IUSA election deserves attention

I am alarmed to read that only one ticket has been filed for candidacy in the upcoming Indiana University Student Association elections.

As the lone representative body empowered to speak on behalf of all Bloomington students, IUSA is uniquely positioned to advocate for the needs and concerns of our campus before IU President Michael McRobbie, Provost Robel and the Board of Trustees.

That the organization wields the sole student appointment power to several University committees only confirms its central role on campus.

Certainly, candidacy in these annual elections is nothing to take lightly. 

Bloomington’s student body plays host to a wide array of immensely talented students, all of whom could serve as excellent representatives.

What is important is that students broadly recognize the necessity of the organization and what it gives.

IU has a storied history of involving students in the decision-­making processes that shape our academic community, dating back to President Herman B Wells’ tenure many years ago.

As McRobbie now moves our institution into the 21st century, students must respond to the regular requests for input he and his administration solicit with informed, cogent opinions if we have any hope of continued participation in the tradition of shared governance.  

A single ticket of undoubtedly qualified individuals does not advance the interests of student participation in University affairs, inasmuch a student body comprised of 40,000-plus is unlikely to be already unified behind one slate of candidates.

I suspect it moreso signals indifference on the part of students toward their own governance, which is shortsighted indeed.

On a campus like ours, where diversity of thought is valued as greatly as it is, we should be more suspicious of a lone ticket declaring candidacy in the community’s single largest election.

I hope we will see additional coverage of the role of student government in Bloomington and concerns facing the campus as elections draw near.

Perhaps prospective candidates will recognize the need for service to our University and our fellow students.

Lucas Fields is a third year law student.
lufields@indiana.edu