Spring Break
SGA parties debate fees, grading system
RAISA HABERSHAM
Issue date: 3/19/09 Section: News
This year's candidates for the Student Government Association executive office presented their platforms in a four-panel debate Tuesday evening.
The two contesting parties, the New Deal and the Remix Party, focused on achieving reform and accountability.
Summing up the New Deal's stance, vice presidential candidate Cameron Secord said, "We feel students should have a hand in allocation of fees. We're the New Deal for a reason. Whether it is from giving the students a choice on the ballot to giving students the choice all the way, we are giving the students the New Deal."
On the side of the Remix party, presidential candidate Laura Ann Thompson said, "Rethinking, reenergizing and remixing, that is the Remix Party."
"What we don't want is people involved in SGA for a year to become disenchanted. This is a fabulous organization that is dedicated to the student body."
The debate began with the question of how to deal with the $100 fee imposed on students in January, and how to handle future fees.
Thompson said, "I don't disagree with the fee, [but] I do believe the process was distressed. We need to refocus efforts with the Board of Regents and ask for a timeline to assess fees."
Katie Barlow, the New Deal presidential candidate, said she agrees with Thompson. But she added that "a student voice on Regents is needed."
The two parties also advocated plus/minus grading system reform.
"The plus/minus system has been solidified. The question is one of priority over the A plus or the C minus," Barlow said. "The first priority is the C minus lacking credit. It isn't right."
Some departments do not count a C minus as a passing grade. If a C minus doesn't qualify as a passing grade, Barlow said the New Deal will "meet with department heads and deans to decide if the fail is not a 74 [percent] in one class and a 70 [percent] in the other."
The Remix Party, on the other hand, emphasized adding an A plus to the grading system, in addition to eliminating the C minus.
The two contesting parties, the New Deal and the Remix Party, focused on achieving reform and accountability.
Summing up the New Deal's stance, vice presidential candidate Cameron Secord said, "We feel students should have a hand in allocation of fees. We're the New Deal for a reason. Whether it is from giving the students a choice on the ballot to giving students the choice all the way, we are giving the students the New Deal."
On the side of the Remix party, presidential candidate Laura Ann Thompson said, "Rethinking, reenergizing and remixing, that is the Remix Party."
"What we don't want is people involved in SGA for a year to become disenchanted. This is a fabulous organization that is dedicated to the student body."
The debate began with the question of how to deal with the $100 fee imposed on students in January, and how to handle future fees.
Thompson said, "I don't disagree with the fee, [but] I do believe the process was distressed. We need to refocus efforts with the Board of Regents and ask for a timeline to assess fees."
Katie Barlow, the New Deal presidential candidate, said she agrees with Thompson. But she added that "a student voice on Regents is needed."
The two parties also advocated plus/minus grading system reform.
"The plus/minus system has been solidified. The question is one of priority over the A plus or the C minus," Barlow said. "The first priority is the C minus lacking credit. It isn't right."
Some departments do not count a C minus as a passing grade. If a C minus doesn't qualify as a passing grade, Barlow said the New Deal will "meet with department heads and deans to decide if the fail is not a 74 [percent] in one class and a 70 [percent] in the other."
The Remix Party, on the other hand, emphasized adding an A plus to the grading system, in addition to eliminating the C minus.
Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 6
Jessie
posted 3/19/09 @ 9:55 AM EST
It sounds like the Remix party is just reverting back to the old SGA. Is that really what we want? SGA has already had office hours and they said themselves that they are only taking "a different spin" on the current SGA. (Continued…)
jack
posted 3/19/09 @ 10:30 AM EST
Jessie, your comment included nothing substantive. You sound like you're on The New Deal campaign staff, which is fine, but do try a little more subtlety and much more import or your comments lose credibility. (Continued…)
Max
posted 3/19/09 @ 12:19 PM EST
Well Jessie does have a point (even though they may sound like a staffer lol)... I haven't really heard about what makes the Remix party different...
Jessie
posted 3/19/09 @ 12:49 PM EST
Just wanted to say I'm not on the staff, so Jack you can just calm down... I just have been involved in SGA in the past and I like wat I see...
The Rippers
posted 3/19/09 @ 1:28 PM EST
Jessie, thank you for your ringing endorsement. I am often left wondering what paths I must take in life. Thankfully, there are internet commentators like you that offer guidance and valuable insight. (Continued…)
Frank the Tank
posted 3/19/09 @ 4:13 PM EST
"SGA doesn't represent the student body, certainly not enough to spend our money in an effective manner."
So the administration that gives out the funds is a better representation of the student body?
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