Recognizing the UGBC's accomplishments and failures The Undergraduate Government of Boston College deserves more credit. Building off of student suggestions, along with the laudable cooperation of BC Dining, the UGBC senate was able to bring the condiment pumps to Corcoran Commons. Now does UGBC deserve a "Thumbs Up"?
Following all the recent UGBC bashing by The Heights, I would expect that the newspaper would forget this tangible accomplishment, along with all the other contributions made by the UGBC to the student community.
Allow me to remind The Heights that it was the "arcane" senate that recently offered crucial co-sponsorships to Hoops for Hope, the student production of the Vagina Monologues, the club Figure Skating Team, and the Navajo Volunteer Corps.
It is the "failing" UGBC at large that presents the Christmas tree lighting, AHANA Leadership Council Showdown, and the Breaking the Barriers Ball. That is not to say that the UGBC does not have problems of its own. To editorialize the UGBC through a lens of negativity, however, not only performs a disservice to those UGBC members who serve their peers, but also stands far from the truth.
If The Heights is to truly hold up a mirror to the truth, it must remember the UGBC's accomplishments as well as its failings.
James Ng UGBC Senator, A&S '09
Simple UGBC election changes could boost voter turnout In response to Monday's editorial ("There's an election coming up?"), I wholeheartedly agree that there is far too much separation between the UGBC candidates and the voters, but a lack of effort by the candidates may not be the only reason. Some simple changes to the election process itself could go a long way.
For example, requiring all candidates running for the UGBC office to acquire a significant number of signatures from BC students would ensure higher voter contact in the early stages of the campaigns. It should be a requirement that to even appear on the ballot, candidates at least achieve some semblance of grassroots support. Secondly, a loosening on the restrictions on electronic means of campaigning would help students at least have the opportunity to learn something about the candidates if they are unable to meet them in person.
While we do want to limit spam and junk mail, I see no harm in a simple Facebook message providing a link to information candidate's on a Web site, and I think there are probably many who would appreciate the opportunity to learn about the candidates. Finally, the election calendar just seems to be too compacted. Three weeks isn't nearly enough time for any candidate to meet and have a sincere dialogue with 9,000 students, no matter how hard they try.
Charlie Curnow A&S '09
'The Heights Bar and Grill' would fill social void on campus As a result of a lack of a social student location where students can "hang out" and come together, I propose that Boston College installs a student-staffed restaurant/bar named The Heights Bar and Grill in a 2,000 square-foot-area.
The Heights B&G should be a classy yet college friendly bar adorned with BC colors and memorabilia. The establishment would serve food and alcohol consistent to restaurant chains such as Applebee's. The bar would include booths for eating, a dance floor, and multiple plasma TVs.
The bar would also give students the opportunity to work as waiters/waitresses, hosts, bartenders, and other needed positions to earn solid pay. BC police would detail weekend events for safety and legitimacy, and student-run organizations would be allowed to rent out this area to host functions. BC's close-knit community would empower this gathering place.
The Heights B&G students will only be allowed to use money and Eagle bucks to pay for the meals/drinks. This will increase revenues beyond the pre-paid meal card through the sale of food/alcohol, as well as rent from students wanting to reserve the area.
There is a perfect example of the on campus restaurant located in the Atlantic Coast Conference itself at the University of Miami called the "Rathskeller," as well as at Providence College (McPhails Bar).
The Heights Bar and Grill would be a competitive business in the Boston nightlife. BC's lack of a social area warrants the need of the B&G to fill this void and generate revenue.
Michael Vautour A&S '09
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