The Elm Student Newspaper
SGA to join Board of Visitors and Governors at luncheon
Cheryl McDaniel
Members of the SGA Executive Committee
and Senate will join board members for
a luncheon following the board's General
Meeting Saturday.
Photograph by Lauren McLoughlin, Elm photographer.
Saturday, December 2, members of the Student Government Association will join the Board of Visitors and Governors for lunch following the board's General Meeting. This event marks the first time in WC history that the the SGA has been invited to the board's luncheon.
"Each year we have arranged various meetings of student leaders with members of the Board of Visitors and Governors, but I believe the luncheon meeting ... may be the first time that we have invited the entire SGA Executive Committee and Senate to a meeting with Board members," stated President John Toll.
So far, no concerns have arisen with the invitation. Students and administrators alike are looking forward to the exchange of ideas.
"I am delighted that students are meeting with members of the board so the students' views are expressed directly to those who direct and assist the administration in setting the course for the College's future," commented Edward Maxcy, Associate Dean of students.
Professor and SGA Advisor Michael Harvey agreed. "I think this lunch is a terrific way to enhance communication, strengthen the college as a community," he commented. "Board members and students -- two groups that both care very deeply about the college -- will have a chance to talk, listen, and learn from each other. "
Jillian "Keeza" Matundan, SGA President, believes that communication will be a key aspect of the luncheon.
"It is my firm belief, and that of the executive committee of the SGA, that all of us -- students, faculty, administration, and board -- can only better our school and campus life by truly opening the doors of full communication.," she said. "This luncheon can only serve to better the interests of our entire Washington College community."
Since the Board of Visitors and Governors makes decisions that are key to WC, the SGA students attending the luncheon have a chance to voice their own concerns, as well as those of the entire student body.
SGA Vice President Ross Radish noted that the meeting "is a very important opportunity for the SGA and Washington College student body as a whole. We have the opportunity to directly express our comments and concerns to members of the Board for the first time."
Provost and Dean Joachim Scholz agreed. "I think it is an excellent idea and an exciting opportunity to have SGA members and board members meet for lunch," he said. "Both groups will quickly find out how much they have in common and how much they are united in their commitment to Washington College and its continuing improvement."
SGA Senator Christine Garrett is looking forward to this lunch meeting.
"I think this is a tremendous opportunity and a landmark in seeing that the relations between the students and board become strengthened.
"I feel it's important for the board to hear directly from the students what is going on here at WC," she continued. "Not only is it important, but it gives more meaning to what is happening on the campus and what is affecting us, as students."
If this first lunch meeting goes well, future gatherings of board members and students may occur.
"I am excited and honored for the opportunity we have this Saturday with the board," Radish said. "I hope to work to make this sort of meeting between students and the board more frequent. In fact, I am looking into offering the board the opportunity to attend one of our Senate meetings when they meet in the spring."
Toll concluded, "I realize that student leaders and board members have many demands on them and I am grateful to those who are willing to take the time to share their concerns and to get to know each other. I am hopeful that such meetings will bring forth new ideas on how to improve Washington College activities and will help to increase the strong sense of community that is special to this college."
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