The Student Association does not govern students and should not change its title to reflect that.

At Monday’s SA meeting, supporters of the change said the inclusion of “government” in the organization’s name would help students understand its role on campus. They also claimed that because SA handles student money and passes legislation affecting students, “government” is a proper title.

This potential name change is not a pertinent issue for SA right now. The name would not better define the organization’s role for students, as it is an inaccurate portrayal of its duties.

“Government” is defined as a group that controls and makes decisions for a body of people. This is not a fitting description for the organization. SA Parliamentarian Ben Jones pointed out at Monday’s meeting that the organization does not govern students. This is correct: SA does not actually control students.

An “association” is defined as a group of people organized for a joint purpose. For now, “Student Association” is a fitting title for the organization and its focus on campus.

This title change is a minor issue compared to the larger initiatives SA should be focusing on during its meetings. To date, this session has yet to achieve any large-scale initiatives that would help students’ perceptions of its abilities.

While a rebranding for the organization might be needed in the future, it should not be considered in the middle of a session.

Still, a title only holds so much significance for students. What matters most is how the organization acts on its authority. The best way for the organization to change how it’s perceived is to act on issues its members find pertinent to the university.

SA is more similar to a group of lobbyists that serves as a voice for the student body than it is to a government. It should maintain this vision and implement needed change, not worry about an aesthetic component to the organization.

Published on October 2, 2013 at 2:57 am

Contact: opinion@dailyorange.com