cookie at a Pot Luck dinner.
Sitting in on PSU Student Senate meetings for most of this semester has shown me how hard the Senators and Executive Board work towards the betterment of Plymouth State. I have the utmost respect for any individual that cares enough about fellow students to go through the election process then serve on the Senate. Meetings alone would be enough deterrent as they are never shorter than two hours. Many Senators serve on additional committees, some take on the daunting task of serving on two.
For all this work, Student Senators and Executive members still are faceless to many of their peers. What group funded and drove the shuttle vans that went to the ski mountains this winter? Who donated money to support gifts for soldiers in Iraq? Who made it possible for several individuals and groups to attend academic conferences across the country at which they are presenting? Who determines the operating budget for Student Organizations that benefit the students? What group has approved several resolutions to improve life for their constituents?
I would personally like to thank this year’s Student Senate for the work that they have accomplished during the year and for the work they have set in motion to improve the future of Plymouth State University. Next year’s Senate has large shoes to fill.
-SK