Open secret: The 2011 student government election was a complete joke and an institutional embarrassment.
When Chris Loumeau was elected student body president, not much more than two percent of over 32,000 students seemed to care.
Team Innovate ran unopposed, and composed completely of incumbents, with the mission “to fight for the students!” This should have unsettled any student who cares about what happens with their fees, and given every active member of UVUSA cause for alarm.
UVUSA is in charge of $12 million a semester, and students’ indifference about so much of their own money should be deeply unsettling.
When he became pressed to respond to the strange “apathy” noted by students, professors, UVU Review and others on campus, Loumeau wrote a letter. He addressed the implications that, because members of UVUSA are on the elections committee, and that for the past few years only a team of incumbents ever wins student elections, “the election process may be flawed.”
Loumeau responded with his feelings that there were “extremely rigid rules” to the process and that such rules may be particularly demanding on teams comprised of students from UVUSA. He also suggested that to get involved in politics required beginning from the bottom up to ensure leadership properly prepared by experience.
These answers were not adequate, and they are still as vacuous a year later.
I’ve only been a student on this campus for five years, but every year the rules have proved simply to protect the team who will, from the start, inevitably win.
To be specific: If you don’t know how to bend the rules and exploit the many gray areas in the UVUSA campaign handbook, you don’t have much of a chance against others who have been in the organization long enough to know better.
The election process is in need of reform, as does UVUSA, which is comprised primarily of students majoring in public relations, communications, business management and sometimes, medical science.
This is, in actuality, recycling from a homogeneous group of students that do not necessarily represent our strongest programs. Why is it that a student interested in humanities, physical sciences or performing arts is less adequate than public relations and communications?
A year ago, Loumeau suggested being involved in politics means working up the ladder “to ensure they have necessary experience.”
Good experience is indeed important. I just think that, at an undergraduate college, a philosophy major should have as many good ideas about running a higher learning institution as a business major, and should be given the chance to prove it.
Surely UVUSA is not the only student organization that can provide the right experience for someone who wants to run for the government. But during election time, “extremely rigid rules” will not help someone who comes from anywhere else.
True innovation would be a student government organization that is able to attend to the needs of so many thousands of students because it can reach every student group on campus. The majority of students, or at least more than the few at present, would have a thorough understanding of where fees go and why, how to contribute to campus prestige no matter your program, how to prepare for graduate school and the professional world with the help of student-run conferences and publications, and be better acquainted with current persons relevant to campus interests.
These things, and more, would help us become better citizens as well because actively participating in politics means actively participating in what’s already around you most of the time; no matter what corner of campus you spend the most time in, you can improve your time there, and the academic environment surrounding you, if you just know how to look for the opportunities.
But for the past year, our student government has, under Loumeau’s leadership, provided mostly opportunities for date nights and pretend-tailgates. Not many students know when senate hearings are or how to change the constitution. We don’t know why all the new building signs had to be paid for, in part, with our own fees, or why those same millions of dollars in fees have been helping pay for a football team for at least a decade.
Students might benefit from a campus event that brings prominent professors and serious professionals from credible universities and disciplines. This is in contrast to most speaker events involving famous “real life” celebrities who are typically related to feel-good sports movies (which are themselves of some dispute). Because such speakers always promise and deliver massive attendance, student government has it easy while various programs on our campus must pull together the funding on their own for a visit from a Sandy Skoglund, a Cornel West, or a Stephen Jay Gould.
One year after Team Innovate won an election, thanks to a weak and failed process, this student is asking just how much innovation he saw. Loumeau’s promises, and his answers to the implications of a flawed system, are as stale as they were last spring.
(UVUSA campaign bylaws: http://www.uvu.edu/
By Matthew Jonassaint
Opinions Writer
Matthew,
Enjoyed reading your article – very well-written. I’m excited to see how elections play out this year.
Leigh
Its interesting to see how many people can talk ****, but no one is willing to step up and run for office. Stop talking smack and do something about it. I give credit to those fools who actually care about UVU to become officers, cheerleaders, etc., when so many students don’t give a ****.
Thank you Chace, I agree with you 100%.
Hey Chace, I talked asterisks and was willing to run for office. I gave so many asterisks while at UVSC/UVU.
I would love to see JR Boyce, Matthew Jonassaint, and Leigh Ellis run for the Presidency. I don’t think they care enough about the school to do it.
Holy cow is this a UVUSA hate fest?! I feel like every week when I read the Review you guys are constantly writing about how bad UVUSA is. Not only just those involved but also those running in the upcoming elections. If you have so much to fuss about why don’t you run? I have attended some UVUSA events and I also know a few people involved in this organization and they are great people with great intentions! Why don’t you guys ever focus on the good that they are doing for our school? They work hard to provide a great experience for UVU students! Also just a little advice maybe you should get your facts straight or just not say anything at all!!!!
if I could like this I would
Sarah, members of the UVU Review staff have run for student government. The paper reports on both the good and the bad about UVUSA, but no self-respecting journalist would allow his or herself to become a tool for propaganda and report only stories favorable to student government. Yes, there are great individuals committing long and hard hours to the betterment of the school. But others are corrupt and others make mistakes. It is a newspaper’s job to point out mistakes so that they cease to be made in the future.
In response to the statement;”It is a newspaper’s job to point out mistakes so that they cease to be made in the future.” I consider this statement simply ‘innocent ignorance’. Journalists are taught and feel empowered to manipulate public opinion based on their own opinion or that of their agency. The UVU Review has torpedoed objective news reporting, replacing it with opinion based reporting. The proper role of a newspaper is to report objectively! Allowing individuals to create an opinion for themselves on factual, accurate, and unbiased data. Through this, a natural course can exist; ultimately deciding the fate of the news in question. This is what gives power to the people; making them think for themselves on controversial issues. It is essential that you as an individual research and educate yourself from accredited sources pertaining to the relevant issues in your life!
Sarah, members of the UVU Review staff have in fact run for student government.
The paper reports on both the good and the bad about UVUSA, but no self-respecting journalist would allow his or herself to become a tool for propaganda and report only stories favorable to student government. Yes, there are great individuals committing long and hard hours to the betterment of the school and doing great work. But others don’t put in such a stellar effort. It is part of a newspaper’s job to create awareness about problems in whatever arena it reports on.
Emma and Laine, what mistakes and problems are you talking about you fools?? I think we’ve had a great year here at UVU! Bill Nye the Science Guy! Halloween Dance! Bruno Mars concert!
Those were fun events, yes. But for starters, look to this article and the associated article about campaigning rule infractions by incumbents for some of the problems I’m talking about. Lomeau’s failings have to do with perpetuating and entrenching the culture that made meaningful repercussions for those infractions unlikely.
The most salient point of this article is the homogeneity of the students who always take office. It has been the same group ever since I have attended UVU. This does not invite innovation or a diversity of ideas so crucial to our organizational goals.
But maybe their biggest mistake has precisely to do with the events you mentioned. Celebrity appearances and parties should come second to guest scholars. We want to be a serious organization? It’s time we started acting like it, instead of providing the students bread and circus.
Chace, your expectations and enthusiasm regarding these events find a proper home in your local Singles Ward, not a University. To boast of such affectless entertainment as you have perpetuates the activities sanctioned, so that nearly 30,000 students suffer the same watered-down kiddie-gloves extracurricularity that makes for a fun Facebook album and a garbage can-bound resume.
Sarah, Emma already gave a good enough response, so I will merely say that you ought to read through a few issues before you incorrectly assume things in regard to the paper. In my very informed opinion on the matter, UVUSA gets off easy on what is written about them by UVU Review. Some other university papers absolutely skewer student governments. UVUSA should be held even more accountable for what they do than most of student governments; UVUSA has more influence than many other schools’ similar governments.
Look, I don’t claim to be an expert on this, but it seems to me like the UVU Review has an “ax to grind.” I don’t know anyone on UVUSA (at least very well), but I’ve seen a few of their events and they seem to do a very professional job. As a UVU wrestler, I appreciate the constant support UVUSA and the MAWL have given us. Additionally, they seem to use student fees on things that are important and relevant to us students. Seems like the staff at the UVU Review is akin to a spoiled child who doesn’t get a toy he wants. Too bad they can’t put together a credible paper for the students…
I am not involved within UVUSA or any organization on campus, but I do read the UVU Review. I love being infomred about what is happening on campus, but the more I read this paper I realize it is nothing more than garbage. I did a little digging myself and noticed the UVU Review’s funding is determined by UVUSA. I am not 100% sure how the process works, but I am smart enough not to piss of the people that fund me. I say UVUSA should stop funding you guys. Like my mother always said “if you dont have something nice to say don’t say anything at all” -pretty sure it is way smarter to not print things you think my hurt you in the end. GO UVUSA.I appreciate all that you do for UVU, with the exception of funding this horrible paper.
Jake, whatever quality assessments you want to make of the paper are fair game and a matter of opinion. However, that your quarrel with the paper is not with the truthfulness or relevance of its stories, but rather with the politeness and admin-friendliness of its content should worry anyone who understands the function of journalism.
The UVU Review is not a tool for UVUSA propaganda, nor should it be. It is in fact funded by both student fees and internal advertising (not solely student fees as you assert), and represents one of the only mediums available through which students can become informed about their campus.
Also, let UVUSA pull the plug. See what happens when word gets out that they silence criticism to the detriment of students- both those who read the paper and those who seek to hone their writing and reporting skills by working as staff members. Talk about newsworthy.
No one reads your paper anyway. You write about condoms, water bottles being filled, and you have high school students write for your paper. This is not what a scholarly, university paper should look like.
I hope you’re aware, Chase, that I am not affiliated with this paper. However, as a student, I do value the organization and I am of the opinion that the UVU Review covers any and every story of interest possible. Just because the concept of filtered drinking water seems to offend you just as much as a valid criticism of the current student administration does, does not mean that the UVU Review is not a worthwhile publication. Either you want fluff pieces or you want content that creates dialogue. Pick one and argue for it. Better yet, join the staff and say what you think needs to be said.
Emma,
Your main beef doesn’t seem to have any validity whatsoever. According to the University’s blog (http://blogs.uvu.edu/blog/2011/05/the-2011-uvusa/), the current UVUSA is comprised of people from 7 different countries, ages 18-30, with equal numbers of men and women. From what I can tell, their majors and interests are equally diverse. Its becoming increasingly obvious that your only frustration is that UVUSA doesn’t represent your personal feelings on every single issue (with your extremely limited scope of understanding). You don’t actually care about diversity at all…
Why don’t you do some actual homework on these issues before you pass judgement based purely on anecdotal evidence and heresay…
AJ, I never implied that there was a lack of cultural, age or gender diversity. I am well aware that the backgrounds of these individuals are diverse. I don’t think you’ve familiarized yourself enough with my opinions to make such a hasty, simplistic, and frankly abrasive assessment.
When I say the student government is homogenous, I mean that year after year, incumbents take the offices for which they run, and they regard the victory as a foregone conclusion. Yes, they bring young blood to student government year after year. But the problem with this seemingly unbreakable chain of incumbency is that the new ideas brought by new people tend to get lost in the status quo. This is what I mean by lack of diversity. A homogeneity of ideas.
Emma, you comment a lot and you use a lot of big words (which is commendable) but still… your facts (and that of those in this paper) are false, subjective, and misguided. You have to admit that this article is one-sided and anything but informing. it is just another mode of pointing fingers. Saying that these incumbent teams keep getting elected because of the organization of student government is just manipulating small pieces of truth to form to a biased opinion. In this case the fractured truths have been spread too thin and shows too clearly the lack of credibility behind it. I’d love to see an article that really explores and informs because this article gave me the same feeling I get when I watch a cat fight.
It is one-sided because that’s what opinions pieces are supposed to be. Had the article been perfectly objective (an impossibility), it would not have been an opinions piece. The author is supposed to view a situation and interpret it for the reader’s approval or dismissal. I can respect that you have chosen the latter of the two.
That incumbency practically guarantees a seat in UVUSA is an opinion formed through observation and there really is no way that this can be proven or disproved. But I would like you to explain how this consistent pattern constitutes a fractured truth.
In fact, I’d like you to explain it in the form of an opinions article. The editor has always been exceptionally welcoming of counterpoints, rebuttals and letters to the editor.
“But the problem with this seemingly unbreakable chain of incumbency is that the new ideas brought by new people tend to get lost in the status quo. This is what I mean by lack of diversity. A homogeneity of ideas.”
Ok Emma, Back up your claim. Can you name even one example of this? Name a new idea brought up by a new member of UVUSA that got lost in the status quo….
UVU Review isn’t a happy glad-handed PR pamphlet of UVUSA or UVU. When good things happen, it should be reported. When bad things happen, it should be reported.
Carry your desires here to the political realm, and it proves why campaign finances and Super PACs and secret donors, etc are to be under as much scrutiny as possible.
Wait–student fees are going towards a football team? Really? If so, that’s somewhat disturbing, because I don’t recall UVU having a football team.
Mark,
It’s been a long time in the making. I believe President Holland is pushing for it now more than ever.
http://www.theupsetblog.com/2011/06/insight-on-football-at-utah-valley.html
NO, they are not! This article was extremely misinformed. I wish he had done a bit more research or sat in on our Student Fee hearings which were just 2 weeks ago.
Meagan, i believe if you were to look at the date on that article you would see that it was written last summer. At that time the UVU football team was a reasonable topic of dialogue. The Student Fee hearings 2 weeks ago would mean little to an article written over 6 months ago.
Meagan, i believe if you were to look at the date on that article you would see that it was written last summer. At that time the UVU football team was a reasonable topic of dialogue. The Student Fee hearings 2 weeks ago would mean little to an article written over 6 months ago.
James and Adam are the same person…no?
I like you, T.
The entire student body should have an axe to grind with the UVUSA. It is our money they are misappropriating.
Also, the rules about candidacy for student government preclude a significant portion of students from running.
Redress? That’s what open dialogue is for. This is a proper use of the opinions section of media. If you don’t like the opinions in the review, write one. I’d love to comment on it.
…no one wants to write for the crappy paper, thats why we’re using this as an alternative. “Rules for candidacy preclude a significant portion of students from running?” How so? I have looking into running several times and the whole process is legit.
Chace, I wish I had the time to comment to all of your inanity.
Honestly, what money is being misappropriated?
where’s my reply?!?
Dear Matthew Jonassaint,
I am the UV Mentor Liaison on UVUSA, and have had the great opportunity to be for 2 years now. I represent the UV Mentor Program where we mentor students in the Student Success classes. I have read your article and have discussed it with many members on council and we would love for you to come down and learn more about UVUSA (this is an open invitation to everyone). We would also love to discuss any concerns you have with UVUSA and the election process. We are always open to hearing the students out on how to become better. There are many of us who come from different programs on campus (not just the ones you mentioned in your article)and we would like to share with you how we are representing our own programs when it comes to making decisions for UVU students. Please feel free to visit and keep up the writing!
Sincerely,
Natasha Carlton
So true, way to represent our school.
@Jake
Whatever quality assessments you want to make of the paper are fair game and a matter of opinion. However, that your quarrel with the paper is not with the truthfulness or relevance of its stories, but rather with the politeness and admin-friendliness of its content should worry anyone who understands the function of journalism.
The UVU Review is not a tool for UVUSA propaganda, nor should it be. It is in fact funded by both student fees and internal advertising (not solely student fees as you assert), and represents one of the only mediums available through which students can become informed about their campus.
Also, let UVUSA pull the plug. See what happens when word gets out that they silence criticism to the detriment of students- both those who read the paper and those who seek to hone their writing and reporting skills by working as staff members. Talk about…
ditto Emma’s comment ^^^^
Hey Matt,
I know this is an opinion column but at least do a little bit of research. Most of these “facts” are nothing more than a misinformed opinion of someone who clearly has a problem with UVUSA. If you have issues with the legislation, that is ok, but personal attacks on Mr. Loumeau and the rest of the executive branch is pathetic and a childish way of proving a point. It’s columns like this that give student newspapers a bad name and hurts the credibility of the paper. Shame on the editor that allowed this slanderous filth to be printed. At least put a little more work into your sloppy, slanted view on this issue.
Where the heck is that like button!!
Travis, I think you and Jo have missed the point on this article and the newspaper in general. I for one hope that the newspaper NEVER posts what the government (or UVUSA) thinks that it should. I hope that they would write about the things that are going wrong in our community. This article is about making people aware of what is happening around us. It gets those who are interested to do research and want to be more informed. Let the paper write what it pleases…this is why we have a paper!
It can write what it pleases if it does the research. This article is an opinion of someone and makes untrue things appear as facts. This is why this should not be printed. The point is not to have an agenda and be objective, this article is very one sided.
In news reporting, yes, a journalist must do his/her best to avoid bias. On the opinions page, however, it is the writer’s job to perceive a situation and offer an interpretation behind which you may or may not want to throw your support. Without an angle, an opinions piece is indistinguishable from news. As this article appears in the opinions section, he is free to express his opinion.
As long as there are no fictions in the article, and I see none, the author has not transgressed against journalistic ethics.
“As long as there are no fictions in the article, and I see none, the author has not transgressed against journalistic ethics.”
Here are 3 easy to identify fictions in the article that the author could have easily verified prior to printing this article:
-“UVUSA is in charge of $12 million a semester”
-“The election process is in need of reform, as does UVUSA, which is comprised primarily of students majoring in public relations, communications, business management and sometimes, medical science.
This is, in actuality, recycling from a homogeneous group of students that do not necessarily represent our strongest programs. Why is it that a student interested in humanities, physical sciences or performing arts is less adequate than public relations and communications?”
-“why those same millions of dollars in fees have been helping pay for a football team for at least…
I wish we could all get along like we used to in middle school… I wish I could bake a cake filled with rainbows and smiles and everyone would eat and be happy…
Dang! I never realized how good I look in my picture! Thanks Matt!! Ladies, text me 8019284210.
I lost a lot of faith in student government when I saw the shopping cart parade roll through the halls.
That’s where my student fees are going?
What student fee money was used to put that on?
I will gladly stand corrected if no student fees were used on that event. But when I see an event sponsored by the UVUSA, I can’t help but think that student fees are being used.
Either way, even if student fees weren’t being used, I lost a lot of faith in the UVUSA when I saw the shopping cart parade. Seemed like an awfully childish and silly event to be taking place at a university.
Really? Is this professional? I thought you were supposed to represent me as a fellow student. Making cat calls on a newspaper website seems kind of ……. wrong?
I feel as though we have represented the students…the students who care. I also have every right to represent myself anyway I like. And if you don’t like that maybe you should’ve run against me…
Yes, you have the right to represent yourself however you want, but you also need to realize that as an elected official (kind of…), you also represent the UVUSA and the entire institution.
Think about that when you make arrogant comments.
And I am a student who cares. Oddly enough, I don’t feel very well represented. I have a feeling there are many students who feel the same way.
Agreed. Flippant and dismissive of real concerns. Par for the course.
i agree!!!!
Unfortunately, Joe, you actually represent the students that don’t care as well. You’re held accountable for the decisions you make on their behalf, regardless of whether or not they voted. It is disappointing as an adult that is charged with such a heavy responsibility would act so childish. Not everyone can run for office Joe. However, you have at the very least given them reason to, for who would want another year of people in office unwilling to listen to the complaints and concerns of the students.
Nice….someone who represents us writes something like this?!? You want respect, yet you would post something like this?!?
The worst thing about this is that this blase’ guy is on the elections committee. The one responsible for holding teams that break the rules accountable.
His co-vice president David Millet is running for president, and we get a discerning individual such as Joe J. making the calls on how rules broken by David are going to be dealt with. The system is definitely flawed.
Surprised at the level of animosity at the attacks on the paper over an opinions article. It is reasonable that those supporting UVUSA, a student service organization, would also look to support the paper. It is one of the only mediums in which students voices can be heard. The argument that high school students writing for the paper invalidates it in anyway shows a misunderstanding of our school altogether. UCAS makes up thousands of our student body. In fact these students are the cream of the crop. Last year a UCAS student won a women’s issue essay contest for her writing. While I don’t know if high school students do write for the paper, I do know the paper is there to create opportunity to those who want it.
Also, for Emma and the author, if our student government is so corrupt, why don’t you get off your MacBook and run yourself? Since you both clearly have all the answers to what’s ailing our school, I sure would vote for you. All I see here are more people complaining about things they don’t try and change themselves.
I hope you don’t construe this as defensive or some kind of counter-attack, but I just want to make it clear that not everybody who makes criticisms of the student government is an idle complainer. I would run if I could, but unfortunately I am an alumna and not eligible.
But while a student, I occupied prominent departmental and student organization leadership roles and campaigned actively for teams whose platforms I believed in. Was I a part of student government? No. Did I work throughout the entirety of my undergraduate to make the school better? Yes. UVU matters to me beyond the comment board.
@Travis, I got off my MacBook and ran. We tried to change things. We realized just how deeply recidivistic UVUSA incumbency really is and was, and also how overtly those with the ability to handle and alter the outcome and every aspect of the election meddle in the process.
Wow… That’s really all I have to say. Most of you don’t even realize what the UVU review does, do you? Half these comments just made me sick to read.
I don’t understand how bashing Mr. Loumeau is raising awareness of problems at UVU. Of course there are organizational problems with student government. It should be noted that a lot of that is due to how peculiar UVU is as a university. the article implies that somehow UVUSA and Mr. Loumeau stopped other people from running against them, which seems far-fetched. And of course 2% of uvu students voting is their fault too… I haven’t done much with UVUSA to be honest and as somewhat of an outsider, I have to say that this article comes off naggy and unprofessional. Maybe a focus on real issues and practical solutions would benefit more than pointing fingers like children. Especially if you want to raise awareness. Some legit sources would be great too. I’m all for change but this article will not help the process.
Matthew,
I am a huge advocate of journalism, however I feel integrity was compromised in this piece. While I understand your point in the types of programming and the “true” innovation you mention, your argument is flawed. Of course those who have been involved with UVUSA have an advantage over those who haven’t been involved…..that’s life. This is true in elections of all levels and in any work environment. Being involved and working up through the ranks is not sleezy, but rather a natural progression. It’s the reason promotions exist.
Every year an article like this is released and still students aren’t flooding to vote or run. Why? Probably because they don’t want to put the time and dedication required in these positions. Stop whining and start acting because this story is really getting old. Student fees is an open hearing, want to learn more? Join a campus…
Reached a character limit…Join a campus committee or UVUSA. for the record, I do think the UVU Review is a great paper and it’s important to show all sides of an argument and journalism thrives on controversy. That being said, it’s just important opinion doesn’t trump fact because this leads to assumptions and inaccuracies. Then we have a whole heap of students in an uproar over things that aren’t true or with only half of the real story. I’m happy to speak with anyone who has concerns or questions, I am graduate of UVU almost two years now.
I love how all the comments daring newspaper staff and others to run COMPLETELY miss the times Jonassaint’s article mentions how the election process is so problematic that it may possibly discourage anyone outside UVUSA from ever running…this is to say nothing of all the opposing teams of previous years who have never won because they aren’t from UVUSA!
Richard,
I don’t think his point was missed, rather considered a void argument since the elections packet has pretty much remained the same for years. If someone needs help clarifying the elections packet they can ask about it and talk to people who have done it previously. The issues I see with most none UVUSA teams is they don’t plan and prepare, they wait until 2 weeks before to decide to run. Anyone interested in politics and running should know these things take a lot of preparation and research. Most people who run prepare a year in advance, I prepared 2 years in advance.
It’s not a perfect process, as no elections process or really anything ever is, but it’s also not as horrible as it’s made out to be. If people just watched the elections process and then ran the following year, they would know what to do.
Again Krystal, you’re missing the point: it’s BAD that the elections packet has been the same for years, not good, because that’s part of the problem with keeping everything homogenous and the same. Did you even read the same article I did?
It’s true sometimes teams don’t get started until very late in January, but I also know that there have been times teams have gone to Athletics asking for financial support in the middle of summer, and surprise surprise, people who have done that have won.
Why is my money being used to pay the president? Why is my money used for signs? Why can’t my money be used to help my classes be improved? That’s the issue here. The elections process isn’t perfect, but given that these are people who handle millions of dollars of mine and my fellow students, it oughta be as damn close to perfection as we can get!
And the Editor in Chief of UVU Review did try to run about three years ago. It was probably one of the closest races ever. But the incumbent team won- like they have for ten years.
Julia,
That was the year I also ran, it was actually not the closest race ever….They lost because they didn’t get enough votes which was based on the platform and who the students were more familiar with. The incumbent team usually wins, because they are people that have been involved and are familiar with the campus, it really makes sense if you think about it. Nothing against new people who try to run, but experience outweighs reform.
Krystal, darling. Jack here (let’s get lunch soon and talk about things that are not this)
Of course we lost because we didn’t have enough votes. That’s how the election works. BUT, to say that it is based on the platform is ludicrous. I know you are smarter than that.
In our particular election, we –the ‘outsider team’ — were not just shmucks without any UVU experience. Each member of our team had experience all over campus in various departments and obligations. We were each known and, hopefully, respected around campus.
We brought great experience AND the chance to reform. Speaking only of myself, I was Editor in Chief of the paper, a Resident Engagement Coordinator, a Community Ambassador at Wolverine Crossing, announced the UVU baseball games, etc. And of course the summer after the election, you and I both worked together giving freshman tours. I know UVU inside…
Richard,
I never said the elections packet was final either. While it hasn’t changed much, it doesn’t mean that it is not open for discussion or under review as issues arise. Besides, have you read through the packet? It isn’t rocket science. Students often complain they weren’t aware of resources available, that is not an issue of the rule packet but rather a lack of strategic planning. Consider the election process for president or local office, you think all the tips and tricks and resource planning is laid out in that packet? No, because it is left to the out of the box thinking of the candidate.
In regards to Athletic support, you can’t ask for finances from departments so I am not sure what you are referring to. If an individual knows people in athletics as a friend and recruits them for campaigning that is just good networking.
Your money is not being used to pay the president or for signage as you say….Campaign money is an out of the pocket expense from the candidate with a set limit. There is sponsorship opportunities if I recall but it is not your money. The millions of dollars you speak of is also inaccurate to some degree. There are also a lot of campus-wide faculty, professors, and other students not related to UVUSA that sit in on committees and hearings. Attend student fee hearings, its a very interesting process. I was surprised at how much I didn’t realize actually happens. UVUSA is comprised of students who pay fees as well, we are just as protective about fees as the next student. I know what its like to pay for school, it’s not cheap. I like the UVU Review, I just think sometimes they speak before they have all the facts.
As a former UVUSA President, VP, Spirit Chair/MAWL President, and Club Ambassador, I would like to address a few points:
(1) Anyone has the OPPORTUNITY to apply-they choose not to.
(2) I ran against another incumbent team & non-incumbent team-one of us had to lose, and we didn’t know who until the final announcement.
(3) Don’t allow the past few elections bias your opinion on an age-old process. Base them on the long term.
(4) @Richard, you are way off on so many issues! Get the facts by sitting down and talking with a current or past President, or a UVUSA adviser. For example, you didn’t pay a single penny for the ‘signs’, and I never received any $$ from Athletics. 🙁
(5) UVUSA doesn’t handle millions, they ALLOCATE or manage the accounts of millions to faculty & staff to use according to campus policy.
(6) The packets has changed and does often.
…That’s for starters.
^^^ Hello, Trevor.
Speaking from experience, there are definitely some non-spoken, non-written rules about the student government elections campaign that a non-UVUSA team would not know about until after the fact.
^^^ this is very correct
To give my honest opinion. The UVU Review is a rag. An article about nature worship was once considered front-page news. I spent ten days this summer with a group of campus newspaper editors and writers from Ivy League schools and other prestigious universities (the editor of the Brown Daily Herald, a writer for the Duke Chronicle, a writer from the Daily Northwestern, etc…) and got to see what real writing is supposed to look like. Our time was spent learning and educating ourselves on the Middle East. These real journalism students understand the difference between writing an opinion piece (while apparently bitter) and learning all the facts and then forming an opinion. Why not address the problems in the process rather than defaming the character of President Loumeau (all due respect)? Why not discuss the merits of reforming the system towards individual races rather than team race
@J. Mac — Your “honest opinion”? You should tap yourself on your back for that self-given tap on your back.
Your silly attempt at a brag card is about to be trumped… now.
I’ve gone to multiple journalism conferences, mingled with New York Times authors, met Bob Woodward (journalist from Watergate fame), interviewed President Clinton, publicly called out award winning journalists Lance Williams and Mark Fainaru-Wada for their fame gained from hypocrisy, constantly interact with reputable authors, occasionally hang out with a Peabody Award-winning journalist, one of my best friends has had his work published in the USA Today and Newsweek, etc etc etc.
So take your pseudo experience with “real journalism students” elsewhere. If you understood journalism, you wouldn’t have the critique of this article that you have. And it seems as if you didn’t even read this article.
Jack!
Hahah I’d love to do a lunch, it’s been too long and your foursquare tips just aren’t cutting it. Thanks, I am a very intelligent person as are you. My question is how do you explain the vote difference? You guys were involved on campus but I think outside of you and Brittany to some extent maybe students didn’t feel like the image and message resonated enough?
I agree you were at a disadvantage not having done the UVUSA side of things, it’s just one of those things people have to build upon I think. I agree the process is not ideal but more efforts should be made to increase voter turnout and engagement than criticizing UVUSA on pieces of facts. A lot of us really do work our tails off trying to do the right thing and represent the campus in a positive light. Its frustrating when people are so quick to judge….bear hug? Hahah hit me up soon! I like Thai and Indian…
Was your point in informing us of the many people you have called out for hypocrisy (hardly a resume builder) to say that you thought the UVU Review was a good paper or just to be a self-aggrandizer? My point was not to praise myself but to call attention to the fact that I have seen the work of other newspaper students taking trips abroad to write about the Middle East conflict and I have seen the UVU Review make nature worship a front-page story. My reading of the article lead me to the conclusion that the author had little in the way of constructive criticism (criticism with a point) and more of an ax to grind. (If we were to self-aggrandize I have had personal conversations with Pulitzer Prize winner Charles Krauthammer, given a nationally televised speech which was written by…. me, and been Valedictorian of a speaking conference over Ivy League students, and am in personal corresp
ondence with the Chief Political Analyst of the Jerusalem Post, to name a few reasons why I do not care what you think of yourself or to whom you shouted obscenities.) My only care in the whole entire world (possibly hyperbole unbecoming a serious article in a serious paper but definitely allowed in an online comment section) is that the staff of the UVU Review understand that tripe in writing should not be held as a standard. A journalist with intellectual motives at hand would have provided a constructive rather than destructive opinion. Edmund Burke in his “Thoughts on Present Discontents” argued the role of a legitimate opposition is to posit solution rather than spew vitriol. (re-posted here due to my own error in not adding this second section to the replies)
s? Simple answer? The UVU Review is an amateur attempt at writing.
Just to clarify, not just ANYONE can join UVUSA or run for presidency.
There’s a group of people that is not allowed AT ALL UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES able to receive scholarships. Therefore, they can’t do UVUSA unless it’s all voluntary. Since there’s no scholarship, said students must work and can’t give in the necessary time.
I know a lot of people in UVUSA and I do believe they do some good, but I honestly think that retreats are a huge waste of money.
These retreats are all fun mixed in with some team building exercises. These things could be done at our own campus.
Also, having games in the student government room is a waste. It should be a place of work.
I believe UVUSA could do so much more for their students and allow their fun budget to be cut down.
This is just a thought from the silenced voice that wishes they could do something about it, but unfortunately, I…
Silenced Voice (nice name)
So anyone can run, the scholarship is a completely separate issue and doing UVUSA might as well be voluntary because I could have made way more money and paid for school working the amount of hours UVUSA works. The retreats serve a purpose and have been done on campus. I have been part of many organizations including corporate committees and retreats are common…they are valuable and don’t happen as often as you think. Not sure to what games in the office you are referring to but lay off, its a “STUDENT” office on a college campus….it’s suppose to be a fun and welcoming place. Students need social aspects and place to build friendships. P.s. have you been to the news room? Guess what? They have fun too.
Just because you can’t be on UVUSA doesn’t mean you don’t have a voice..there are lots of options, come by UVUSA office to learn more.
I think I am going to comment a few times here. I know a thing or thirty about this.
Good article Matthew. It takes me back to the 2009 elections… which isn’t a good thing. It just shows that the deeply embedded cronyism of the student govt. dog and pony show is still alive and well. The conflict of interest with members being on the elections committee makes the election process a complete farce.
One commenter said that it was dumb for the UVU Review to print this because UVUSA is in charge of it’s funding. That’s a really bad reason to criticize this article, but I think it brings up a real problem – the funding for the newspaper should not be tied to student govt.
ondence with the Chief Political Analyst of the Jerusalem Post, to name a few reasons why I do not care what you think of yourself or to whom you shouted obscenities.) My only care in the whole entire world (possibly hyperbole unbecoming a serious article in a serious paper but definitely allowed in an online comment section) is that the staff of the UVU Review understand that tripe in writing should not be held as a standard. A journalist with intellectual motives at hand would have provided a constructive rather than destructive opinion. Edmund Burke in his “Thoughts on Present Discontents” argued the role of a legitimate opposition is to posit solution rather than spew vitriol.
Matthew,
The year that Loumeau was Vice-President of Academic Senate they brought Erin Gruwell. She is someone that the school feels is important enough to bring back to school for this year’s graduation ceremonies. They also brought a Pulitzer Prize winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin.
You do realize only one branch of the UVUSA plans activities, right? The ACTIVITIES branch plans fun activities to benefit students.
Heaven forbid should anyone praise the UVUSA for Costa Vida, Pizza Hut, and Subway being on campus. Or increase bus routes, oh yeah and for being strong and NOT raising students fees by all the proposed amounts.
God Bless the UVUSA.
I just wasted an hour of my life reading all of your wonderful comments…I’m so depressed right now. i will never get that time back. So sad. i know that none of you really care what I have to say because you don’t know me but I’ll say it anyway; most of the people i talk to don’t get involved in student government because they just don’t care. they feel their opinions fall on deaf ears as do I. I feel like the out cast trying to talk to the popular kids. Well, there goes some more of my time wasted.