SAGA’s ‘Goals’ Require Perseverance

Communication between student organizations and administrators is vital during a year in which change is in the air.

A new student representative board has taken the reigns of power. Their goal list is long and their time is, unfortunately short when one considers how long it takes to jump through hoops at the University.

Consequentially, leaders must constantly fulfill roles as not just liaisons, but persistent and relentless advocates for students.

The current system is simple. Important offices such as facilities and maintenance, athletics, the Dean of Student Life and others are assigned a specific liason who is responsible for ensuring that students voices are heard at an administrative level.

These SAGA reps face an uphill battle requiring knowledge of the offices they deal with. That knowledge should include which admins are responsive to students.

There is always a driven individual within even the stodgiest of bureaucracy who understands the needs of the people they serve. People like University Center, Student Programs and Events director Bill Jonas deal with students on a daily basis and reasonably work with even the most overwhelmed student organization leader.

Our new provost, James Brennan, brings to the office blunt honesty and willingness to hold ‘town hall’ meetings which give the students a chance to converse with a person who affects their day-to-day lives even more than University President, Rev. David M. O’Connell. His power and influence at the University should not go unnoticed and unattended by SAGA.

Housing, an office with traditionally spotty student relations is lucky to have Todd Troke as a number two. While he seldom deals directly with students, he quickly resolves issues when presented with them.

In the Office of Student Life, newly promoted Sarah Daniels is often referred to as rough around the edges, but her professionalism and determination to make students understand the long-term consequences of their decisions now is to be admired. In addition, she has set up programs that are more effective than anything hatched by previous student government presidents.

It is easy to become frustrated with the wall of problems that SAGA plans to address, but the best way to cut through red tape is with sharp instruments.

These admins are exactly the types of people that liaisons should become fast friends with.

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