THEIR OPINION

By Aaron 'Jack' Wylie

As this semester comes to a close your Student Government is just getting started. Since last May, a small number of elected and appointed students started doing the work of what was intended for many more. It took a great deal of effort and time, but at last a special election was held. Finally, the eleven vacant positions have been filled, and the SGA can begin to function as it was intended. To those who have served since the Spring, the time and effort that you spent was invaluable to the future of the SGA. Thank you. The full group can now share the immense responsibility that was held by those who were elected in the spring.

To all students, I am truly honored to have this chance to be your president, and I am pleased to see so many dedicated students serving with me. We have much to do in very little time, but I know that the people you have elected will serve you well, and fulfill the oath they have taken.

The SGA has three main goals that must be accomplished during our term: We must continue to build relationships with the student body, and ensure that their voice is heard. We must assert ourselves at the State Legislature so that Metro continues to be a funding priority. We will continue to work with the Administration of Metro to continue to foster growth and to better the resources that this great institution provides.

To accomplish this, we need your help. There are around 60 committees that have vacant seats for students. These committees make the decisions that directly affect you and the other students of this school. Whatever you may be interested in, there is a place where your voice is needed.

Your SGA representatives will be meeting with state legislators to remind them, if needed, of Metro's importance and value. At this moment, the future of higher education is uncertain. Referendum C passed, yet Metro may see little if any of that money. The voters made it clear that higher education must be a funding priority, but as it now stands, the money intended for us may be used for other things. We as students must assert ourselves to our state representatives, and emphasize the importance of affordable, quality education. We cannot sit by and let the money approved by voters-for us-to be taken away.

I propose this to you, the student body: Come stand with us, your Student Government, and let your voice be heard. Though your life is hectic and demanding, if you can, take some time to get involved. Your school needs you. The well-being of all current students, as well as those in the future, depends on someone standing up to act. Not all students are able to give their time, but those students who do would be a tremendous asset. Think about it, and come by the Student Government office, Tivoli 307. We would love to have your help.

Aaron "Jack" Wylie is Metro's new SGA president. He may be reached at aqylie@mscd.edu