Six of one, half a dozen of another - it's not so much who won the Student Association Executive Board election, more so than it is what actions they take once in office.
SA has a history of controversial leaders whose personal affiliations more often than not interfere with sound, unbiased leadership. The result is always a series of foolish decisions that give the organization an appalling reputation.
All it takes is some common sense, an ethical mindset, and a little effort.
Fulfillment of your campaign promises is paramount - your job, however, involves far more.
Remember, you each represent the student body... ALWAYS.
Your every word, in or out of the university setting, is a reflection of your peers. Local policy issues right here at UB and within SA are what matters - your personal beliefs on national and international issues ought to stay personal when they infringe on rights of fellow students to feel comfortable during their careers at UB.
Don't burn bridges.
Past leaders have gone out of their way to smear other student leaders, but instead, perhaps it would be best focus on the positive. Other than correcting them, don't concentrate on the mistakes of the past - it will do you no good to dwell on the negative. A constructive mindset and an upbeat attitude will allow for progress and provide for the betterment of the student body.
Change takes time and patience, so get to work early.
Each year, it seems that by the time new SA leaders settle in, it's nearly time to start campaigning for the following year - everyone needs to be ready to come together from day one.
SA administrations have just one year to fix the mistakes handed to them, follow through with agendas, and lay the groundwork for the subsequent year. Do so wisely, and don't hesitate to be proactive. Work on the 2007-2008 academic year should begin the moment the election results are revealed - not on May 1 when the new administration officially takes office.
Keep lines of communication with the student body open. So often, elected leaders neglect those who put them in office. Make yourselves visible to the students, address concerns facing you constituents, and don't be afraid to redefine your role as an elected leader - Step out of the proverbial box and take on new tasks.
Accepting the traditional belief that SA's elected officials are to exclusively address club issues and what bands to bring for Fall and Spring Fest is wrong and downright foolish. Sound leadership in a diverse university setting involves far more.
SA leaders should not turn a blind eye to academic concerns facing the student body - and we're not talking keeping Capen Library open 24/7.
They should feel empowered to stand up for students on such issues as the abrupt discontinuation of the School of Management's minor program and similar academic matters.
Don't balk when it comes to confronting UB's administrative leaders when decisions are made that aren't in the students' best interests. Instead, challenge the administration and hold their feet to the fire. Demand answers and reasonable solutions that favor those being shafted by the powers that be.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
