The members of Student Congress will be executing the third (and hopefully successful) attempt at holding a forum tonight in Bingham Hall, room 103 at 6 p.m.
It is easy to make fun of Student Congress, but a lot of things it does are important and have a significant impact on the student body. Congress sets and appropriates a significant chunk of student fees, approves appointments and writes the Student Code.
Being a Student Congress representative isn’t always glamorous, but it can make a difference. Anyone who thinks otherwise should ask speaker Deanna Santoro about changes to the Student Congress districts, or ask Rules and Judiciary Committee Chairman Zach De La Rosa about his efforts to reform the student code one section at a time.
And tonight is a perfect — if rare — chance for students to engage in dialogue with their peers who are empowered to govern on their behalf.
We talk a lot about the lack of enthusiasm and dedication in Congress. But it’s a two-way street. Congress members are more motivated to do better when they receive feedback from their constituents. And, since they appropriate several hundred thousand dollars of student money, it’s a good idea to be informed.
And if you ever plan on running for office in UNC student government, Congress members are a great resource. Not only have they all participated in the elections process themselves; but they write the election rules too.
Significant issues going forward include student fees and graduate member participation — or lack thereof.
That Congress is trying to hold forum’s speaks to the right priorities for hearing from its constituents. But students have to care if it is to be effective.
