SA considers appointing int'l reps, MLK Day

April 2, 2007 —

Student Association recently held discussions over a resolution that would enact a change to their by-laws, allowing them to appoint representatives in the fall, rather than hold school-wide elections.

The main concern over the resolution was brought about by a clause which would require two positions be reserved for freshman or transfer students, and two positions for international students.

After a lengthy discussion, SA remained divided as to what should be done with the resolution. It was decided by the House to hold the debate off for further consideration.

"This is a major change," said ombudsman Chelsea Robl. "We would all benefit by a few more weeks to think about this."

Much of the concern was over the stipulation requiring two freshman and international representatives. Representative Steve Lewitzke expressed his concern.

"I think this will take focus away from the quality of the candidate, and more on their standing as a student."

Representative Ryan Kanine agreed.

"If two inter national students apply, but five other freshman apply and are more capable, we are losing out on some good students."

A few representatives stood in support of the resolution. Notably, diversity officer Deliah Kashat defended it, and said that international students often find it difficult to make their voices heard.

"International students have a tough enough time getting involved on campus," she said. "Having two international reps on SA will make it easier for them to express their views, and back up one another."

President Andy Suszek, one of the authors of the resolution, agreed with Kashat, saying, "It is difficult enough to get international students involved with SA as it is, so this resolution might help."

In an attempt to reconcile the two sides, it was suggested by representative Barb Gordon that the resolution be changed to require only one international student appointment instead of two.

"I think we should change the number of international students from two to one. We need a solid freshman presence because they'll be able to serve longer."

Suszek said he would prefer only two freshman representatives, because having too many could force a bottleneck on the number of representatives wanting to be committee chairs.

However, he did agree with the fact that there needs to be a strong upperclassman presence on SA.

"The average age in SA has declined over the last four years, and that's not good," Suszek said. "I think there is a benefit in having upperclassmen because it's likely they'll have more experience in other campus organizations."

One thing SA did agree on is that the appointment process will serve them better than the current election process.

"The beauty of the appointment process," said representative Nick Madaj, "is that you actually get to see the candidates."

Representative Isaac Hudson felt that this is the best time for a move to an appointment process, as other large organizations on campus are doing the same.

"I think URA is moving to a similar format," Hudson said. "It would be nice to see both organizations moving forward together.

In addition, SA discussed the Faculty Association's debate over whether or not SVSU should observe Martin Luther King, Jr. Day as a scheduled holiday. If passed, it would give students the day off from school.

Eleven of the 15 public universities in Michigan take the day off school, and it is becoming clear that SVSU is considering making the number 12.

Much of SA was in agreement that the University should cease holding classes on MLK Day.

Parliamentarian Aaron Brown said that it would "be a step in the right direction," and "in order to whole-heartedly observe the holiday, we should support this."

Suszek pointed out this holiday's particular relevance, and expounded on the argument that this campus should observe it.

"The holidays we get off don't represent as much to our history as MLK Day does," he said.

However, representative Brittany Burns thought differently, saying that it is best to have students on campus in order to properly observe the true meaning of the holiday.

"I think we are better served to have school that day," Burns said. "I feel that more people would attend the events we put on if they were here."

These debates will continue at the next SA House meeting, which will take place on April 9, 2007 at 10 p.m. in the Alumni Lounge.

All meetings are open to the public, and all students are welcome to attend.