Every year following the annual transition of Student Confederation officers, The Eagle's editorial board reflects on its own experiences in covering AU's student government and makes suggestions to the new SC officers in the hope that by considering what we have observed, they will rise to the challenges of the summer and coming academic year. Many on the editorial board have worked extensively with its officers and with the University. While we do not claim to be as well versed in its methods as those working in the SC today, we hope that our insights-and our experience in reporting on the SC will help the new officers fit in and hit the ground running.
President Polson Kanneth: This year the AU student body has a president who was actually elected, for which we are very grateful. We believed in Kanneth when we endorsed him in March, and we hope he is able to fulfill his potential, as well as his campaign promises. We are happy to see that Kanneth seems to be more in touch with the average student than our last president, and we encourage him to keep a determined and optimistic disposition in the face of endless swamps of bureaucratic muck, including General Assembly proceedings.
The SC president has a cabinet, and should use it. Kanneth must remember to delegate when appropriate and not try to take over events or duties that belong to other people within the SC. Kanneth should also be able to give credit to people when they do a good job and take appropriate measures when they do not. The Kennedy Political Union and Student Union Board performed very well this year, and we would love to see that continue. If Kanneth can expand on the success of KPU and SUB, the whole student body would benefit.
Vice President Jason Trombley: The Eagle would love to see Trombley complete his full term, a rare feat for vice presidents in recent memory. Trombley should work with other groups to improve the quality of SC programming, which was pretty good this year. Keep Eagle Nights running - it's been one of the most successful programs the past two years and gives AU a lot of flavor. Trombley also needs to be visible, so mingling with students is important as well. Founder's Day and Homecoming were sparkling this year, and we look forward to continued success at these two major events.
Comptroller Moamar Tidjani-Dourodjaye: We prefer to call him Mo. It's great to be a nice guy, but the comptroller should be more serious than people in other positions. He needs to be fiscally responsible - students appreciate it when their money is not wasted. Tidjani should also work with AUTO to make it more accessible and give more money to clubs, which will use their money better than some SC offices.
Secretary Jamie Rea: Our greatest advice for Rea is to be herself. The secretary needs to be exciting, enthusiastic and fun. Rea exemplifies these traits, and we hope she maintains her spirit and vitality. However, Rea needs to attend to her serious duties as well. She needs to take command of communicating clearly and effectively both within the SC and to the student body. She also needs to keep the Web site updated and stay on top of things. Cutting down on quarter-sheets would be an added bonus. We hope Rea will be able to work well with other officers so that all events receive equal coverage and promotion.
For the GA: you need to abolish yourself or become smaller to possess some sort of passing efficiency. Making the organization smaller will help to eliminate resume-padders and hangers-on, and will ensure only the best, most committed and competent students are serving. Also, try to avoid those procedural quagmires that continue to bog down your sessions.
In conclusion: Don't let those newly won positions go to your head. Your first responsibility is to the student body, not to your resum?. You are not Congress, you are not Congress, you are not Congress. Try to keep your campaign promises, but be realistic. Try to set some goals, perhaps one big one, and stick to them. Make yourselves relevant to the student body - hang out with them, talk with them and don't be afraid to leave the office. The editorial board will be watching, and just as all of us are graded in the classroom, your actions will be reviewed next April
