Congress committee aims to reach students

Getting back in touch with the student body and redefining its role are two key goals for this session of Student Congress’ Student Affairs Committee.

The group — which leaders said struggled to sculpt its identity last term — is seeking to infuse life back into the committee.

In addition to tackling problems such as campus parking and transportation, the newly formed Student Affairs Committee discussed a need to reunite student government officials with the student body during its first meeting Tuesday evening.

“This year, we have not been as connected with the student body as we should be,” said Luke Farley, speaker of Congress. “We need to push to reconnect students and their representatives.”

Both former Speaker Charlie Anderson and Emma Hodson, SAC chairwoman, said the committee was not as effective as possible in working with students’ issues this year because of a lack of legislation and an increase in select committees.

“This year, it was difficult for student affairs to find their niche,” Anderson said. “We need to be getting out there and pulling issues from students next year.”

SAC members should proactively address issues that are important to students before they turn into problems. The committee also acts as a check for the student body president, Anderson said.

Although some say the SAC failed to connect with students and the issues that are important to them during the 86th session, officials are hopeful that new leaders will be more effective in creating a voice for the student body.

Younger representatives and more active leaders are crucial to improving the committee, Hodson said.

Farley also said securing strong committee members will rejuvenate SAC.

“This new committee will be more active and vibrant,” he said.

One issue committee members already have begun to address is the renovations to Morrison Residence Hall, Farley said. SAC is working to help students relocate to other campus halls such as Odum Village, which will be open to undergraduates for the first time in the fall.

Members of SAC also are brainstorming other ideas to tackle during this session.

Farley said some of the biggest issues are increasing awareness of sexual harassment, creating more rooms for clubs and organizations and locating more field space for intramural athletics.

Improving campus parking and transportation and beautifying the campus also are issues scheduled to be addressed during this session.

“This year, we are going to do as much as we can to help students,” Hodson said. “But still it is up to students to come to us.”

Contact the University Editor at udesk@unc.edu.