The University’s student leadership is disconnected from the student body, said Interim System President and Chancellor William “Bill” Jenkins on Tuesday at the “Chats with the Chancellor” forum held for students in the Student Union.
The forum was the second of two events Jenkins held to allow students and faculty to voice their concerns about University issues, and the first forum on March 20 was primarily for faculty. The main focus of Tuesday’s chat was the dissonance between the University’s student leaders and most of the student body, which Jenkins and students in attendance said is one of the primary concerns dividing the campus.
“We’ve got to solve this,” Jenkins said. “It’s never a good thing having student leadership that’s disconnected.”
The recent Student Government election process is one of multiple events that have created controversy and frustration within the University community, said ISDS sophomore Bryce Bourgeois.
“My main concern is Student Government and the way it’s viewed on campus because obviously students aren’t doing the best job,” Bourgeois said. “Stuff like this really hurts the reputation of Student Government. There’s a low regard for SG.”
SG President Taylor Cox said Student Media, especially The Daily Reveille, contributes to the problem by not covering the positive things SG does.
Jenkins said he was worried about University student leadership in general. The discourse among student organizations is the main issue with the University’s student leadership, he said.
“Do you think we’re doing all right?” Jenkins said. “I’m concerned about student leadership.”
History junior Rachel Rhodes said The Reveille’s opinion columns confused students about what happened during the SG election season.
The controversy surrounding this semester’s election contributed to students’ frustration and apathy regarding SG, especially about voting in the second election, Rhodes said.
Students need to get involved and add to the mix of voices within the realm of student leadership, Jenkins said. Being involved is a benefit to students and having a more diverse group of student leaders is better for the student body as a whole, he said.
Students in attendance said the perception of certain communities around campus is a result of opinions that have created a negative perception. Mass communication freshman Brian Rees said there’s an “us-versus-them mentality” between Greek and non-Greek students, especially on SG tickets.
Some students believe their vote doesn’t mean anything because Greek students will support one another regardless of other issues, Rees said.
Jenkins said he does not want the Greek community to be divisive.
“It’s not an issue,” Rhodes said. “It’s a stereotype we’re trying to escape.”
“We’ve got to solve this. It’s never a good thing having student leadership that’s disconnected.”
