Not just a game: why the St. John’s Senate matters

My dad frequently draws a parallel between politics and sports. Both are competitive in nature, both require team participation, both receive far more attention than they deserve and ultimately, there’s always a “winner” and a “loser.” And, as with sports, you can either be a player in the arena or an observer on the sidelines.

Respectfully, I like to think that politics have greater consequences that can influence our lives and the world in which we live.

For that reason, I choose to be a player and a participant in the process, the game if you will, with hopes of influencing change that will serve the better good.

Here, at St. John’s, that “better good” is a desire to improve the lives of our fellow students by addressing their concerns with tuition, safety, housing, parking, diversity, campus involvement, curriculums, enrollment, achievement and graduation.

Politics — even student politics — rarely moves swiftly. Student leaders navigate administrative constraints, entrenched policies and the perception of the Senate as merely a co-curricular.

This is no critique, our administrators are deeply committed, but our efforts are not always met with open arms.

It may be naive to think otherwise, but I believe that most of our SJU Senators take their elected positions seriously and firmly believe that they can make a positive difference in what it means to be a Johnnie.

Contrary to Mr. Forbes’ editorial in last week’s Record, we do not exhibit “folly.”

Over the past seven months, we have taken aggressive steps to include student representation on significant administrative and faculty policymaking committees that directly affect our collegiate experiences here at St. John’s University.

These include the Housing Selection Committee, Safety Committee, Facilities Planning Committees, Integrations Curriculum Committees, Sustainable Action Committee, Commission of Action, Club Approval Committee, St. Joe City Council meetings, Joint Faculty Senate meetings, Co-Funding Board, Trustee Sub-Committee on Grounds, Allocations, and Long-Term Planning, Tribal Relations Committee and the Health Advisory Committee.

We have been vocal advocates for better housing options, expanded food service hours, improved parking initiatives, reduced penalties for policy indiscretions, student accessibility to curriculum requirements, better support for athletics and Palestra hours, intramurals, LED lights across campus for sustainability purposes, electric vehicle charging stations, a basketball court in lower campus, outside amenities throughout campus, safety protections for students across campus at night, student voices on institutional strategic planning, our “Johnnie Shelf ” — fully put on by the Senate, tuition caps, greater advocacy for the arts, alumni relations and mentorship programs, influence and support in the admissions process, calm rooms in the library, a polling location at St. John’s and voter turnout efforts, mail services availability on weekends, health initiatives such as flu shots, vaccines, and testing, while also helping these groups succeed beyond dollars, bridging gaps between administration and the student body and much more.

Many of these initiatives have been successful because of the relationships we’ve built and the collective leadership we’ve embraced.

This year, our committees have stepped up in remarkable ways, proving that advocacy does not rest on the shoulders of one person but rather on the strength of collaboration and persistence.

The progress we have made is not incidental — it is the result of intentional effort, trust and the commitment of many.

Every Senate meeting is open to all students, reflecting our intentional commitment to transparency and dialogue.

Those curious about our work or the decisions we make are always welcome to observe and engage.

Furthermore, we continue to take pride in the wide range of student activities and organizations that we support at both campuses to promote inclusion, awareness, diversity, knowledge and community among all students, faculty, staff and administrators alike.

Although many of our efforts go unnoticed or seem “burdensome” or slow-paced, they’re certainly not in vain. I can personally attest to the many, many hours of time and effort that most of your student Senators spend in advocacy for a better St. John’s experience for everyone.

The Senate is not just an organization — it is a cause, one that extends beyond any single individual. The cause of student advocacy is a continuous effort, and while leadership changes, the mission remains steadfast.

However, time constraints on Senate leadership do have ramifications. They challenge the long-term effectiveness of our initiatives and result in continued questions about Senate legitimacy.

As different styles of leadership emerge, each with varying levels of passion and energy, the perception of the Senate shifts.

Yet, the work we do remains essential, and our commitment to student representation and advocacy endures.

Those who resign from their elected positions often do so to refocus on their studies, as was the case with Vice President Emeritus Aubrey Sherman, or, regrettably, out of a sense that their advocacy is unrecognized or unheard.

I share many of Mr. Forbes’ frustrations — there is always room for growth, and we must embrace constructive criticism to become the Senate we aspire to be. However, unlike some, I chose to stay in the arena.

Last week’s failed referendum, seeking to allow multiple terms for the President of the Student Senate, has been a crushing blow for me personally, but more so, I believe, for the efforts and advocacy initiatives that I have pursued these past seven months.

A one-year term of office simply isn’t enough time to make a difference. In fact, as I see it, this age-old doctrine of a presidential term limit is one of the principal reasons that student political initiatives fail to move forward.

Too many well-intentioned student representatives abandon their cause because they are not given the credence nor the time that they deserve.

More than anything else, I was hoping that my presidency would instill a greater level of appreciation, regard and respect from the SJU community for our advocacy efforts. We are more than a club, and our work is more than just a game.

I am grateful for the time I’ve been allocated to serve as your Student Senate President this past year.

I believe that we have made progress in our pursuit of building a stronger and more effective student voice on campus and in our community.

I am humbled to serve in a dual capacity as the President of the MN Private College Student Association and was proud to speak before the Minnesota Senate Higher Education Committee to address funding needs for students seeking post-secondary education throughout the state.

I will, of course, remain as your president throughout the remainder of this academic year and, as always, appreciate your concerns, your advocacy, and your input.

Together, we are the ones that make St. John’s University and the College of St. Benedict great places to learn and grow.

Together, today and every day will continue to be a great day to be a Johnnie! Thank you.