???The student body has spoken.
???After one of the most heated elections in recent memory, the undergraduate student body voted six of The Student Party's candidates and Jennifer Lewis of the Unified Party into office. Voiced on the promise of a divergence from the previous administration, the electoral winds of fate have put them in a unique position.
???Nearly 2,600 students voted in one of the biggest elections in recent memory. This speaks volumes in the importance of this election, as the previous administration ran unchallenged last year.
The new executive board showed much promise in their platform with plans of cutting the cost of textbooks, installing security cameras for campus safety, extending the UB Stampede bus service to 24 hours on weekends and instituting a steady and foreseen raise in tuition.
Though it all sounds amazing to get accomplished, the win carries with it a more important issue. They need to word hand-in-hand with the students. Though this seems simple, we've yet to see it truly done.
The promise of fiscal responsibility is welcoming - The Student Party has proposed to slash executive board stipends by $3,000 across the board. Cutting down on elaborate student-funded SA orientations is more than welcome as well.
At the end of the day, these seven students must not forget that they represent all of UB. They do not just stand for the clubs, but also the students who aren't acquainted with 350 Student Union and what it has to offer.
Representing UB is a full-time job. We need sincerity, not political ploys and double talk. We need our SA to make every student feel welcome. We need our leaders to reach out and help everyone in need and not just throw out handouts and positions to their friends.
The clock is ticking; we need action, not stagnation.
Use every minute of your term wisely and productively. Each of you has one year to repair SA's broken image in the eyes of the students.
Most importantly, you need to lay a new foundation for future UB students. You need to help SA build, grow and flourish.
Every party promised better lines of communication with the student body. Keep that promise not just in office hours, but in every opportune moment, walking from class to class or while in the Student Union having lunch.
Don't assume that SA's only job is to keep the clubs happy and book acts to play Fall Fest and Spring Fest - providing student leadership to an ever-evolving university is essential.
Never back down from a challenge with UB's administration if they aren't acting in the student's best interest. Take the fight head on and contest their plans with a suitable alternative that is acceptable by students.
In that fight, we will see new, bold leadership ready for all the challenges that may arise.
Good luck.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
