The past few years have shown us that our access to an affordable education isn’t as secure as we thought. Our state government’s support for the UNC System has wavered, forcing tuition and fees to rise at our expense. When our attitude toward these student leaders and their abilities is skeptical, how can we expect Student Government to be effective or expect the university to hear our pleas with respect? You might not be the vote that picks the president of the United States or your U.S. Senator, but you will have a better chance choosing someone who will fight on your behalf for decisions that will affect your college career.
You might be thinking that this election isn’t worth your time or that all candidates are the same and won’t be able to get anything done, but please don’t sit out this election. Who are administrators going to consult when they’re considering fee increases or changes to services like transportation? Most likely they’ll consult other administrators and faculty, but when I was a member of the few University Standing Committees, I was the only student in the room. I had to make a decision that would reflect the wishes of over 34,000 students and they were listening. The Student Senator and Student Body Officer you select will be sitting in one of those rooms. One of the reasons SG can be ineffective is because no matter how long we serve, we’re usually replaced each year while administrators remain. Experience and connections with these people are crucial if you want to navigate the university bureaucracy to accomplish anything. Two of the students who surprised me the most were Kelly Elder and Karli Moore. I didn’t know either of them that well but they quickly gained my trust and I appointed them as chairs of the most important committees in Senate. Each accomplished more in a few months than other student senators and presidents have in their entire careers. Just as I was able to have an impact for LGBT students with the Inclusive Admissions Act last year, these two leaders were able to clean up archaic rules and pass more legislation than I could have hoped for, given how skeptical I was with SG performance in the past.
Student leaders like Chris Becker, Kelly Elder, Cody Long, and Kari Moore have been fighting for students this past year whether you realize it or not. They have shown more passion for advocacy and student issues. Each have put in the time and hard work to get to know the administrators, faculty and staff that can aid them and us all to find solutions that benefit NC State. Candidates will make all sorts of flashy promises and slogans to get your attention but if you want a year of honest work and a step toward a Student Government that we can be proud of, then these four individuals need your vote.
If you feel that the university overlooks you and that you are a number to them as they go about business, you’re not alone. I met countless students who wanted to make a difference and those with great ideas, but SG was unable to collaborate with the right people. However, the four individuals I mentioned before have more experience than many of the other candidates combined. If you have a concern or an issue with the university, then these four will treat you with the same respect they treated me when I needed them the most. This election is a start, and these four need your help. We’re the Wolfpack, let’s work together.
Alex Grindstaff
former Student Senate President
