2008 Woodie Awards
Expect More Of The Same From USG
Our Opinion
Issue date: 4/22/08 Section: Commentary
The student body has spoken. Ryan McHardy and Meredith Zaritheny will lead USG for the 2008-09 academic year. It is not surprising that the voters chose the most experienced, and thus most recognizable, name on the USG ballot. But because students were so quick to anoint McHardy to a second term, no change should be expected in the year to come.
Since last year, the student body had been left wondering exactly what it is USG has been doing for them. Since last year, there have been few answers.
Despite the promise of communication which would far exceed any prior expectations projected to USG, the inner-machinations of the organization have remained exactly that. Despite the assertion that the position of press secretary would be a new dawn for the dissemination of information, there is a lack of student awareness toward what student government does.
USG uncovered a surplus last summer, and much of that money is now gone. But, it was quickly spent. Certainly, The New York Times is a nice addition to campus, but the television and Xbox 360 for the USG offices are amenities most on campus will be unable to enjoy.
Web site updates were promised and, to date, the USG home page is one of the worst UConn has to offer. Though it was a central campaign tenet for the McHardy/Jana Lanza ticket, little has been done to improve the disaster that is this Web page. McHardy has even gone so far as to renew the contract of the obviously delinquent organization in-charge of its maintenance - though "coming soon" may just be the new motto of USG and the students were never told.
But despite some promises which have been unfulfilled over the past year, the McHardy/Zaritheny ticket has offered much of the same for the next USG term.
Among the core principles being advocated for the upcoming year is striving "for partnership and communication in all avenues with all parties." It is a commitment that has been made - and broken - before.
"Transparency" is another buzzword prevalent in the election platform of the recently elected ticket. But, news of the surplus would have been available last August if transparency truly was a commitment worth being honored.
The final commitment is that of "change." This is the toughest sell. When the leader is the same and the platform contains many assurances similar to the unmet promises of this past year, the prospect of change becomes ever more doubtful. That is not to say that the emergence of USG as a superbly organized and committed organization would not be welcomed. It would simply be a surprise.
Since last year, the student body had been left wondering exactly what it is USG has been doing for them. Since last year, there have been few answers.
Despite the promise of communication which would far exceed any prior expectations projected to USG, the inner-machinations of the organization have remained exactly that. Despite the assertion that the position of press secretary would be a new dawn for the dissemination of information, there is a lack of student awareness toward what student government does.
USG uncovered a surplus last summer, and much of that money is now gone. But, it was quickly spent. Certainly, The New York Times is a nice addition to campus, but the television and Xbox 360 for the USG offices are amenities most on campus will be unable to enjoy.
Web site updates were promised and, to date, the USG home page is one of the worst UConn has to offer. Though it was a central campaign tenet for the McHardy/Jana Lanza ticket, little has been done to improve the disaster that is this Web page. McHardy has even gone so far as to renew the contract of the obviously delinquent organization in-charge of its maintenance - though "coming soon" may just be the new motto of USG and the students were never told.
But despite some promises which have been unfulfilled over the past year, the McHardy/Zaritheny ticket has offered much of the same for the next USG term.
Among the core principles being advocated for the upcoming year is striving "for partnership and communication in all avenues with all parties." It is a commitment that has been made - and broken - before.
"Transparency" is another buzzword prevalent in the election platform of the recently elected ticket. But, news of the surplus would have been available last August if transparency truly was a commitment worth being honored.
The final commitment is that of "change." This is the toughest sell. When the leader is the same and the platform contains many assurances similar to the unmet promises of this past year, the prospect of change becomes ever more doubtful. That is not to say that the emergence of USG as a superbly organized and committed organization would not be welcomed. It would simply be a surprise.
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Ouch
posted 4/22/08 @ 1:29 PM EST
What a blow. Ouch! But I agree with you Daily Campus, along with most of UConn.
Puzzled
posted 4/22/08 @ 4:01 PM EST
I used to be someone on USG. Throughout my 4 years in the organization no one was ever able to build and maintain a satisfactory website. I have no idea why. (Continued…)
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