The WSA presidential debate this Saturday was remarkable, not for its stimulating dialogue or witty banter, but for the fact that a mere sixteen people—most of them WSA members—showed up. News of the debate did not reach most of the campus until the night before the event. Aside from poor communication, the decision to hold the debate on a Saturday afternoon, at the same time as Buttstock no less, was completely nonsensical.
The WSA should be held directly responsible for this low turnout. Last year, the primary re-election platform for most WSA candidates was transparency, bringing greater attention to the workings of student government on campus. Saturday’s debate was a perfect example of how that promise has been unfulfilled.
Unfortunately, this is not an isolated failing of the WSA. Rather, it is one of numerous problems that have occurred throughout the year. Their primary responsibility next year should be to find a way to increase involvement and input by students not affiliated with the WSA.
One positive decision made by the WSA is the introduction of periodic e-mail reports to the student body. However, this is only one of many possible steps needed in order to include the entire campus in important debate. Most students cannot name who their representatives are. More still would probably have difficulty explaining what the role of the WSA president actually is. There is a cyclical pattern emerging where WSA elections are followed by minimal involvement with the student body, followed by WSA elections. Improving visibility is not easy, but needs to be tackled. Instead of waiting for students to come to them, members should instead seek out advice across campus. Committee chairs should report periodically on their progress and attempt to involve non-WSA members. Representatives should also hold office hours in visible places on campus. We know that the WSA is making very important decisions on campus, but are they adequately representing their constituents?
The result of events like Saturday’s debate will likely increase the general apathy of students regarding WSA elections. This is unfortunate; we hope the student body proves us wrong during this week’s voting.
We frequently complain that the Administration is stifling dialogue on campus. It is a sad day when our own student representatives contribute to the silence.
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