This letter to the editor was written by Jordan Kiehl, Lacy Pitts and Miranda Moore. If you would like to write a letter to the Collegian, send us an email at letters@kstatecollegian.com or visit kstatecollegian.com/contact.
To our fellow students,
We will be the first to admit the Student Governing Association has its flaws; no form of governance is free of imperfections. Yet, we write to you today to ease your discontent, and ensure that your SGA is still working for you.
Over the past several years, we have witnessed, and been a part of, election seasons where the integrity and intents of SGA have been questioned. Each year, rules are interpreted differently due to a new elections committee and candidates who share the responsibility of interpreting the election code.
Following this year’s election, we can assure you SGA members will take a long look at the elections process, and we encourage you to provide your input as we deliberate change for the future.
Conflict during elections is expected, and we are fortunate to have candidates year after year who are so passionate about serving the student body.
However, we must not allow it to bring toxicity to the student experience and tear us away from our mission, but instead consider it an opportunity to grow and learn from one another. Amidst the frenzy, we must not lose sight that we are here to put students first, always.
SGA has a history of differing opinions; it’s what happens when you put a group of creative and caring students in the same room. Leaders in SGA have the opportunity to evaluate student fees, collaborate with campus organizations and are privileged to speak on behalf of students to our peers, administrators and alumni in the name of enhancing this university.
These past several weeks, there has been a false impression that SGA is merely in a power struggle; we want to restore your faith in the sincerity of our purpose.
Our organization has always been about amplifying the students’ voice and creating change on campus. This is a testament to the weight our words carry as leaders, and a rich partnership with university administration.
Improvements like the Student Union renovation, new DARS reports, affordable textbook solutions and more were created by SGA initiatives made possible by students who voiced inadequacies and spoke up for injustice.
Despite our individual opinions on how to execute change, we are united in our goal to improve Kansas State University as one governing body. It is our duty to represent the student voice so that all of you can focus on what matters to you: your education.
As students, we all carry a responsibility to improve the world we live in — to dedicate ourselves to a greater cause in order to make it better. Regardless of your interest, each member of this university has something to offer. We must continue to pursue this charge, united in our differences, in order to create a more perfect university for the future.
You probably don’t think about SGA every day, and we understand that. We want your involvement to be tailored toward what you care about. However, we hope you know that each and every student on this campus is at the forefront of our minds every single day.
We are constantly thinking about ways to improve your student experience, as well as how to serve you better. Our promise to you is that our purpose will never change.
If you see a need for change within this community, SGA empowers you to be able to pursue solutions. If you’re not sure where to begin, start with us.
Thank you for allowing us to serve you.
Jordan Kiehl is the student body president and a senior in industrial engineering. Lacy Pitts is the student body vice president and a senior in agricultural economics. Miranda Moore is the chief of staff and a senior in communication studies.
The views and opinions expressed in this letter are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Collegian. Please send comments to opinion@kstatecollegian.com.
