EDITORIAL: Time for a change

The University shouldThe University shouldreevaluate which under-The University shouldreevaluate which under-graduates sit on UniversityThe University shouldreevaluate which under-graduates sit on UniversityCouncil.The University shouldreevaluate which under-graduates sit on UniversityCouncil.____________________________ The Council is currently comprised of administrators, faculty members, staff, graduate and undergraduate students. All undergraduates are theoretically represented by the 15 Undergraduate Assembly members who also serve on the Council. The UMC has claimed that its concerns are not sufficiently advocated by the UA; therefore, it should be given a seat on the Council. But if the UMC is given a permanent position on the Council, then why shouldn't groups like Hillel, the Newman Center, the Performing Arts Council or the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual Alliance also warrant similar positions? These groups also would like a more powerful voice on campus. The UMC's argument does, however, raise a valuable question -- do 15 UA members provide ample representation for all undergraduates, especially when only 13 percent of undergraduates voted in the last UA election? Obviously not. We encourage the University to revise how the undergraduate members of the Council are selected, so that a more diverse group of undergraduates will have the opportunity to take part in the many important decisions made by the Council. Currently for an undergraduate to participate in the Council, he or she must be a UA member. While this requirement has some merit because the UA is the undergraduate's representative body, it should not be exclusive. Not all undergraduate participation should be limited to the UA. We suggest that five positions remain allocated for UA members -- the chairperson and the top vote-getters from each of the four undergraduate schools in the most recent UA election. The other 10 positions, now given to UA members, should become at-large positions for which any undergraduate can apply. Applications could be submitted to the Nominations and Elections Committee who would then select the 10 undergraduates best qualified to serve on the Council. Implementing this type of system maintains the presence of the undergraduate student government, and simultaneously provides more opportunity for those who feel underrepresented to participate. The University should not simply offer permanent positions to any particular group, but it should present avenues for a wider array of student groups to become part of the process if they so choose. Revamping the current system to include at-large positions allows for greater participation by the UMC and other organizations, and will better mirror the true make-up of the undergraduate student body.