qrss I HE MCBIGAN . DAILY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1955 THE MICHIGAN DAILY SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 1955 :andidates For SGC Openings Give Platforms n, Jim Childs At Denison University: Student Senate (Coordination Committee for National Students Association), Varsity Debating. At Michigan: Varsity Debating, Winchell House Social Chairman, Union Opera, Wolverine Club. PLATFORM Basically my platform as a cand- idate for SGC has three planks. The first of these is to endeav- or, if elected, to strengthen Stud- ent Government Council. SGC is in its infancy -and during these early. years it can establish pre- cedents for positive action which will serve .future Student Govern- ment Councils. Secondly, I propose to try to re- present objectively the will of the majority of constituents, keeping in mind that this is a student gov- ernment of the entire campus. Thirdly, my election will provide a more equitable representation from- an area, the Quadrangles, which is now under-represented. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. Basically the ex-officio mem- bers should exercise a position of leadership. This, for two very obvious reasons. First, they should exercise administrative leadership because they are leaders in their respective organizations. Second- ly, they *should exercise legislative leadership because these members command the respect of a wide range and number of constituents. They should present the views of these constituents to the Student Government Council. 2. I strongly feel that the SGC should take definite action on the problem of either deferred rushing or deferred pledging. However, it would be in violation of one of my concepts of student government to determine at this time just what action should be taken. The ques- tion has been remanded to com- mittee study, and to make a deci- sion now would close my mind to the possibility of studying that c o mm it t e e report objectively. Therefore, I shall wait until March before I make a decision on what action shall be taken. I also feel that the SGC should The following questions were asked of all candidates for Student Government Council. Answers are printed on this page and page 7.. I-What functions do you think that the ex-officio members (Union, League, IFC, IHC, Assembly, Panhellenic, Daily) should fill in the Student. Government Council?, 2-What action in what fields would you recommend and' like to see ¢SGC take after you are elected? 3-What jurisdiction do you think SGC should have in the affairs of other major campus organizations? 4-What do you think the scope of. SGC should be? Speak in terms of legislation and recognition, information and coordination and service functions. 5-What part should SGC play in forming and carrying out student opinion in problems such as campus problems, orientation, curriculum, scholarships and national issues?, PLATFORM I, as a candidate for the Student Government Council, do establish the following platform for my campaign. a. establish a student academic counseling program to aid any student in his choice of subjects here at the University. b. promote a program for in- ternational awareness by a system of exchange dinners or teas with foreign students, travelogues, aid to the International Center (if requested). c. a scholarship fund sponsored by SGC. d. alteration to the driving ban; a possible solution may regard class quotas for automobiles. - e. opposition to deferred rush- ing. f. a program which will promote SGC as the home for all students and not just the Council members. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. It shall be the prerogative of the ex-offico member to act in the same manner as the elected councelor upon proposals, in dis- cussion groups and the other me- chanics of a governing group. How- ever, in order to maintain the idea that all final decisions of the coun- cil be made by the student body representatives, the elected mem- bers, no vote shall be given to the ex-officio member. 2. A student academic counsel- ing program is one issue that I would recommend and like to see placed into full effect. It is evi- dent that the counseling due a freshman or sophomore is crucial for his future career, thereby mak- ing it a job which must be well done. Not only do I recommend this aid for underclassmen, but al- so to the juniors and seniors of the University. 3. Since SGC is the student elect- ed governing body, any organiza- tion 'is considered a part of the group. If, at any time, the Coun- cil sees any infringements upon any part of the student body by any one campus organization, it will have the right to question the act and stymie any further en- croachments. 4. SGC is the one group on campus which can hear any or- ganization's problems, if necessary. It has been delegated legislative power and should be recognized as the one organization for all campus. Through its access to any vital group information, it can serve as a co-ordinator to campus groups, and when necessary, jin similar groups together to form stronger and more effective work- ing groups. 5. The functioning of this elected body will depend upon student opinion and issues supplied by the students themselves. Work can only be done when there is some- thing to be worked upon; the stu- dent body shall be the ones re- sponsible for this work. They will have to find the issues which are important enough for all campus consideration. Academic and counseling prob- lems will rest in the hands of the student academic counseling ser- vice; which I previously introduced. As for scholarships, nothing more worthy than a student sponsored scholarship fund could find its place in SGC. Student Government Council Pages .. . This supplement has been take positive action and present a desirable and feasible solution to the existing driving regulations: 3. In my opinion, SGC, as set forth in the Student Government Council Plan, has every right to have jurisdiction over any activity of any recognized student organi- zation. However, this jurisdiction should be exercised only when or- ganizational activities are detri-, mental to the whole campus; sub- ject to appeal. SGC may recom- mend activities for recognized stu- dent organizations. 4. SGC is in its infancy. If it is to grow into a mature student government, it - will continue to widen its scope of influence. This growth will be determined by the nature of the whole council. This will be an evolutionary process. With each decision, a new prece- den't is established. It is my in- tention to contribute to the ex- pansion, in all fields, of SGC ac- tivities. 5. It is my belief that SGC should more adequately represent the opinion of the entire student body. The actions of the SGC should accurately reflect the wish- es of the majority of the student body. On the other hand, SGC should be a formulator of student thinking through its information services. However, SGC should en- deavor to present both sides of an issue so that all students can think intelligently on the matter. Rod Comstock Scholarship Chairman of Inter- fraternity Council, Phi Eta Sigma, Pi "Tau Sigma, Triangles. PLATFORM Student Government Council should make every attempt to prove itself a mature and compe- tent body. This will require a con- tinuation of and strict adhereance to the conservative policy now be- ing followed. Sincere and probing consideration must be given to every issue brought before the Council, and decisions based on solid reasoning must be reached. SGC's goal is two-fold. First, it must gain general con- trol on matters common to the student body. This will involve general acceptance of its recom- mendations by the students as a whole. And, secondly, SGC must estab- lish itself as a body of such com- petence that University adminis- trators and faculty members will feel justified in calling upon it for advice in matters concerning the students. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. The ex-officio members serve SGC in three ways. First, they provide interested and mature guidance to the Council on the problems it has to face, and they often come up with new ideas. Se- condly, they act as representatives of the large student groups which are under the jurisdiction of their respective organizations, and as such, cause every important stud- ent point of view to be presented. And, thirdly, they add power and prestige to SGC because they do represent the large organizations on campus. 2. (1) Increase attempts at co- ordination of and moderation be- tween other campus groups, in or- der to further strengthen the framework of student activities at Michigan. (2) Consider possible further re- vision of the Administrative Wing arrangement, with the goal being to draw it into a more tightly knit organ of SOC. (3) Attempt to further strength- en SGC by inducing only the most competent and qualified candi- dates to seek election. Insofar as the affairs of the various major campus organiza- tions are internal, and affect only the individuals and groups under their jurisdiction, SGC should have no grounds for control of these affairs. When an issue involves more than one of these organiza- tions, or, in general, affects a large and varied portion of the student body, then it should be within the jurisdiction of SGC to make strong Merrill Kaufman Phi Eta Sigma, Michigan Union Executive Council, Varsity (Sen- ior) Baseball Manager, Triangles -Treasurer, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau; Sigma, Student Activities Scholar- ship Board. PLATFORM Why SGC has been somewhat inefficient is due to the lack of general coordination control of campus relationships. SGC must become stronger to be effective and to do this they must become more efficient. Hence, ,better organi- zational control must be obtained by SGC from all organizations. However, this must not be at the expense of taking away any rights of an organization of running their own affairs. SOC should confine their actions to campus problems and not go into national and international af-. fairs. Much more would be ac- complished and much more respect would be gained if this was done. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. Ex-officio members are prov- en to be top-notch campus lead- ers by the occupation of the high- est office in the major organiza- tions of the campus. They should give advice and opinions but should not have to do the more detailed work. This is because they have numerous tasks in their own or- ganizations and also owe their own organizations an obligation to per- form these tasks to the best of their. ability. In this manner ex- officio members should be effec- tive on SOC. 2. I would like to see SGC take action on preregistration. Pre- registration would provide for less red tape and trouble for both the University and the student. In the first place it is easier to register without being under pressure. Se- condly, it would probably be fast- er in the, long run. More people would get their choice of classes. Last, but not least, the students would get a longer vacation-a fact I'm sure we would all -like. Another field which needs help is the. elections themselves. In the past one-third of the students, or less, participated in campus elections. I would like to see a renovation of campus elections with a special slant toward partici- pation by voters. 3. The people in the major cam- pus organizations' obviously have more knowledge of their own in- .. Joe Collins Student Legislature 1954-55, In- ter-House Council, South Quad Council, Campus Affairs Com- mittee of SGC, President of Scott House, Vice-President of South Quad Council. PLATFORM Believing that the scope of the Student Government Council is unlimited as long as it proceeds in a rational and reasonable way, I feel our main problem is the Council's responsiveness to stu- dent opinion. I should like to en- courage "Letters to the SGC" as well as "Letters to the Daily" so that elected members become more Conscious of the desires of the student body. Action should be the keynote of the council. I. believe a united bucket drive would prove satis- factory from the standpoint of revenues produced and public re- lations. I am also in favor of setting up a district system of voting for the SGC elections. I believe it is pos- sible, feasable, and beneficial to the campus in that it would en- courage more students to take an active interest in student govern- ment in addition to making the elected members more responsible councilmen. It would also tend to produce a more representative Council. QUESTIONNIARE ANSWERS The student body of Michigan last year completed the lengthy and involved task of reorganizing its student government. We cul- minated this period of effort with the most expensive election in our history. The Council now stands poised to operationalize the idea for which it was created. It, there- fore, devolves upon us now to set the course of action for this new body. The period of constitution- alism is now over and creativeness in response to student desires must be our new goal. I believe that there is no limit to the activities in which the Council might engage. Our powers are granted to us by the admin- istration and faculty of the Uni- versity, but I feel sure we can en- list their wholehearted support to all our projects provided these projects are a product of mature and reasoned planning. But our main problem is not the scope of the Council but its responsiveness to the desires of the student body. The mere fact that most problems are called to our attention through the "Letters to the Editor" column of the Daily recommendations regarding policy, in these matters. However, to date, the young SGC has not had a chance to prove it by the assumption of this juris- dictional authority. Before SGC can acquire these legislative and. recommendatory powers, it must first inspire confidence in the stu- dent Fbody, individually and col- lectively, in its ability to handle these matters maturely. 4. As stated above, I feel that SGC should and will eventually be- come strong enough and mature enough to exercise a certain degree of authority over the common ac- tivities of other campus organi- zations. I feel it very important that SGC be expected to legislate all zissues concerning any large group of students. Other functions particularly in- volving students, such as the re- cognition, of new groups, eligibil- ity for activities, and appoint- ments to various committees lie already within the scope of the Council by its Constitution. However, SGC should not as- sume the right or the responsibil- ity to legislate matters which do not have a direct effect on a large segment of the student body. 5. SGC should be the coordina- tor and representative of student opinion on various issues, and when there is sufficient need for action, should be responsible for implimenting said action. How- ever, SGC should be very conserva- tive when radical issues are under consideration. Rash or hasty de- cisions to act on this type of prob- lem could be disastrous to the prestige of SGC. In dealing with the faculty, ad- ministration, and others not of the student body, SGC should en- deavor to effectively promote the welfare of the student. SGC should definitely stay clear of any issue which does not direct- ly concern the student body at Michigan. 4 ternal workings since they are working daily with their own prob- lems. I do not think that SGC should interfere with such work- ings. Naturally SGC should be consulted to okay dates of events, and other such items, to prevent any interference. Also, if more than one organization is working together on a joint project, they should work through SGC. 4. The main duty of SGC is to coordinate organizations of all kinds. Along these lines activities should be included. SGC should recognize all organizations which in the opinion of the members will benefit the University. The power of SGC should be widened as much as possible. They should Ihandle any general rules and discussions not in the hands of the Board of Regents. SGC should not have many serv- ice functions. And those they do have should not be directly hand- led by the members. Their time should be left for the more im- mediate issues on hand. In time all service functions should be delegated to the other organiza- tions on campus. 5. SGC is the natural place for campus opinions to be presented, discussed and given. However, I feel SGC should not venture to give opinions on national affairs. It really makes very little differ- ence on what is said as there are few aftereffects -on what is pro- posed. Instead campus problems should be the essential issues and SGC should concentrate on these issues. However, on controversial campus issues SGC should realize that their decisions might not be representative of the campus. The members should be thoroughly aware of this fact. Stan Martin by which the elected representa- tive would become more conscious of the pulse of the campus. Per- haps some of the two thousand' dollars lavished on the Public Re-. lations Committee of SGC could be spent in obtaining some com- putation of student o p i n i o n through the use of polls, on major issues. Here we see the ex-officio groups as a means to effect these polls. But since action should be the keynote for this year, what course of action do I propose? Experience at Illinois, Minnesota, and Purdue, Member of the Campus Affairs Committee of SGC, Chairman of. the General Subcommittee under Campus Affairs Committee, Al- ternate Delegate to the Eighth National Student Association. PLATFORM See answers to Daily Question- naire. i Don Good I Michigan Daily, Michiganensian among other universities in the photographer, Inter f r a t e r n i t y -- = - - .. Big Ten, has shown that a single fund-raising drive as opposed to several individual charity drives is more successful both from the point of view of revenues produced and public relations. I propose we establish this set-up at Michigan. Some schools have students on the faculty curriculum committee as voting members. The advan- tages for us in this procedure are obvious. Where it has been tried it has been eminently successful. I propose we seek the adoption of this practice at Michigan. The Council is in a position to dramatize local as well as national issues. For instance, any group that- can afford to spend twelve hundred dollars for its elections can certainly afford a contribution to a flood relief drive perhaps to aid flood-hit secondary schools. In the field of scholarship I believe the Council should origi- nate a policy of making known to the student body all foreign and local scholarships that are obtain- able. Many scholarships are un- used mainly because of lack of publicity. I have been asked what role I felt that the ex-officio members of the council should play in im- plementing this program. I feel that the council is blessed to have I Council rushing counselor and photographer, SGC Administrative Wing (chairman of Committee on Relations with other campus or- ganizations). PLATFORM My principal goal, if elected to SGC, is to promote personal rela- tions and coordination between all campus organizations and activi- ties. Having worked toward this end as chairman of the SOC Admin- istrative Wing Committee on Re- lations with campus organizations, I feel that the SGC has a great opportunity, through effective co- ordinating of the various campus organizations, to unify the Mich- igan campus and bring Michigan students closer together. The ul- timate result of this would be a University which is a much more personable and friendly place to attend. I should also work toward an ef- fective removal of the driving ban and toward allowing Michigan coeds one optional late permission on a weekday night each week. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. The functions of the ex-of- ficio members of SGC should serve a threefold purpose. First, in an Andy Knight PLATFORM As specialists in their respective fields, ex-officio members are in a position to be of invaluable help to SGC-not only in an informa- tive capacity, but by fostering bet- ter interest, understanding and finally, relationship between the student and his University. I have found that one of the major drawbacks in most student governments is the failure to reach the students. If something could be done in this line to take more measures that concern the stud- ents directly, such as, in this case, planning for a new women's dorm, student interest and participation in their governing body would fairly boom! I feel the present arrangement of the Council's "power-relation" to other campus organizations, is already based on fairness and practicability, leaving little to be desired. QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1, lt-officios are in a position to inform the student body and channel its opinions to SGC. As eral government is to state gov- ernments. Only by being the final authority in campus affairs can SGC command the respect it must have to be a good student govern- ment. I do believe, however, SGC should use its powers only when it has been definitely proven that a campus organization is unable to satisfactorily work out its own problems. 4. SGC should extend itself fur- thest in the fields of legislation and coordination. In the field of legislation SOC should be given the power to pass legislation con- cerning any campus group. If SGC is to represent all the stud- ents it must be able to control any part of them. In the field of co- ordination SGC should do its ut- most to bring campus organiza- tions closer together. In terms of service organizations SOC should carry on with these only so long as they do not interfere with the legislating and coordinating func- tions. leaders and specialists in their re- spective fields, they are indispen- sible to SGC as a source of in-1 formation and experience. If their knowledge is so help-] ful to the Council then certainly their vote is! One group can't be1 expected to fill all roles and func- tions, and because of their already intensified interests and respon- sibilities, it is a wise policy for them not to take an office. 2. The importance of SGC's suc- cess can't be overemphasized, since it reflects, so directly, the matur- ity of the student body. There- fore, the problem of establishing an extensive personal contact must be overcome. This communication must be affected within the two year trialperiod, since at the end of this time its working practi- bility will be judged. Doing some- thing for the students, which di- rectly affects them will do much to establish respect and interest in the organization. I would like to see a closer relationship establish- ed with the faculty, since I think SGC should contribute to the edu- cational environment. We are moving toward a "myriad" of in- dependent boards. While these boards can't be incorporated into SGC (because of their varied de- grees of importance and nature), they should be directly responsible to an SGC committee chairman. When the findings of the investi- gations of rushing procedures are reported in March, SGC should de- finitely ACT, if it is to be merely 1------------- ... QUESTIONNAIRE ANSWERS 1. I think the main function of the ex-officio member of SGC should be to provide representa- tion for, and liaison with their respective organizations. These people, due to the fact that they have spent at least two and us ually three years working their way up through their own organi- zations, will bring experienced leadership and an intimate know- ledge of the campus to SOC. 2. (a) I would like to see SGC pro- mote student participation in the policy making concerning areas of direct student interest within the educational community here at Michigan. For instance; student participation in the solution of the problems which have and will arise from the increasing enroll- ment. SGC should do this through the student organizations most directly concerned, such as IFC, Assembly, Engineering Council, etc.; or through one .of its own committees if the problems do not fall within the jurisdiction of an- other campus organization. (b) By a revision of its nomi- nation and election system, SWC should promote better means for the students to know the candi- dates that they are voting for and provide morerealistic represen- tation of student opinions and de- sires. Along with this, SGC should provide within its structrue a means of finding and training in- formed student leadership that will eventually become members of the Council. 3. It already has the power to approve or disapprove activities of other organizations that in- volve calendaring. SGC should also have jurisdiction over activ- ities carried on by other organ- zations which affect the campus as a whole. However, it should concern itself with the internal affairs of other major organiza- tions only under grave conditions. Actually, this is a matter of value judgement for which no hard and fast rule can be made. SGC will have to handle each matter as it comes along, remembering that its responsibility is to the student body as a whole, and that these organizations are for the most part sovereign in their own affairs. 4. I can think of very few things that are of interest to the student that shouldn't fall 'within the scope of SGC's concern. But SGC should always remember that it was intended as a policy making and governing body, and that there are many other organiza- tions on campus willing and able to carry on specific projects and services. Therefore SGC should be careful not to get itself so entangled in projectisin and ser- vice functions that it neglects its primary aims. The answer to this would just be a repitition of views I have pre- sented previously. SGC has started on its way toward fulfilling its function as a Student Govern- ment. If it continues to carryout: its functions as outlined in the SGC Plan, and it carries them out in a thorough and diplomatic. manner, it will win the respect and backing of the students; the faculty, the administration, and the Regents. Its biggest immediate task is organization and the es- tablishment of major policies. To aid in this task is why I am run- ning for SGC. It is its responsibility to keep the student body informed at all times. If it has a stand on an issue, relat- ing to its policy, it should state it, I 11 .r { igan students want or how they feel on issues. Thirdly, the ex- officio members can act as a steadying influence for SGC. Us- ing their knowledge of how stud- ents in their particular organiza- tions feel, they can steady SGC and prevent possible radical legis- lation by the elected members who may not be as completely aware of campus feelings. 2. Foremost, I would like to see SGC work to promote personal re- lations and coordination among all the campus organizations. In do- ing this effectively, I think SGC could unify the campus and bring L: