Being one in a student body of about 16,000 people often prompts the notion that the actions of one will not affect the majority. Unfortunately, this appeared to be at the forefront of many students’ minds when they saw only one established slate running for executive office for Student Union elections. In a student population of so many, why was it that so few were willing to step up to an opportunity to engage with the university? The answer is most likely found in the scepticism we have developed as we witness bureaucracy, failed aspirations and dashed hopes fall, promoting the conception that no matter how passionate you are about change, administrative blockades will ensure none is achieved.
Fortunately, one slate is better than none and this year’s contender, Be Unleashed, aims to shed these preconceived notions of distrust and hopelessness that have permeated our student body. The slate originated through conversation, and aptly enough their ethos includes driving forward conversations regarding issues that students are passionate about. The dream of finally having 24-hour study spaces for all students on campus is one that Be Unleashed anticipates working toward in the next six months. Gender-neutral housing and student input on tuition allocation are also important talking points the slate aims not only to converse about, but to yield tangible results in making these goals a reality.
While these are laudable ambitions, voters are looking to see individuals in leadership roles that are capable of pursuing tasks and ideas to their end and not succumbing at signs of difficulty. While Be Unleashed has certainly outlined its intentions for being a strong advocate of delivering results, the next six months will reveal whether intentions match actions. The drive, ambition and determination are all accounted for; now, the future leaders of Student Union have the formidable task of proving to students and to themselves that student government is and should be considered a capable organization that actually has a say in how BU operates. The slate has observed examples in other colleges such as the University of Virginia and Mount Holyoke College, both of which arguably provide more power to students in making administrative decisions and promote active transparency in college operations.
Conversely, despite extensive research and a variety of capabilities each candidate on the slate brings to the table, a distinguishing characteristic that should instill some faith in the slate is that the nominees accept that they do not hold all the answers. Instigating a consistent relationship with the administration requires some aggression; respect and communication are not concepts that can be achieved if both parties are not invested in furthering the partnership.
Due to existing precedents, until students notice administrative attention increase regarding issues that affect them, retaining faith in the existing system will be viewed as naïve. Be Unleashed as a slate have been thorough in planning how to engage leaders across a myriad of communities and the administration; it is now up to them to step up to the responsibility associated with claiming a stake in collegiate politics inside and outside the boardroom. Hopefully, with a bit of luck and an enormous amount of hard work and dedication, the slate and the community can make these promises count.
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