The Issue: Elections for UGBC leadership coming soon What we think: We need assertive, creative leadership
The Undergraduate Government of Boston College (UGBC) is this University's most far-reaching student organization, with a budget totaling nearly $500,000, unique access to administrators, and the ability to implement new policy and address student concerns. As elections for the UGBC leadership approach, it is important to step back and look at qualities necessary to lead a student body of over 9,000.
As the candidates declare themselves in the next week and debate the pressing issues on campus, it is important to search for those who will take their positions of authority seriously and conduct themselves with the highest professionalism.
Looking back at this past year, candidates would do well to take UGBC President Jenniffer Castillo, A&S '08, and Vice President Dan Sievers, A&S '08, as a model for their campaign. Castillo and Sievers have excelled thus far in their term, with student programming being especially commendable. This year saw the return of the fall concert after a four-year hiatus as well as the approaching Funny or Die Comedy Tour, headlined by Will Ferrell.
After a relatively docile semester for administration-student relations, we cannot forget to look for a candidate who will actively represent the opinions of students on campus. It is still extremely important for the UGBC to fight for student issues, especially with the emergence of new concerns regarding off-campus housing guidelines and the implementation of the Master Plan. Leaders must also be sensitive to enduring issues, particularly those related to the AHANA and GLBT communities on campus. The students of this University have a great stake in these, among other issues, and it is imperative that the leaders of the student body function as both mouthpiece and muscle.
As this year's UGBC elections inch closer, it is important to support candidates that understand their function as leaders, those who are ready to meet the challenges at hand, and those who can effectively operate the UGBC machine while adequately representing the student body before administrators. This is no light task, but enterprising BC students have taken the reins for many decades before with great enthusiasm and ability. The Heights looks forward to covering these candidates and their visions for the future of BC.
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