The Undergraduate Student Government received advice from Ed Whipple, the vice president for the Division of Student Affairs, last night about ways to enhance the quality of life for both students and the University this school year.
At the general meeting, Whipple gave USG tips on how to become an effective student government for the University population.
‘I have worked with wonderful student governments and ones who have not been so effective,’ Whipple said.
He began the night by stressing how important it is for USG to understand the students and the campus.
‘Know what the student issues are, even if you don’t agree with them,’ Whipple said. ‘Reach out and ensure that BGSU students have a forum for discussion.
President Johnnie Lewis agreed with Whipple, stating ‘Communication is a gigantic issue for USG this year.’
Lewis said that USG has already completed part of this task through their updated Web site, which will offer executive blogs. He also plans on devoting much of the next meeting towards communicative issues.
‘ Whipple also noted how important it is for USG to communicate with other school’s governing bodies and look at ‘what ideas work with other schools’.
‘It’s OK to steal,’ Whipple said. ‘Steal ideas that work in other schools. It is a compliment to another student government when you do that.’
Along with communication issues, Whipple also advised USG to focus on the big issues and leave ‘irrelevant issues that don’t affect the quality of life for students’ alone.
‘ Whipple brought parking issues to the forefront of the matter, saying ‘is that [an issue] you want to spend a lot of time on when you have a finite time as a senator?’
He continued by adding, ‘We have got to look at priorities where we can make a difference.”
Although parking may not be seen as a priority issue in the eyes of USG, it is being addressed through their planned downtown shuttle routes.
‘It is definitely an issue that USG needs to address,’ Speaker Jeremy Lehman said. ‘It may not be at the forefront, but it is being heard.’
