Editorial: What we want from a student president

With Student Senate elections rapidly approaching, the editorial staff of the Fiat Lux found itself in a peculiar predicament. In some previous years, the staff not only covered all candidates, but also endorsed one in this section.

The current staff, however, has realized that there is something of greater importance regarding Student Senate nominations. That is, that we express to the community in general and the candidates specifically what it is that we are looking for in a Student Senate president and vice president.

While we in no way pretend to speak on the behalf of the entire student body (as the Student Senate is aimed to do) and mean no disrespect to current and past officers, we have agreed upon some characteristics that we view as ideal.

First and foremost, we are looking for a president and vice president who will interact regularly with the University administration. The student body needs a liaison to those who run and regulate the campus.

Our college, like many others in the country, is in a difficult phase at this moment. Now more than ever, we require those that represent the student body to share our perspective with the administrators, and we're certain they wouldn't mind the opportunity to pass information back.

This point leads us to our second desire. There is no need for any student representative to put students and administration in binary opposition to each other. We have noticed the tendency of some members of the Student Senate to unnecessarily act as if those in positions of power are the latter. We should work together to move Alfred forward, not target one another and be divisive.

We also want a candidate who views Student Senate as a top priority. Despite our frequent complaints of student apathy, we do have some very active students. It seems only natural to vote for a person that you have heard of, and of course you're more likely to have heard of someone if they are active.

However, running for a position is not a satisfactory display of commitment; if you regularly miss the meetings you should be running, offer no constructive proposals or complain that Student Senate is little more than the "Club ATM," then you are not committed to Student Senate. Many students are busy, and involvement in multiple aspects of life is not a bad thing, but Student Senate should be especially important to those who run it.

This desire leads us to point No. 4: have a platform. Take a position on something, and, even more importantly, do something.

Student Senate should not be a forum to complain about the broken lights or numerous potholes on campus; it is meant to accomplish something on behalf of the student body. Create a platform, whether it be regarding residence halls, dining halls, parking permits or any other aspect of student life and actually attempt to make a difference.

We have a history of innovation on our campus, so why not carry on the tradition?