During the Senate meeting on October 23, 2008, something crazy happened: the Senators were required to talk to some of their constituents for 30 minutes before the meeting proceeded with normal business.

In fact, I was interviewed by Senator Stopka during this period. Many of the questions prepared were the same questions I asked my survey population like, “Do you know what MUSG does?” and questions regarding the student activity fee.

I think that this is a step in the right direction for the Senate and so does the Legislative Vice President, Abraham Matthew. In fact, after two and a half years in the Senate, he pitched this idea.

He also noted that if this proved to be successful, it would be something that would continue in the future. Matthew also said that he was “proud and surprised” that the Senate was getting more done this year than he had ever seen before.

The information that the Senate has gathered will be drawn through the bureaucratic process and discussed within the different committees. It is a good thing that they have procured information from the students themselves to use, but it is important that the students take enough initiative to bring their concerns to the Senate because it looks more pressing to the members when an issue is important enough to seek reform.

On this day after we have all had the opportunity to exercise our civic right to vote, I encourage you all to step forward and ask for change you would like to see around campus directly.

Hopefully I will see you all at the next Senate meeting. I, as well as the Senate, anticipate your participation!

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