For the first time in more than 20 years, students get to direct pressing questions to the people in charge.

“One-on-One with Members of the Board” takes place today from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. in the Anheuser-Busch Auditorium of Cook Hall.

“This is part of the SGA’s effort to promote open communication between the administration and students,” said Jay Perry, president of the SGA.

The event is an open forum presented by the Student Government Association to give students of Saint Louis University an opportunity to question three members of the Board of Trustees: Larry LeGrand, vice chairman of the board; J. Joseph Adorjan, chairman of the board; and University President Lawrence Biondi, S.J.

According to Perry, students should attend the forum to offer ideas and get answers to questions. “With as much complaining that goes on at this campus, this is a chance for students to voice opinions and ask questions to the highest board of the University,” Perry said.

According to an e-mail from the SGA, “The Board of Trustees is the highest governing body of the University and holds the full authority to manage and govern all property, finances and other institutional business practices of Saint Louis University.”

“Basically anything is a fair question to ask,” Perry said. “It’s a chance for students who feel strongly about an issue but never take the initiative to write a letter or e-mail someone.”

This is the first time in more than 20 years that SLU students have been given the opportunity to ask questions directly to a member of this board in a forum presentation.

Perry said that he doesn’t know why a forum of this type hasn’t happened in such a long time. “It’s probably long overdue.”

Perry predicts two results from the forum.

“I’m hoping for a good turnout because these are the highest officials of the University,” he said. Perry also expressed hope for more of these forums in the future.