Student government aims to unite groups

Student government is trying to unite groups on campus with similar interests and goals.

Those in charge of bridging the gap between student government and student groups say communication could be stronger.

“Currently, we don’t think there is enough connecting going on,” said Brad Waters, student body outreach committee co-chairman. “It’s a two-way street. We need them, they need us.”

Ted Baxa, the committee’s other co-chairman, also emphasized communication between student government and student groups as an area for improvement.

“We are being ears, as well as a voice,” Baxa said.

Student Body President J.J. Raynor, cabinet members and the student body outreach committee are leading the initiative.

Tentative ideas include:

- Using representatives, called student leaders, who would go to groups and ask questions about what they are doing and if they need help with anything.

“It’s taking the interaction to a literal outreach,” Waters said. “It’s a lot more effective if we can directly start discussion.”

- Another idea is to have an event like Fall Fest where group leaders could look at information from other groups with similar interests.

- Lastly, Baxa said having councils made up of similar interest groups would help with preventing the overlap of ideas and help to utilize resources better.

Masala, an umbrella organization that unites more than 14 campus cultural groups, is an example of the type of council student government hopes to create.

Masala has worked as a connection between groups such as the Black Student Movement and Japan Club.

“It’s meant to be a support aspect,” said Masala President Sanjit Misra.

Masala Co-Vice President Anish Thakkar said the organization works as a vehicle by which groups can find out about what other similar groups are doing.

Masala also hosts international events throughout the year, including a multicultural fashion show, that bring together many of its groups.

One such event student government has held so far was a sustainability social Sept. 29. About 80 students in environmentally related groups gathered at the Campus Y to discuss current projects and how to better work together.

Baxa said student government is looking at feedback from students in the various groups about working together more efficiently.

“They are the life of the University,” Baxa said. “They play a huge part in what it means to be a Tar Heel in Chapel Hill.”

The co-chairmen of the student body outreach committee said student government also would be open to suggestions about how groups could work together.

“We hope over the next year to find a way to connect organizations that may not work together currently,” Waters said.



Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.