The Daily Campus

Issue date: 3/16/09 Section: Commentary

When you think of the Undergraduate Student Government, what first pops into your head? Is it the T-shirts everyone has, or maybe just some more UConn spam filling up your Huskymail? Many students think along these lines, although these are admittedly trivial attributes to our government. As for what USG actually does in its meetings and how the members run and represent the student body, only those on the inside really understand. However, the corrupt and unjust nature of our current student government is becoming clearer as the disputes between the senators and Comptroller Jason Ortiz continue to escalate.

Ortiz has made many appearances within The Daily Campus over the past month for issues regarding paintball funding and even a proposed impeachment. But while extremely frustrated with USG's behavior, he still holds his position as comptroller - and rightfully so. The student government is increasingly failing to represent the needs of the student body by making poor decisions with the recent budget cuts and tuition increase, poor decisions led - and occasionally fully decided - by President Meredith Zaritheny, according to Ortiz.

Zaritheny, having taken over after Ryan McHardy's resignation, has arguably been doing a terrible job as USG president. The current tuition survey and town hall meeting, both to get the opinion of the students, were basically just a show since she had already decided on Option C. Ortiz recalls her blatantly telling members including himself that, regardless of the results, she was going to pick "C" anyway. Whether she did the town hall meeting and survey just for show or not, the very idea that she could care so little for students' time or opinions is an insult.

In addition, the survey results had serious flaws with the number of responses - about 1,500 more than the total number of students on the Storrs campus. The president of the student body should know how many students she represents, and should have seen the problem.

The leaders of USG are out of touch with the student body - and it seems like they are well aware of it. Ortiz said that some of the leaders are more focused on building up their resumes and network of contacts, while trying to improve the reputation of the students. Yes, our reputation as a highly ranked public university with hardworking students does need to be upheld, however, that does not directly help to fund needy groups or support victimized members. Also, while students can attend Senate meetings and voice their opinions, Ortiz has seen some disrespect by USG when listening to students' opinions.

USG is in serious trouble and students are the only ones who can do something about it. Any student can run for office, any student can help fix these structural problems. Those who have lost faith in our leaders should run and hit the current team where it hurts by voting them out.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools