UA debates students advocacy projects

A month ago, the Undergraduate Assembly proposed the Program for Student Advocacy, a plan to increase communication with its constituents. But UA members appear to be divided about the actual effectiveness of their efforts to communicate with the student body. Among the ideas which were included in the Program are: UA on Locust Walk, dinner with the UA, UA residential meetings and a UA e-mail account and newsgroup. At last Sunday night's full body meeting, the UA discussed the effectiveness of sitting outside on Locust Walk. After several members offered their varying positions about the idea, the body still seemed unable to reach a decision. UA Chairperson and Wharton junior Dan Debicella interrupted the discussion, saying ,"this group is too large to make a decision," and informed the members that the group's Steering Committee would meet this week to discuss the issue further. College sophomore and UA member Eden Jacobowitz said he believes sitting on the Walk will not accomplish much. "I don't think that sitting is doing any good," said Jacobowitz. "It sounds really beautiful but I don't see it happening." Regular and daily office hours were also discussed and implemented by the body at the beginning of the semester, Debicella said. "There is a UA member every day from 10 to 5," he said. "[They are] there to answer any questions people may have." UA Vice Chairperson Tamara Dubowitz said other methods of communicating with the student body were discussed at the Steering meeting, including dinner with UA members at dining halls. As a result, a survey will be handed out to students to gauge the level of efficacy of the UA's current efforts. "We want to get a survey out to as many people as possible and one method is Locust Walk," said Dubowitz, a College junior. But even Dubowitz questioned the effectiveness of UA members taking shifts of two hours each week to sit outside on Locust Walk to field questions students may have. "I think it's visually effective --the question is being verbally effective," she said. UA member and College junior Lance Rogers was scheduled to sit on the Walk this week. Although he said he did sit for an hour and a half with fellow UA member and Nursing sophomore Lisa Aspinwall, he admitted that no students came up to talk to them. "Yes I have sat on Locust Walk, but no, [students] didn't [approach us]," Rogers said. "I think it's a good idea but it needs to be taken more seriously by the UA and by the students," he added. Other members attribute the lack of results to the inclement weather. "Locust Walk went well as long as the weather was warm," Debicella said. "When it's cold, students don't want to stop to talk to you." Debicella said this semester's "random hours" are another reason why the UA's effort on the Walk may not have been as effective. He said "set hours would be better." UA member Manuel Calero said the UA will be out on the Walk until "it gets to the point when it's snowy or slushy." Referring to the plan for students to eat dinner with the UA at various dining hall locations, UA member Quang O said, "you cannot pay me to eat with the UA. I think it's kind of stupid. "If we were giving out free basketball tickets, then maybe we'll get people to talk to UA members," he added. Calero said he spoke with Dining Services Director Bill Canney, who approved the UA's plan to hold informal dinner conversations with students. According to the Engineering sophomore, the dinners will start next week at the latest, and will be held on numerous occasions at various dining halls. Jacobowitz expressed concern about the passivity of the advocacy program. "I don't think sitting around waiting is the best way," said Jacobowitz. "I think the best way is to advertise, maybe by constantly postering campus or by sending our e-mail addresses [to students]." Debicella said the UA is currently undergoing "a change to reach students on a person to person" level by having UA members visit residences personally to hand out surveys to students. "I'm happy about the revamping since it would have been me sitting on Locust Walk on a very cold day," he said.