Written by Josiah McGee
When we invited Union University Dining Services to speak to the Student Senate, I expected a short visit. They would probably talk for 5-10 minutes and answer 2-3 questions. Instead, they graciously provided chicken sandwiches for senators and answered questions for over half an hour about meal plans, food quality, service, communication and more.
Admittedly, this reflects a trend of long sessions this semester, but I would not change a thing. Each session of the Senate is different, and leading well is a constant adventure with a steep learning curve. That said, I could not be prouder of the individuals I get to serve alongside. With only one session left this semester, I have been asked to reflect on our work up until this point.
Unfortunately, we have not always led our peers well by seizing the opportunity to create significant, positive change. Naturally, as students we lack the necessary power to snap our fingers and immediately change everything around campus we find inconvenient. Still, the administration has proven itself remarkably willing to hear us out at least, and on many occasions has graciously labored to address our concerns. When I arrived as a freshman, the legislation granting the ability to keep fish in the dorms and extend open dorm hours convinced many senators the sky was the limit. Somewhere along the line, a gradual sense of disillusionment crept in though, and levels of enthusiasm began to decline.
Progress has been made, but the student government can hardly take all the credit. If anything, the rules and policies being enforced again have been admittedly unpopular with many senators, and I know that I have learned several lessons. For example, who knew it was so important to smile when explaining the rules of the Senate? Also, whoever invented tally counters deserves a medal of honor. The increase of debate has led to several close votes and some dissension, but I certainly will not be complaining. Some pieces of legislation can appear more bureaucratic than others, but every piece is important enough that questions are a good thing. Bills asking for money, resolutions for graduation cords and statements on racial reconciliation all deserve a thoughtful approach, especially if we are serious about the title “servant leaders” and willing to make the necessary sacrifices of time and effort.
Since Senate meets late at night, I understand that everyone is often tired. If you survey the crowd from the front, it is encouraging to see the crowd generally engaged though. I will never forget the initial shock when a senator called for a point of order due to a mistake on my part. I was thrilled, and that is not a joke. Not only was the point of order correctly called, but it demonstrated that senators care for the integrity of the student senate and its work.
We have had a tremendously busy semester with 17 pieces of legislation heard; an executive council budget report; a presidential veto; meetings with Dr. Dub, Vocatio Center, and Dining Services; and much more. With a full agenda and a few surprises planned for our final session on April 25, it can be a lot to keep track of. Still, I speak on behalf of the student government’s executive cabinet when I say we could not be happier to see senators approach their work with ambition and enthusiasm. It means more work for us, but it also means the Senate is fulfilling its purpose, students have a voice and we can rest easy before we do it all again.
