2008 Woodie Awards
USG carries great responsibility at BGSU
But the governing body isn't perfect, some find flaws in USG visibility and issues
By: Ryan Sullivan
Issue date: 3/26/08 Section: In Focus
Not everyone within the campus community feels as if the USG is doing all it can to protect the interests of the students.
Even some current and former faculty members say they feel as if the USG is not strong enough to represent the student body.
Professor emeritus Errol Lam said USG needs to unite more to stand up for student rights.
"Some people you will talk to say the USG is great," Lam said. "But I think the USG should be more effective and assertive."
He said the biggest problem the student government faces is its lack of visibility. Because of this, he feels the group doesn't truly represent the voice of the students like it needs to, to represent their best interests.
"USG hasn't identified with the students," Lam said. "Every year, the people running for president say they will do more to make the USG more well known and every year it doesn't happen."
Lam said he doesn't feel like students and organizations can go to USG because their problems are always redirected out to some other group or committee.
Lam cited the parking issues as something he feels the USG should be doing more about.
"Parking is a disgrace," Lam said. "How could [USG] let something like this go by? Why can't USG take the initiative and go to parking? It would show something to the students."
Lamb said the addition of being in USG to a resume, especially if elected to a higher position within the group, is another problem the group faces.
"They know before they run it is going to be on their resume," Lamb said. "If you were to say don't put this on your resume, most people won't run. I can't accuse everyone of doing this, but it might partially effect some people."
USG vice-president Nick Gamero is one of the people working hard, attempting to fix the problems Lam brought up.
"We are in the negotiations stage to keep rollover for students," Gamero said.
The best way to help the USG get things done is through strength in numbers and by getting the average student more involved he said.
Even some current and former faculty members say they feel as if the USG is not strong enough to represent the student body.
Professor emeritus Errol Lam said USG needs to unite more to stand up for student rights.
"Some people you will talk to say the USG is great," Lam said. "But I think the USG should be more effective and assertive."
He said the biggest problem the student government faces is its lack of visibility. Because of this, he feels the group doesn't truly represent the voice of the students like it needs to, to represent their best interests.
"USG hasn't identified with the students," Lam said. "Every year, the people running for president say they will do more to make the USG more well known and every year it doesn't happen."
Lam said he doesn't feel like students and organizations can go to USG because their problems are always redirected out to some other group or committee.
Lam cited the parking issues as something he feels the USG should be doing more about.
"Parking is a disgrace," Lam said. "How could [USG] let something like this go by? Why can't USG take the initiative and go to parking? It would show something to the students."
Lamb said the addition of being in USG to a resume, especially if elected to a higher position within the group, is another problem the group faces.
"They know before they run it is going to be on their resume," Lamb said. "If you were to say don't put this on your resume, most people won't run. I can't accuse everyone of doing this, but it might partially effect some people."
USG vice-president Nick Gamero is one of the people working hard, attempting to fix the problems Lam brought up.
"We are in the negotiations stage to keep rollover for students," Gamero said.
The best way to help the USG get things done is through strength in numbers and by getting the average student more involved he said.
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