Issue date: 4/15/08 Section: Editorial

Ra-Jah Kelly [Click to enlarge]

    In the academic year of 2008-2009 UDC will be in a unique position. During this time we will experience the selection of a new University president and possibly a Vice Provost for academic affairs as well as combat a growing wave of support for abolishing the university in favor of a community college. That is why I have so much respect for all of the USGA candidates.
    During interviews the Trilogy staff conducted (available for viewing at www.thetrilogyonline.com) I have spoken with most of them face to face and found that they understand these challenges and are prepared to lead through whatever trials and turmoil we may face. The question I pose to the student body is "Are you ready to lead?"
    Make no mistake whether or not you're an elected officer in the USGA you still have an opportunity to lead here at this university.
    Throughout the candidate debates a recurring theme was low student participation in the USGA and USGA sponsored programs. I'm confident that in the upcoming school year whomever is elected will take steps to make the USGA more viable and accessible to the student body. Yet, their efforts will be fruitless if the student body doesn't take their own steps to bridge the divide between itself and the USGA.
    A critical first step will be to read this special election issue very carefully. Student government members are charged not just with planning university events but are also responsible for representing the university throughout DC and the world.
    They must be intelligent, articulate, and poised. Therefore it is incumbent upon all of us as students to overlook personal connections and vote with these characteristics in mind.
    Electing candidates however, is just the first step. The most competent USGA president, vice president, or USGA cabinet can only accomplish for the university but a fraction of what a united and involved student body can. There are dozens of way to participate from joining committees to simply attending events.
    A truly fulfilling university experience includes not just the degree you earn and the classes you attend but also the time you spend out of the classroom. The fact that this is a commuter university should not prevent students from engaging in a complete campus life experience.
    Participation however, needs to extend beyond attending lectures. Students need to make their concerns and demands known to the Mayor Adrian Fenty, the DC city council, the University Board of Trustees, and the university president. All of the these individuals will be charged with making decisions critical to the university and its important that they don't make any of these decisions without our input.
    So as election balloting begins remeber that not participating is a vote too.

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