Five weeks into the academic year, getting a head start on making changes and establishing a presence on campus as representatives of students has proven difficult for this year’s Student Government Association. At five weeks, it is also too early for SGA senators to be resigining, even for personal reasons, and to be put on probation or put up for impeachment.

As a student-led organization, SGA may want to appear serious and professional by executing their strict policies, but bureaucracy is not what students expect from their student representatives. SGA needs to be wary that bureaucratic hegemony does not accomplish much of their duties as student representatives – action does.

Students do not expect SGA to act like the administration. Rather, they expect more egalitarian treatment and openness. Senators expect SGA to acknowledge them as not only members of student representation, but also as students.

On the other hand, senators must give the proper time commitment and read all legislation. They must prove that they are ready to uphold the responsibility that comes with the power of voting for legislation within the university.

Furthermore, there must be more communication and transparency from SGA. After five weeks, it is not clear what the main issues are on the SGA agenda and what efforts are being made to fix them.

The “Building Bridges” ticket, which serves as the current executive board, won the election last year on account of their energetic campaign ideas, most notably the videos they created to promote their platform message.

SGA has continued to make these videos, particularly in promoting their commitment to spreading awareness of diversity and inclusion. Their skills and energy, however, are immoderately consumed in propagating the Oath of Inclusion. Some of this energy needs to be redirected toward fulfilling the main purposes of student government — in establishing a student voice and creating shared governance. While the establishment of inclusion and social justice are important engagements, other issues must not be forgotten.

SGA’s commitment to creating a direct connection between the student body and administration has not been forgotten. In fact, it is anticipated to emerge now more than ever. The executive board must not forget the promise it made in building a bridge between the students and the administration, and begin engaging in the transmission of students’ voices.