THE MICHIGAN DAILY Balloting for Council Positions To Bein 'I' esda Questionnaire The Daily submitted six questions to the Student Govern- ment Council candidates. From these, the Council accepted three, which were presented to the candidates, who had the option of substituting a statement of their own. The following questions were asked of the candidates:t 1) What important issues should SGC consider in the next year? 2) What is the funtion of studsent government on the Uni- versity campus, and what changes in the SGC plan would facili- tate that function? 3) Is there a need for better communication between SGC, the faculty and the administration? t±; Dave W entworth President of pledge class, Al- pha Delta Phi fraternity. The primary function of the University is academic training both direct and indirect, and I believe that Student ,Government Council has shown itself to be a potent force in the latter area. By encouraging student participation' in - many outside activities and through its own educational pro- grams it gives students the impetus and opportunity to broaden their scope of knowledge. SGC is not,.however, just a de- bating ground where a few in- terested participants discuss sub- jects of either narrow interest or of an intentionally radical nature. Certainly controversial matters can properly be expected to come up for debate in.SGC from time to time, but such issues should neither be purposely dramatized nor allowed to monopolize a great portion of the council's time. Concerning the Sigma Kappa question: I believe the basic law passed in 1949 has shown itself to be insufficient. The issue is not one which may be clearly stated as good or bad, and the attempt to make it so has resulted in an unfair treatment of Sigma Kappa local. SGC acted irresponsibly when they ruled that a local chap- ter of a sorority must be penalized for actions which it cannot con-, trol. Furthermore there is a ques- tion in my mind whether SGC should ever have jurisdiction in this area. SGC should, if it is not too late, re-evaluate its stand on this issue. A more mature and responsible attitude should be, taken onthis and future matters to avoid further injustices and further censorship by the Board in Review. Deferred sorority rushing: This is a matter which should be left entirely up to the Panhellenic. In the event that this is not done I would go on record as firmly op- posing deferred rushing for so- rorities. Fraternity rushing: This should be left to the IFC to handle. I am opposed to deferred fraternity rushing., SGC control over IFC and Pan- hellenic: IFC and Panhellenic should not be responsible to SGC, but should have a board which is directly responsible to the Regents, as do the Union and League. Per- haps IHC and Assembly should as well. The other three organizations represented on SGC, the "Daily," the Union, and the League all have special boards which super- vise their operations. This places IFC, Panhel, iHC, and Assembly in a distinctly inferior position to these other organizations. Communication . between SGC, -faculty and administration: Com- munication between SGC and fac- ulty seems fairly good as has been evidenced by the Faculty Senate's stands which ofteri concur with those taken by SGC. A liaison agendf committee which should be composed of both faculty and SGC members which would prepare copies of both agendas to' be available to each group 'before every meeting. Whether or not an item on the other group's agenda would be dis- cussed at this time would be up to the individual group. Communication between the ad- ministration and SGC is not all that could be hoped for, but per- haps the most important area of communication is between SGC and the students it is purported to represeht. SGC is not just another campus activity. Rather it is an organiza- tion vested with substantial power and responsibility. -This power, should properly be said to rest on the students. To combat the fear of an intellectual or fringe group junta in SGC, all areas of the stu- dent body should be represented. Otherwise, SGC will continue to lack the support of a large seg- ment of the campus. Such is neces- sary if SGC ever hopes to become a really effective student govern- ing body. Bob Garb Secretary Inter-House Council, SGC Student Activities Commit- tee; SGC Campus Affairs Sub- committee Executive Program Advisory Board of Lane Hall. If one thinks that we have a weak federal government, he should view all the trivia that finds its way to the floor of the Student Government C o u n c i'1. SC is an autonomous body with a lost mission. I feel that the only way they could gain the respect of former years would'be to re- structure their present body. The following is my viewpoint on a number of issues that are ap- pearing, before the Council. I wholeheartedly support 13 of the 15 recommendations of the excellent study committee on the revision of the Board of Review Plan. My own changes would be the addition of one more student, two Senate faculty members and the elimination of the Deans of Men and Women from this seven member board. The Vice-Presi- dent of Student Affairs should be the chairman of the proposed board. Before SGC makes any changes they should first revise their own structure. How can SGC tell the Board of Review that they aren't giving them enough responsibility, when SGC can't even let their own committees handle such choice items as closing hours, ap- proval of calendared events or! even the publication of a news-1 letter? SGC should first give their' committees under them some m ore respect before they try to dictate to other groups as this Board and the Board of Control of Inter-Collegiate Athletics. If SGC can't work out a relation- ship to their review board as The Michigan Daily has to the Board in Control of Student Publica- tions, then we should probably revert to the old Student Legisla- ture Plan of one representative for every 90 students. Wouldn't an SGC decision be regarded as truly expressing "student opinion" in this case? SGC's lack of power is due to the fact that they. can't get to- gether with the administration and the faculty before they up an issue as the Sigma Kappa af- fair, which in my opinion, should have never appeared before the Council. If I was a member of the Council at that time, I would have and still will have the 1949 bias clause rescinded and turned back to the Board of Regents, who granted this power to the Coun- cil. I would inform the Board of Regents that it is the college com- munity as a whole that should de- cide which fraternity or sorority shall be admitted or rejected from this campus on the basis of hav- ing written bias clauses. It is obvious that SGC Is dis- criminating when it states that only those fraternities or sorori- ties that entered the campus after 1949 should be affected by this provision. If the Board of Re- gents feels that they don't want obvious discrimination on our campus, they should turn over the BALLOTING BEGINS - Voting for the seven open positions of Student Government Council begins Tuesday and will continue through Wednesday. Although the weather is unpredictable and more poll workers are needed to man the polls, this year's vote is expected to exceed last year when 6,172 stu- dents went to the polls. Pictured is a scene' from last year's elections.. power to a revised Board in Re- view the provision to recognize or reject any living unit that has a written bias clause. The Board in Review should then /realize that many fraternities or sororities, have southern chapters and they are forced by society to have these clauses. Only a lenient time limit on the nationals can remove bias clauses from national 'constitu- tions. Unwritten bias clauses are perfectly feasible and must be re- spected as a social problem. In conclusion, I'd like to say that I feel that SGC should take it upon themselves to eliminate some of their Regental powers so that they could work closer with the faculty in determining the educational policy 'of this Uni- versity SGC should also explore the realm of students' demands more closely. Students want cheaper seats for a concert in Lane Hall, right of a girl to vote for tie student members of the Board in Control of Inter-Colle- giate Athletics and the elimina- tion of such useless committees as the all faculty committee on Student Discipline that hasn't met in 11 years. We, as students, have an obligation on our part to, show the faculty and administra- tors that we are mature and won't elect a Ted Bomb (a dog) to rep- resent us as student leaders. I hope each of you will find the time to discuss this platform with me and offer suggestions so that I can truly become your SGC rep- resentative. Harry C ummins Slate of Nineteen Seeks 7, Positions Additional Polls Workers Needed For Anticipated High Vote Turnout By JEAN HART WIG A record high total of 19 hopefuls are competing for the seven open positions in the current Student Government Council elections. The past record, set in the election last spring, listed 18 candidates vying for the eight available posts. Only 14 names were on the ballot for the five seats last fall. Elections Director Richard Erbe, '61, predicted a voting record of "around 6,000" for the current election. He said that student interest in the balloting was "both high and low." Explains Interest Calling interest in this spring's race "high in spots," he explainecl that current concern with the rushing issue may have added to student enthusiasm in the elections. The me all-time high vote for SGC elec- tions was recorded in the Nov. 1955 election, when 7,120 students oger went to the polls. In that contest only 12 candidates were compet- ing for five seats. The relatively l n m r c p t s w e low number of competitors was re- ported to have increased enthusi- asm in the election. Last spring 6,172 ballots were cast at the polls, but a number of ballots were found invalid during count night. Because the mistakes were attributed to the large num- ber, 19, of poll locations, the num- ber has been decreased, in subse- quent elections. Plan Six Polls This year only six polling places have been planned by the Elec- tions Committee, Erbe said. They will be manned by student workers and supervised by Council mem- bers. He also noted that more workers are needed to assist both in manning the polls and in work- ing during Wednesday's countr night. Included in the list of candidates Honors Council Student Steer- are three incumbents. Jo Hardee, ing Committee, Sigma Alpha Mu '60, Administrative Vice-President, fraternity; University Counsel- seeking, her third term on the ing Study Committee; advisor, Council, Roger Seasonwein, '61, SGC National and International running for his second term and Committee; co-chairman SGC David Kessel, Grad., also compet- Reading and Discussion Com- ing for the second time. mittee; SGC Interviewing and Phil Zook, '60, is making his Nominating Committee; Student third attempt at winning a seat. elations Board '49 Ruling The other candidates have had no Evaluation Committee. previous experience with the 1) SGC should consider the fol- Council. lowing campus problems in the Student Government Council stands as your student representa- tive assembly. Every student should realize his responsibility of pre- venting such a democratic system from degenerating or assuming too much authority by voting in each SGC election. Presently many issues, such as the jurisdiction of SGC, deferred rush, and driving regulations are being studied by competent boards, ad if alri fn d f'r GC rmld of Kenneth Hudson Social chairman, Winchell House; transfer student from University of Illinois. 13abs John Quinn improvement of SGC should be to discover what the students really. want from their Student Government Council. There is only one way this can be done, and that is to ask the students. The feelings of the students can- not be discerned by theory, inter- views with small groups, or the dpinions of "experts," as has been tried in the past. The simple truth is that past committees.and cam- paigns have failed to ascertain what the students really want. 2) With the full co-operation of the governments of sorority houses, fraternity houses, and all dorms, the feelings of the stu- dents as to the function of SGC can be determined accurately and efficiently. The fact that the stu- dents express their opinions through their housing government is of the ,utmost importance, for the opinions must come from stu- dents as students, not as members of different organizations. When the results have been taken into account, the SGC should proceed to function in the manner, and for the purpose decided by the student majority. This mkit be the foremost issue of SGC ir the coming year. 3) The blame for the inadequa- cy in SGC has at times been claimed to be poor communication between the SOC and the faculty and administration. The SGC has seemed to have adequate com- munication with the administra- tion in the past, and if they have been delinquent in this depart- ment with the faculty, it is the fault of the representatives. The relation of SGC to the faculty and administration does and will con- tinue to depend on the'initiative of the members of SGC. Miller Transfer student from Cedar Crest College. Education is a growing and ma- turing process in many spheres of the student's development. It is important to realize that Univer- sity students are more than eager, bright-eyed school children. What we need is a strong, mature, re- sponsible Student Government Council to act as a liaison group to represent the idea of the students to the faculty and administration. With increased authority comes an increased responsibility both to the administration and the student body-particularly the student body. I feel that SGC should try to regain the "S" fstudent) in SGC. I would like to propose a pro- gram of reciprocity: a) SGC would try to make the students more fully aware of its functions and policies by the re- vival of the SGC Newsletter, the provision of more SGC speakers when requested, and the encour- agement of student attendance at controversial open meetings., b) SGC' would try to find out more accurately what constitutes student opinion on important cam- pus issues. A plan could be insti- tuted with the representative ad- vantages of the old Student Legis- lature, yet without the cumber- some disadvantages which a group, of that size must necessarily en- tail Each living group on campus would elect a congressman, acting as spokesman to voice the opinions of its members, who would in turn be responsible to one of the elected SGC members There would be no organized meetings as such; how- ever, the "congressman" would feel free to contact the SGC mem- ber when he felt the necessity. The independent apartment, dwellers and international, students would have a means of expression. An- other method of tapping student opinion might be the encourage- ment of more Hyde Park Forums. Perhaps SGC has concentrated too heavily on its role as "little" to the administration and not enough on its role as an organ of student opinion. Students should be placed on more faculty com- mittees which are concerned pri- marily- with students. At present there are students on both the Housing and Lecture Committees. I would like to see a student on the Curriculum Committee and others. The project whereby pro- minent scholars will be invited to the campus to participate in un- dergraduate classes, with informal discussions to follow in the eve- nings, should be expanded. The educative function of University living should be paramount. I would like to emphasize stu- dent autonomy in every sphere of action possible. This will take ma- ture consideration and responsible planning. The establishment of a course evaluation file, instead of1 the proposed booklet, at the Un- dergraduate Library, the signing of election cards by upperclassmen and the establishment of a Junior Year Abroad Program are pro- genitors of further aspects for de- velopment in SGC. We must em- phasize the positive aspects of student government. (The reason that I feel as strongly as I do is that I transferred here last- fall from a school where the student government did play the role of the mature, responsible organ it should be.) Our first important step is to rescind the ambiguous relegation of power in the area of administration brought to the fore by the Sigma Kappa issue. We must establish a tenor of fair play and a precise definition of the legal authority of SGC. an i eiecta toL .wouUi, Uz Student government on the{ course, weigh the conclusions of campus at the University is pres- these studies before making a defi- ently composed of a group of rep- nite stand. resentatives who discuss and vote) However, in my present status on matters in a fashion that theyt as only a candidate, I am of the believe is to the best interests oft opinion that: the entire campus. Under the a) The jurisdiction of SGC present system, however, there is, should pertain only to the student no way for SGC to come into di- body at large; not to the internal rect contact with the students in workings of specific organizations. general, and therefore to find out SGC has recently displayed an just what it is that the students{ urge to administrate in a- capacity really want. Without this direct not unlike that of the administra- contact with the students, SGCt tion which is paid by the Uni- becomes another "high school-ish" versity for that purpose. student council, where each mem- The concept of student governT ber is selected on his own popu- ment has much in its favor, and I larity, or on the work of his pub- believe the man-hours expended in licity agent. - attempting to control campus SGC must represent the stu-t groups should be put to the more dents!!I useful purpose of coordinating and Since under the present systemt stimulating interest in student ac- this is virtually impossible, I pro- tivities. pose the division of the campus b) As for deferred rush, I be- into geographical districts. Each lieve its demerits outweigh its SGC member will be elected from( merits. For this reason deferred a district, and will be required to women's rush should be replaced hold weekly meetings with repre- by another system-to be enacted sentatives of each house in his next fall. Along the same line of district. At these meetings he will thought, in my estimation, the report to his constituents the ac- present men's rushing system does tions of SGC, explain the issues not present sufficient maladjust- involved and, what is most im- ment to warrant someone's chang- portant, find out the students'1 ing it to a deferred status, opinions concerning the activity< c) Lastly, I propose that the pos- in SGC. sibility of enacting more liberal This proposal would open a vir- drivigg regulations should be stud- tually direct line of communica- ied. Such a change would certain- tion between the students and ly enable more qualified students SGC. It would also give lobbying to exercise their state-given right power to any house or interestR to drive automobiles. group who should choose to use this power.' istration can be persuaded to relin- There is much talk abbut "stu- quish. These revisions in the Plan dent apathy" but few people have are necessary: (a) a review of an come up with concrete ideas to SGC decision should be based on counteract it. This plan has "Regental policy as found in the worked very successfully on oth-1 By-Laws and Proceedings" instead er campuses. There is no reason of "regental policy or administra- why it cannot- work here also. tive practice"; (b) the nuisance of nominating petitions should be 1 eliminated; (c) the Board in Re- view should be composed of twoY students, two faculty members, and the Vice-President for Student Affairs (chairman). 3) Communication between thee Council and the administration is 'largely on a personal basis, and coming year: a) A re-examination of the 1949 "bias clause" ruling. b) Increased student represen- tation on the Board in Control of Inter-Collegiate Athletics. c) Implementation of counsel- ing improvements in light of the philosophy expressed in the Uni- versity Counseling Study Report. Examination of: (1) A four-year counseling program designed to give the student more freedom and responsibility culminating with juniors and seniors signing their own election cards, (2) bet- ter training for present counselors and (3) the use of "peer counsel- ors" and professional counselors. d) Stimulation of intellectual growth through: (1) continuation of the Summer Reading and Dis- cussion Program, (2) encourage- ment of academic freedom by a thorough rejection of loyalty oaths, (3) bringing speakers to campus, each of whom shall dis- cuss topics of interest to several academic areas and (4) continua- tion and expansion, including co- operation with such groups its the Political Issues Club, of SOC for- um programs. There should be a "pooling of resources" of organi- zations interested in this area. e) A thorough reconsideration of University driving regulations. f) The institution of a Junior Year Abroad Program. g) The re-establishment of a foreign exchange program. 2) SGC serves the student by doing things which the individual student alone cannot do. Essen- tially its work falls into three areas: representation, collection and stimulation of student opin- ion, coordination of student activ- ities, and initiation of projects (as described above). It is a spirit balanced by a re- alization of its goals rather than changes in the SGC Plan which will help the Council fulfill its goals. However, I heartily endorse the 15 recommendations which were recently sent to the Tri- Parte Plan Clarification Commit- tee by the Council. Of special note: a) Substitution of the words "Regental policy" wherever the terms "administrative practice and policy" appear. b ) Re-composition of the Board in Review so as to make it a more impartial body. 3) What is needed is both more and better communication. Devel- opment of a further feeling of mutual trust and confidence be- 1) The major problem of the Student Government Council at the University is neither obscure nor unique; for any student fa- miliar with SGC knows that its specific functions are unclear, and anyone familiar with student gov- ernments elsewhere realizes that this Is a popular problem. The SGC is apparently not what the students want it to be, as indicated by the lack of interest in it. The first step, then, in the Candidates To Tell Views Phil Zook 1) SGC should take action in these areas: a) Leadership. Problem: not enough candidates with experience and ability. Causes: Council prac- tice of apportioning "good experi- ence" jobs among themselves; Ad- ministrative Wing committee sys- tem which "loses" peoples Action: seek out non-SGC members for ap- pointive jobs; replace Ad Wing committees with system of indi- vidual responsibility and clear lines of control; find new fields for student appointees, such 'as work on boards which grant Uni- vers'ity 1nans_ resulted in second-rate quality of instruction. Action: (1) renew the Course Evaluation plan, using in- dividual course reviewers instead of mass questionnaire distribution; (2) award a substantial cash grant to the faculty member doing thet best teaching job-objective cri- teria worked out with School of Education. SGC should aim at in- creasing student awareness of the value and characteristics of .good instruction. d) Housing. SGC should protest vigorously against the current cut in apartment permissions for sen- ior women, and oppose building y..;; x:.y, :i. :.:..; , :;:;;:; i x:;:::::::;n