The Student Union Executive Board is finally making progress. Rather than allowing themselves to get caught up in the rhetoric that defined the Union’s Fall 2001 semester, the True slate has already made good on two of their campaign initiatives and begun well what could be a very productive year in the Union.

Union President Ethan Clay Tuesday night held his first open dinner, an idea intended to open the Union to all students in an informal setting. Though no students showed up, the fact that Clay followed through on his well-founded idea is important.

Clay made it clear Tuesday night that, should any students want to approach him, he will make himself available. It is important that the president of the largest student organization on campus is trying hard to make himself accessible.

The Union also published its first email newsletter Tuesday, further differentiating themselves from last year’s e-board by following through where the Real slate couldn’t. The newsletter, while not full of fancy fonts and graphics, was effective. They were able to inform the entire student body of the Union’s upcoming events and year-long initiatives using a simple, convenient medium.

Now it is time for the Union to build on their start. The Union should heavily publicize Clay’s weekly dinners and make them a good use of his time. Perhaps free food would be a good way to lure even BU’s most apathetic students to the sessions. If the idea is executed correctly, it could be a very effective way for students to voice their concerns.

But students also have a responsibility to take initiative and communicate with their student government. Student government will never be effective, no matter how dedicated the participants, if the greater student body continues to ignore their progress and initiatives. Their efforts can only go so far.

BU has been blessed this year with a Union Executive Board that appears ready and eager to seek out students and listen to their concerns. Now is the time for the rest of the student body to act.