In the last year, the MSU Student Association has been distant, seemingly dormant. To be sure, students had legitimate concerns and interests during this period, but the SA seemingly did little to address these issues and advocate these feelings. With the new SA officers, we do not expect more of the same. We look forward to the opportunity of this SA administration – the opportunity to be present and fight for what students need and want. The first thing that must change is presence. Indeed, the current SA has lacked so much presence on campus that it is difficult for The Reflector to objectively evaluate the organization’s record on representing students this year. However, student representation can only be truly effective when the representatives in question have a presence, when all students feel they can see and talk to these officers.
Second, the majority of students do not identify with the idea of “One Bulldog Nation” or “One Mind” or what we can do as “One.” Most students identify with “The People’s University” because we are a diverse student body. The new SA will observe this diversity if it meets with enough students. And that’s what should happen: SA officers meeting a diverse body of students and attempting to represent their needs.
Next, the SA must become relevant again. The Reflector believes the SA hasn’t proven its true potential to the student body since 2001’s Impact Mississippi campaign, which pushed for more political pull in the Starkville community. However, there is no doubt that subsequent SA representatives have done good for the MSU community.
But currently, the common perception – whether it’s true or not – is that the SA serves as a résumé-building machine for elected students. To counter this cynical perception (and potential reality), the SA should encourage the open and public discussion of student interests more frequently, encourage more participation in student government and live up to the laudable promises of its newly elected members. We are optimisitic that it will.
The hardest challenge will be serving as a valid liaison between the student body and the MSU administration. The current administration of the university is strong-willed; therefore, if the SA is not strong-willed as well, how will the administration know the importance and extent of student interests?
The Reflector has attempted to stand up for student interests, but as a newspaper we are a student forum, not an official channel for student-administration issues. The SA is that official liaison between students and the MSU administration. If the SA doesn’t stand up now, next year might be too late to start being accountable and create a clear relationship between students and student government. Moreover, The Reflector welcomes the opportunity to work with the SA in order to achieve goals oriented toward student interests.
In conclusion, students are tired of irrelevant missions from the SA such as bringing vending machines to the library. Students need a more relevant, present, efficient and active SA at MSU, and we believe these new members have a great opportunity to restore unity to the student body.
The Reflector editorial board is made up of opinion editor Matt Watson, news editor Erin Kourkounis, sports editor Melissa Meador, entertainment editor David Breland, photo editor Bud Sorey, copy editor Josh Starr, online editor C.J. LeMaster, managing editor Nathan Gregory and editor in chief Tyler Stewart.