Students have different opinions about how effective student government is. Some argue that student government has the students' interests at heart, but others feel that it does not make enough effort to reach students.

However, other students expressed concern that student government does not communicate well with the student body.

"I don't think that our student government communicates with the student body very well at all in terms of the changes that students would like to see," said sophomore Megan Horner. "I rarely seem to know what they're working on, discussing or trying to change."

Some students, like sophomore Leslie Schmidt, see little value in student government.

"It seems like the student government is more of a formality than a driving force," she said.

Other students know very little about what student government does.

"I don't know anything about student government," said freshman Dwight Ellick. "I don't know what they do or who they are."

Student government holds office hours and opens up Student Senate meetings to the public, but students feel that these opportunities are not advertised well enough.

"Voicemails, e-mails, or signs in the dorms letting students know when representatives are available to discuss issues would be a big help," said Horner. "I get e-mails occasionally from my class council about social events, but that's about it."

Despite complaints about a lack of campus presence, most students feel that student government does try to keep the students' interests at heart.

"I give them a lot of credit," said senior Eric Carpenter. "Even if changes come slowly, student government still helps improve student life."

Students also believe that student government's apparent lack of campus presence has to do with the control they feel the administration imposes on student government.

"They want to accomplish great things for the students but get hindered by the higher powers," Carpenter said, adding that he believes student government works hard for the students.

"They have a hard job to do," he said. "If given completely free reign [by the administration], imagine what they could do."

Many students, in fact, agree that the power of student government is limited, and these students appreciate any changes it can effect.

"I was surprised and pleased to see that they helped get the Dean's List requirements clarified for students," said sophomore Michael Sanchez. "I usually don't put a lot of stock in student governments, so it was nice to see that they do have some sort of influence."

Moreover, students generally appreciate the work the officers put in.

"I think the student government has very limited power, but they work hard to accomplish some things," said Schmidt. "I appreciate their hard work even if changes come about slowly."

Many students say they would like to see student government take on issues such as parietals, the bookstore prices and football ticket distribution. Other suggestions were a bit more creative.

"I'd like to see [Student Government] start a dating service," said sophomore Laura Sech.

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