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Student activists unite on new blog page
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Students who have a beef with Student Activities, or wish to collaborate to create positive change on campus, have a new Web hangout. The fledgling blog, “BSU Student Action,” is eager to hear from students and Boise State administrators.
BSU Student Action invites readers to submit posts up to 250 words about struggles their organization has faced, with supporting documentation. The blog encourages administrators to respond to whatís posted in order to create dialogue and to collaborate on positive change.
BSU Student Action’s mission statement states, “Often, students are not aware of how policies and rules have been shifted, or of how changes in budgets and authority have been made or implemented. We see the effects, and some of these are positive, some negative. This page is a place for students at Boise State to document and share what has happened in our organizations. Post your comments and information regarding funding, rules, and situations you have come up against.”
It goes on to say, “We have a voice, we can be heard. Let us know what’s been going, we will be using this information and the support of students and organizations as we request a meeting with administrators to reform bad practices and protect students.
Boise State student and Director of the Volunteer Services Board, Rebecca Ames, created the blog. The following Q & A sheds light on why she hopes BSU Student Action will bring students and administrators together to start a conversation.
SM: What is the purpose of the blog?
RA: Students in clubs and organizations need to be able to evaluate Student Activities and address issues that come up and we don’t have a very effective way to do that right now. BSU Student Action is a place to get on the same page, figure out what are real issues facing all of us, and to create a strong push for revision and change for the better.
SM: What inspired you to
make it?
RA: From talking to students from different clubs and orgs, common issues kept coming up. Involved students have such valuable insights into how to make our University work better for more students. I wanted a dedicated place for everyone to connect. We have something special here at BSU, which is the ability to get real experience and leadership opportunities. But we have to claim our voice and get organized to be effective. I want to see clubs protected and thriving on campus. Working with the administration, with the support of all our experience combined, will do that.
SM: What will you do with the information and concerns of students collected?
RA:I would love to take students’ experiences, ideas and suggestions to the administration to support positive change. From talking with students it looks like the main issues facing Student Activities are: keeping student fees accountable to students and creating a meaningful way to challenge and evaluate administrative decisions made on our behalf. Student needs will likely evolve as we continue to talk with our administrators we need an ongoing dialogue with the university to keep growing and growing well. Students can collect and compare experiences and get on the same page for doing that.
SM: There is a list of student organizations who support the blog and its purpose on your site. What role do they play?
RA: Because the role of this blog is to coordinate all the organizations under Student Activities with our administration, the visible support of clubs and orgs is key. It shows support for changes addressing the needs of students. We are stronger if we are together, our voices are better heard ñ plus, the more organizations that pledge support, the more likely we will make changes that benefit everybody. The blog is neutral and here to advance all student clubs and organizations, as well as opportunities for every student. Support us we support you.
SHANNON MORGAN
Editor-in-Chief
