Riled Senate needs to recalibrate

Student Government Association’s members can’t properly represent their constituents if they are unable to conduct themselves with decorum. Candidates have touted student leadership and have pressed for further student involvement, but the Senate’s incumbent and prospective student delegates were unable to control themselves from improper outbursts.

The SGA election trial Monday night was the pinnacle of its disparate image: an organization that waves the banner of student service while effectively ignoring them. The bottom line of the entire election process — campaigning, filing complaints, voting — should be to serve students. When officials disrespect, bicker and intentionally discredit each other, not only do they trample on the fledgling image of SGA, but students, too, are at a loss.

Those involved with SGA are expected to be the collective voice of all Cougars on campus, cooperating with administrators, faculty and staff across this vast expanse we call our University. Coupled with our growing national acclaim and push for Tier One in all areas, the time for effective student collaboration has never been more urgent.

But rather than focus on the bigger picture, SGA has been riddled with petty disputes that have derailed the organization from its mission of “empowering” students, especially during this time of rapid change. When members are at war with each other, students are the ones left in the rubble.