4A - Wednesday, November17, 2010 The Michigan Daily - michigandaily.con e 1*iiigan 0aUhj Edited and managed by students at the University of Michigan since 1890. 420 Maynard St. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 tothedaily@umich.edu STEVEN BENSON, CAROLINE CANNING AND CARLY GOLDBERG I Vote to expand Blue Bucks 11 JACOB SMILOVITZ EDITOR IN CHIEF RACHEL VAN GILDER EDITORIAL PAGE EDITOR MATT AARONSON MANAGING EDITOR Unsigned editorials reflect the official position of the Daily's editorial board. All other signed articles and illustrations represent solely the views of their authors. E- collaboration Technology overhaul must facilitate learning ampus is about to get an upgrade. Early this fall, the Uni- versity's IT Steering Committee announced it would over- haul the campus communication system. Last week, the LSA Student Government passed a resolution to endorse Google over Microsoft for the University's new Information Technology collaborative service. The resolution was passed after a thought- ful and informed discussion among student representatives who attended presentations given by both bidders. The University's pro- cess to choose a collaborate partner should result in a technology service that meets the needs of students by providing them with the The Blue Bucks system is a University program that allows students to add money to their student account for use at off-campus dining venues. Systems similar to this can be found at universities across the country. The only difference between the University of Michigan and peer institutions is the significantly fewer options that our stu- dents have when using Blue Bucks. Recently, LSA Student Government members traveled to three schools in Ohio to tour their unions and recreation centers. All three of the schools had a system similar to Blue Bucks, but unlike the University, each school had multiple off-campus venues that accepted the Blue Bucks equivalent. One school even had a local grocery store that accepted the currency. Expanding Blue Bucks has been a project that LSA Stu- dent Government has worked on for many semesters. As LSA-SG representatives, it's our duty to fight for student rights. Since dining halls are closed on Saturday nights, students must eat at off-campus venues. But they have limited options when picking a place to eat. It would be nice if these students did not have to go to the Michigan Union, Pierpont Commons or the Michigan League week after week to eat dinner. And expanding Blue Bucks to more off-campus dining venues would benefit students by providing them with healthy alternatives to dining at University unions. Many of the dining options in the unions aren't very healthy. Expanding Blue Bucks to more off-campus dining venues will not only provide more options to students overall, but healthier options as well. Restaurants and other venues across campus have been resistant to the idea because they fear a loss in profit. Ifa restaurant accepts Blue Bucks, they have to give part o their profit back to the University. This concern, althoug valid, is unproven. Now, LSA-SG is taking a new approach. We are poll ing the LSA student body through our student gov ernment ballot questions to determine the projected increase in off-campus dining by students if Blue Buck, were accepted at more venues. The question is two-fold The first part asks how many times students currentl3 eat at off-campus venues per week. The second par asks how many more times students would eat at off campus venues per week if Blue Bucks were accepte more widely. This will allow us to see if there would be an actual increase in off-campus eating. If the datd shows an increase, we can take the results to local res- taurants and prove to them that accepting Blue Bucks is a smart business decision. We recognize that there are other factors that musl be considered before actively pursuing this project, such as the loss of revenue for University Unions and dining halls. But we cannot make any headway on this project without the student voice. Please vote for your studen government representatives, but also vote on the Blue Bucks ballot question. Your responses can help LSA-SG make progress in getting this changed. Let's catch up to other schools in the country by expanding our Blue Bucks to many more off-campus dining venues. Steven Benson is the LSA-SG president, Caroline Canning is the LSA-SG Student Life Committee chair and Carly Goldberg is the LSA-SG vice president. .l i { LSA-SG ACADEMIC AFFAIRS COMMITTEE I Vote to improve LSA Course Guide best available educational tools. Since September, the IT Steering Com- mittee has been planning a new collabora- tive technology program. It decided it was going to revamp campus's communication system to improve the system's cohesion and address problems in calendaring and e-mail services. After a survey of the cam- pus community by the IT Steering Com- mittee, the choices for the company to execute this overhaul were narrowed down to Microsoft and Google. On Nov. 10, LSA- SG passed a resolution endorsing Google as the University's new collaborative technol- ogy partner. Eleven members voted for the resolution. Seven members abstained. inan interview last week with the Daily, Univer- sity spokesman Rick Fitzgerald said a deci- sion on which company will be chosen is likely to be made before the end of 2010. The best news is that no matter who loses, students will win. A redesign and streamlining of the system, regardless of whether it's done by Google or Microsoft, will facilitate collaboration and studying for students. Microsoft's Windows Life@ EDU service combines social networking, e-mail and university resources into one web application. This could help students be more productive by simultaneously granting access to many different study resources. On the other hand, Google offers Google Product Suite, a program similar to Google Documents that may make working in groups less of a burden by allowing stu- dents to share information securely. It's encouraging that the IT Steering Committee took the opinions of students and faculty members into consideration when narrowing down the bidders for its new partner. Often, University decisions are made without consulting students and faculty, which makes the University seem aloof and disconnected. The Steering Com- mittee's actions give the campus commu- nity input on a choosing a services provider that everyone will have to use. LSA-SG's contribution to the system change had a thoughtful decision-making process behind its endorsement. Student representatives took multiple points of view into account and considered the pros and cons of both Microsoft and Google with one goal in mind: helping students. This reflects a investment in representing students' needs to the University admin- istration, which should be the function of a student government. LSA-SG has set an example for other student governments that will hopefully lead to progress in efforts like the Open Housing Initiative and more productive interactions with the Ann Arbor City Council. Better information technology collabora- tion services will lead to better learning for students and easier teaching and research cooperation for professors. The steering committee has facilitated an open decision- making process and should continue to be receptive to the campus community's input until the final decision is made. In the Student Government elections being held today and tomorrow, the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts Student Government (LSA-SG) hopes you will take a few minutes of your time to vote for the candidates run- ning to be your student representatives for the next 12 months. In addition to voting on candidates, we hope you, as LSA students, will also vote on several ballot questions regarding potential changes to the LSA Course Guide and a new exam policy. LSA-SG knows how much students rely on the LSA Course Guide to determine which courses to take. Keep- ing this in mind, we feel it may be beneficial for students to know more details about the course in addition to the information currently provided. By voting on this ballot question, LSA-SG will have tangible data to present to the Dean and Executive Committee of LSA, and allow us to lobby for improvements to the LSA Course Guide. LSA- SG has received numerous complaints that there are no syllabi available to students selecting courses. Adding a draft or example syllabus would allow students to see specific course expectations, and really know what topics will be covered in that class. Another improvement to the LSA Course Guide could be utilizing keyword tags (i.e. searchable keywords/ phrases) to search for classes. While the LSA Course Guide can already be searched by department, require- ments, and other aspects, it would be even more beneficial to search for a course that covers topics such as "sustain- ability," "journalism," or "business" (just to name a few potential keywords). outside of increasing the information describing each course, LSA-SG hopes to include final examination infor- mation (date and time) in the course guide. Presenting final exam information when browsing potential classes could help students better plan their finals schedules, allow students to stack and spread their exams as they so choose, and give students an opportunity to arrange ear- lier vacation and travel times if they wish. Of course, you may feel that having this information - or other potential additions to the LSA Course Guide- might not be useful to you in selecting your courses, in which case please vote in amanner that demonstrates this to LSA SG. Also, on the ballot you will find a question regarding a policy that concerns holding exams on national elec- tion days. This question will allow you to vote to discour- age instructors from giving in-class exams on national election days. During national election days, polls are typically open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, which should allow time for students to vote. However, because of class scheduling, long lines at one's designated pollingstation, and the inability for first-time voters to obtain an absen- tee ballot, national election days may fall at a time that is disadvantageous for some, due to an exam held the same day. While a student could speak with his orher instruc- tor in advance tobe excused from a lecture or discussion to go vote, a student, even with advance notice, would likely be unable to miss or arrive late to a class with a planned in-class exam. Also, by not having an exam on a national election day, students may feel more inclined to educate themselves of the candidates' platforms and any state or local proposals on the ballot. LSA SG feels that one's academic development and civic engagement are important aspects of being a University of Michigan student, and hopes you will support a policy which will dissuade instructors from holding exams on national election days. Online, you will find these and other ballot questions that may provide students with valuable information about different courses. LSA SG would like to under- stand which pieces of information would be most use- ful to students in choosing their courses, and will take action in accordance with the results to advocate for these enhancements to the LSA Course Guide. By voting on these questions, you have the opportunity to influence the interface that you and your fellow students use, and therefore directly improve the LSA Course Guide. The ballot questions can be found on the Fall 2010 LSA Student Government Election ballot at vote.umich.edu. Again, LSA students will be able to answer these ballot questions as well as vote for their LSA SG Representatives from now until tomorrow, Thursday, November 18 at 11:59 PM. Thanks for voting and Go Blue! This viewpoint was written by Christopher Luoma, Stephen Ratkovich and Jeffrey Wojcik on behalf of the LSA-SG Academic Affairs Committee. I i f, i EDITORIAL BOARD MEMBERS: Aida Ali, Jordan Birnholtz, Will Butler, Eaghan Davis, Michelle DeWitt, Ashley Griesshammer, Will Grundler, Jeremy Levy, Erika Mayer, Harsha Nahata, Emily Orley, Harsha Panduranga, Teddy Papes, Tommaso Pavone, Leah Potkin, Roger Sauerhaft, Asa Smith, Laura Veith, Andrew Weiner IMP~ CAMPUS DEBATES MSA ELECTIONS FALL 2010 MICHIGAN VISION PARTY I MVP has record of results MFORWARD| MForward will affect change There are student government elections happen- ing this week - but has anyone noticed? The relative quiet of the Michigan Student Assembly this year is extremely disconcerting. Under the leadership of MForward, MSA has, well, not gone forward. It is time for change once again, and the Michigan Vision Party has proven itself to be an agent of change on this campus. Last year by this time, the MVP administration had overseen the beginnings of a new all-campus constitution, a hugely successful Campus Leader- ship Colloquium featuring prominent Michigan alums and student leaders, a plan for Go Blue Beat OSU Week and a reform to MSA rules so that the body would focus on student issues. For the first time in a long time, students could often read some- thing interesting about MSA in the Daily and saw things happening around campus. Looking at MFoward's list of accomplishments, it just doesn't compare to MVP's work. MForward's viewpoint in the Daily last week fea- tured a few of these "achievements" (Keep electing Myorward, 11/08/2010). They have met with the Ann Arbor Police Department to inquire about noise and trash citations. Unfortunately, they failed to produce any tangible results for students. They delayed the Ann Arbor City Council vote on the porch couch ban. Unfortunately, they failed to influence the ulti- mate outcome of that issue as well. An open housing initiative? That is a good project, we agree. It's doing a lot of good for both the University's reputation and its practices. But it is one single project for an assem- bly that is supposed to be full of change-makers and people who were elected for a specific purpose. Meanwhile, MVP comes intothe fall electionswith a renewed focus. Unlike previous parties that have fal- tered when faced with difficulty or even defeat, MVP has stayed true to its original purpose, which was to raise voter turnout, increase awareness of campus issues, focus on helping students and reform MSA to make it more effective. In every single election since MVP was created, voter turnout has increased. This year, even with a lim- ited presence on MSA, MVP has continued to work hard on campus- wide issues including Saturday night dining The polls to ele (one of MForward's campaign promises), Assembly repre student group fund- midnight. MVP ing, communication, sportsmanship and the two major pa human block 'M' in Michigan Stadium at why they d football games. Looking at MSA, students deserve more than what they are getting now. The potential is there, but turning that potential into action has yet to fully occur. Small things are being done here and there, but MSA needs a jolt and a reminder that students aren't satisfied with a complacentbody. That jolt should be the mem- bers of MVP who are guaranteed to re-energize MSA. This viewpoint was written by Tom Stuckey on behalf of the Michigan Vision Party. ct Mi senta 'and rties, eserv Today marks the beginning of fall elections for the Michigan Student Assembly. You, the students, have an important opportunity to elect individuals to represent your needs and interests. Throughout the campaign, MForward has been working diligently to reach students in every cor- ner of campus to talk about student government and our plans to improve the quality of life for every student at this univer- sity. We understand the role of student government and its unique purpose on this chigan Student campus. We under- stand that the current Ltives opened at level of production MForward, the from the assembly is unacceptable and has square off on been in the past. This is why MForward has e your vote. been tirelessly striving to make improvements since you elected us last spring. The central theme of MForward is ideas, action and community. We believe that these are the three fundamental principles on which MSA was founded. MSA is designed to provide the resources that are essen- tial to students' academic and social success. It should be the hub for innovation that directly impacts students on this campus. In addition, MSA is charged with the responsibility of advocating on behalf of the students while protecting their rights and privileges. It should prevent any acts that may adversely affect them. Lastly, MSA was created to serve as a central location to preserve the unique and culturally rich university community that sets Michigan apart from other academic institutions. This is why MForward is leading the initiative to implement open housing, a policy reform that will give all students the freedom to choose the dynam- ics of their living conditions. As financially contribut- ing members of the University community, students deserve to have the opportunity to choose who we live with. MForward is working to make that happen. We are committed to resolving the problems that directly affect the lives of students, which is what motivated other MForward members to begin working with the Ann Arbor City Council to pass a resolution that will prevent the widespread and unchecked use of surveillance cameras and encourage police to carefully gauge the need for surveillance in high-crime areas. In addition, cuts to the Ginsberg Center's budget has forced the center to get rid of its Transporta- tion Coordinator. The center no longer has the administrative capacity to provide transportation services for several student organizations that provide invaluable service to the surrounding met- ropolitan community, making transportation for community service organizations more difficult. MForward members have identified this asa major issue and are currently working with Parking and Transportation Services to restore this service for student organizations. These are the types of issues that MForward is striving to resolve. If you want a student govern- ment that is serious about serving you, I encourage you to vote MForward. If you are fed up with the lack of substantive results from MSA, I encour- age you to vote MForward. And if you're ready for a student government that will move this campus forward with real ideas, successful action and deep regard and engagement with the studentbody con- sistently throughout the school year, you need to vote MForward. This viewpoint was written by DeAndree Watson on behalf of MForward. WANT THE DAILY ON THE GO? Now you can access your favorite Daily opinion content on your phone. Follow your favorite columnists and join in the debate. Check out the Daily's mobile website at m.michigandaily.com.