Elections are here again. Time to dodge the commons to avoid being bombarded by hopeful candidates, accept trinket voting bribes and open our ears to the largely unrealistic platforms of idealistic individuals claiming they want to serve YOU. (For some reason YOU is always capitalized, so I thought I’d follow suit).
I’m guilty. I did it. I’ve been one of those kids bugging my peers to log on to their computers and click my name. I’m Stacy Fuller, the current student representative to the Board of Visitors. For the past two years I have had the incredible opportunity to be an advocate, coordinator, liaison and the face that represents the students of JMU to the Board of Visitors, and many other people off campus (state representatives/leadership from other universities/distinguished guests to JMU).
The SRBOV job is a curious one. The only explicit duties are 1) Submit a quarterly report and 2) Attend board meetings. That’s it. The rest is up to the person who holds the position. Stephanie Genco was in office the year before me. She is really the one to be credited for turning the position into one of activism. Before her, the SRBOV was basically charged with being the eyes and ears for the board.
The Board of Visitors is the top governing body at JMU. He or she is in charge of keeping the operations of the university legal and beneficial to the Commonwealth. The student member does not have a vote, but that does not mean that he or she don’t matter; quite the opposite.
The student member has to be prepared to anticipate questions the board may have about life on campus and student perceptions. They carefully consider issues that the student member brings forward. I have always felt as though the other board members, and the administration have considered my ideas and opinions of equal importance to any other board member.
This isn’t just some fluff job that allows the person who holds it to attend fancy dinners and elegant events. There is a significant amount of responsibility. To whom much is given, much is required.
So, how do you pick the best candidate?
Look at the candidates’ platforms, but don’t believe all the promises
When you’re looking at a platform, don’t get hung up on how much it is offering to change campus. Look at what this person understands his or her role to be. Will they be an advocate for issues that are really related to what the board does?
A couple of the candidates are offering platform points that fall under the responsibilities of SGA to address. Take it from me, SGA and the SRBOV job shouldn’t be confused. SGA is very well equipped to handle issues with dining services, facilities management and transportation. The BOV doesn’t directly deal with any of these issues. On the administrative side, all of these things are the responsibility of assistant vice presidents.
None of the candidates have a realistic platform. I can tell you with 100 percent certainty all of the things they claim they will do, will not all get done. However, direction and vision are still important. Does this candidate have a vision that will better the university community?
Look at character
Does this person have a demonstrated commitment to service? Does this candidate appear to be someone who will put energy into advocating for something for you that isn’t necessarily a passion for them? Does this candidate know how to work with all kinds of people, or just his or her circle of friends? Does he or she understand the work flow methods of the university? Will this person have the guts to say what is important in board meetings or do they seem timid? Is he or she charismatic and polished enough to get the right kind of attention? Is this person poised enough to handle stressful or confrontational situations gracefully? Does he or she understand when to stand firm on issues and when to sugar coat?
It has been my distinguished pleasure to serve in this role and to serve the student body; you have no idea how you have changed my life. I wish all the candidates the best, and look forward to training the new SRBOV. My campaign promise still stands: I’m here for you. Just Facebook me. Cheers.
Stacy Fuller is a senior economics major.
For analysis of the candidates, platform points and mildly entertaining commentary, visit the “JMU BOV studrep” Facebook group.
