Wednesday, January 31, 2007

Barry Howe--SA President?

My most important qualification is commitment. I believe in Southern's administration, academic departments, and surrounding community, and I believe in you, the Student Body of SAU. Therefore, I am committed. Committed to the inspiration that lies latent in a truly great university community

I'm not trying to butter up our school, but we can't make positive change by focusing on the negative. Suppose someone said
SAU sucks! The administration exterminates anything approaching freedom of thought. There are tons of ridiculous restrictions on campus, and liberal Christianity is about as common as mustard in the cafe.

Here's my answer:
The student body is part of a university community. The administration makes the rules, not students. However, as essential members in the SAU community, students can bring positive change!
I am not running for the limelight. I'm running because I believe in community. I believe that Southern would be the greatest University in the world if it was totally committed to community.

I want an SAU community that is so close, students can cause real and meaningful change. I can't do that on my own, but I've made a commitment. Will you?

Platform

An honor code for SAU
Continue the program outlined by the conscientious Hermann Bros

Food on the go for people who have class through the lunch hour, offered on the Promenade from 11:50 to 12:30.

Blankets for cold fire-drill nights The RA’s and Student senators would be responsible for distribution and collection.

Problem/solution boxes
(In the Cafe)

1) Week one: everyone could either write their own problem, or check a problem from a list provided on a small card. The cards would be dropped in the problem box.
2) Week two: The Student Association would post the top 3 most common problems on a new solutions box. People would write their solutions to the top 3 problems.
3) Week three: The Student Association would post the best solutions.
4) Week four: The Student Association would report on progress made toward fixing the problems

Student Voice
A SA Senate meeting where any student gets the chance to present a proposal.

Guys + Girls social location once a month, free food and fun provided by clubs/student services and Student Services, Campus Ministries, and Local churches. An opportunity for students to get involved in their community

Tutoring from upperclassmen on a individual sign up basis
Academic department pays upperclassmen with a B+ average or higher to offer a certain number of tutoring hours. This offers the advantage of increased scheduling flexibility

Online community service directory consisting of the following categories:
1) Clubs offering community service , (for non-members too)
2) Local churches offering community service/jobs/internships/other opportunities or ministries
3) Campus ministries options
4) Contact information for local community services

Institute Southern Sabbath
Southern Sabbath would be a team effort put on by all the student-led ministries and clubs on campus, with a special emphasis on outreach—i.e. spreading genuine, authentic Christianity outside of happy valley. Southern Sabbath could be held at the Collegedale church, but other locations would work as well.