Students wanting to vote in the 2008 Student Government Association Election won't have a difficult decision to make, because no one is on the ballot.
The SGA Convention on Monday was the first time in more than 10 years no slate announced its intensions to run for the SGA Executive positions. This result led multiple SGA leaders scrambling to find answers and SGA announcing the convention has been postponed until next week.
Congratulations SGA, you've almost hit rock bottom with not one individual interested in holding executive office. And congratulations Ball State University students, you now have hit a new level of apathy for campus-level politics.
There are several reasons for why no slate has formed, ranging from SGA's last significant legislation being passed when Joey Lynch was the Cardinals' starting quarterback to students being interested in other things in their lives. All of these reasons are valid and have contributed to the potential anarchy within the student government.
However, instead of spending this week before the next SGA Convention thinking about all reasons why this problem occurred, think about what SGA means to this university.
To many people, SGA does great things for Ball State and needs to continue to do so for the average student's benefit. For instance, during this term in office, Team U.N.I.T.E.D. helped extended the Blue Loop and will increase the storage space in students' school e-mail accounts in the summer.
Often, these minor things benefiting students can be overlooked, which leads to the perspective SGA accomplishes nothing and is just a puppet government in the university's bureaucracy.
Whatever your viewpoint is, think about it and be prepared to live with the decision.
If you feel SGA is pointless don't encourage someone you know to start a slate.
Don't complain next school year, though, if the university attempts to pass something you don't support, because without SGA students will lose one potential avenue where positive change can occur.
On the other hand, if you feel SGA is important to the student body, run yourself or encourage someone you know to form a slate. Now is the time when anyone who wants to make a difference at university will have a shot. Even smaller organizations, such as hall councils, have the ability to launch grass-root campaigns, get enough signatures to be a recognized slate and win the SGA elections.
Not being involved in SGA does not mean you are completely apathetic toward all forms of politics.
However, think about how important SGA is to the university. Think about if you'll be OK next year without an SGA president. Then make your decision, because at this point SGA needs four individuals to step up and assume the leadership.
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