Ben Hatch:

My name is Ben Hatch and I’m a junior political science major running for student body secretary. Before explaining my platform, let me briefly detail my qualifications. I’ve had the privilege of serving as a Dedman II senator and Senate academic enhancement chair this year. I have passed six pieces of legislation, more than any other senator, and was named September’s Senator of the Month.

With that said, let me touch on two important issues.

First, passive participation policies must end. As student body secretary, charged with overseeing changes to the Student Code of Conduct, I will have a great deal of access to the upper levels of the administration.

I will work to repeal unjust policies. Residence Life and Student Housing explains passive participation as follows: “I realize that if I am present or have knowledge of a violation of the Community Standards, I can be held responsible for that violation.” Put differently, passive participation does not require knowledge that an act is occurring.

No person should be obligated to serve as informants monitoring another person. This policy must be repealed, and I will do my best to see it happen.

Second, McFarlin Auditorium costs should be lowered. I sit on the finance committee, and this year, more than $50,000 was requested for use of McFarlin Auditorium.

That is around 10 percent of the entire sum designated for budgets. Despite attempts to work with McFarlin over the past two years, its response has certainly left much to be desired. If elected, I will work with student groups to find alternative venues for hosting events that employ students rather than a company off-campus.

When charged an arm and leg, clubs’ bank accounts bleed to death. Lower priced alternatives must be explored, or McFarlin must be willing to lower its costs.

Ben Hatch is a junior political science major. He may be reached at [email protected].

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Brooks Powell:

My name is Brooks Powell, and I am running for student body secretary. It has been an honor and privilege to serve as the speaker of the Student Senate this semester, as well as previously representing the class of 2008 as a first-year senator and the School of the Arts as a Meadows senator. My experience with Senate has been very positive over the last two years, and I am excited to see many dramatic and worthwhile changes for the coming year as well.

With all of that said, I find that many students and faculty on our campus have grown frustrated with the work that Senate does — or worse yet, they do not know how to approach Senate for help. This disconnect is unacceptable. As secretary, I want to ensure that there is a solid connection between our student body and the Senate.

Over the summer, I look forward to working with Senate leaders to work out a plan to reinforce the link between campus organizations and the Senate. Groups must be empowered to bring out and discuss real concerns about school policy in addition to funding requests for programs and resources.

Senate is about affecting change on our campus, and everyone’s input is vital in making real, substantive reforms to policies and promoting an open, up-front relationship across the board. Improving communication with student leaders and among the student body is one way to accomplish that goal.

Overall, I look for the 2006 to 2007 student body officers and Student Senate to work hard to make progress for our university, and to bring back a sense of trust and confidence with the Student Senate. As student body secretary, I will work as a part of that change. This election is about the future of your SMU. What will be your legacy?

Brooks Powell is a sophomore politcal science major. He may be reached at [email protected].