If more students campaigned, more would see benefits of Senate
Andrew Kindiger
Issue date: 4/17/08 Section: Opinions
Last Sunday, the first floor of Dobson Hall was congested with students who anxiously were awaiting the free pizza promised by signs scattered throughout the residence hall.
However, the long line of residents quickly dissipated as more people working their way back through the line affirmed that there was a catch. I knew free pizza was too good to be true and began to look for the quickest way out of the residence hall, expecting the line to soon lead to a church youth group meeting or a class registration seminar.
However, I soon found out that the catch was not as undesirable as I had anticipated. As the line shortened, students wearing blindfolds while eating slices of pizza without the ability to use their thumbs soon became visible through the glass of the main lounge.
The actual purpose of the free pizza was to help raise awareness for individuals with disabilities. Not everyone who had a slice of pizza was required to eat it with a disability, so only a few students had to experience the catch that had turned so many residents away.
I thought it was pretty unfortunate that an activity of this nature would not attract the interest of more people, but I became more frustrated as it became apparent there was absolutely no benefit for those who took the time to participate. As soon as people in the main lounge finished their pizza they left, and those who were asked to mimic a disability were simply asked to remove their blindfolds or continue eating like normal. There was no presentation or even an explanation for the gathering. The only realization reached by the clusters of confused students was that a slice of pizza was not going to suffice for Sunday dinner.
This failed interactive presentation is only one example of the University's problem with apathy from both students and organizations on campus. This Tuesday and Wednesday, students were supposed to vote for new Student Senate representatives, but only 905 students voted of the about 5,800 students at the University. But who could really blame them with only one person running for Senate president?
However, the long line of residents quickly dissipated as more people working their way back through the line affirmed that there was a catch. I knew free pizza was too good to be true and began to look for the quickest way out of the residence hall, expecting the line to soon lead to a church youth group meeting or a class registration seminar.
However, I soon found out that the catch was not as undesirable as I had anticipated. As the line shortened, students wearing blindfolds while eating slices of pizza without the ability to use their thumbs soon became visible through the glass of the main lounge.
The actual purpose of the free pizza was to help raise awareness for individuals with disabilities. Not everyone who had a slice of pizza was required to eat it with a disability, so only a few students had to experience the catch that had turned so many residents away.
I thought it was pretty unfortunate that an activity of this nature would not attract the interest of more people, but I became more frustrated as it became apparent there was absolutely no benefit for those who took the time to participate. As soon as people in the main lounge finished their pizza they left, and those who were asked to mimic a disability were simply asked to remove their blindfolds or continue eating like normal. There was no presentation or even an explanation for the gathering. The only realization reached by the clusters of confused students was that a slice of pizza was not going to suffice for Sunday dinner.
This failed interactive presentation is only one example of the University's problem with apathy from both students and organizations on campus. This Tuesday and Wednesday, students were supposed to vote for new Student Senate representatives, but only 905 students voted of the about 5,800 students at the University. But who could really blame them with only one person running for Senate president?
Viewing Comments 1 - 4 of 4
J
posted 4/17/08 @ 9:52 AM CST
Had Mr. Kindiger done his research, he would have found that there was, in fact, a presentation planned. However, with the surge of more than 60 people, it was difficult for one lone presenter to gather everyone up as they scattered themselves throughout the lounge and rest of the residence hall. (Continued…)
old man
posted 4/17/08 @ 7:03 PM CST
Well, if senate allowed non-senate members to run for president maybe more would run....
Joke Squad
posted 4/18/08 @ 3:10 AM CST
Student Senate is nothing more than a charade put on by the Truman administration so they can make students feel like they are doing something. In reality, Student Senate is in charge of menial tasks and events that simply keep the senators busy. (Continued…)
Robert
posted 4/18/08 @ 2:31 PM CST
I'm a Truman alumnus and I was involved with the student government for three years. I got involved because I was so frustrated with the fiscal irresponsibility of the student government of that day. (Continued…)
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