'U' officials recognize role of MSA

Administrators have differing opinions on assembly's involvement

Although many students who do not vote in Michigan Student Assembly elections claim that the governing student body is ineffective, many administrators who regularly interact with the assembly do not share their sentiments.

Often, MSA has brought the student perspective on issues to administrators.

"They're doing a terrific job," Provost Nancy Cantor said. "They help administrators talk through issues that affect students. We certainly try to listen to what they're saying. MSA has brought many issues to our attention."

Some administrators said MSA needs to take full advantage of the access it has to the administration.

"The potential is there. I'm not sure we have realized that potential," said Lester Monts, vice provost for academic and multicultural affairs. "One committee I'm on, there are two seats for MSA members who have never been there."

In addition to asserting its views to administrators, MSA has managed to voice its concerns on student issues to the University Board of Regents. Regent Philip Power (D-Ann Arbor) said MSA influenced the board's decisions on library hours, diversity and tuition and called MSA's presence "compelling and persuasive."

"The regents have always welcomed the views of MSA, since it represents the students," Power said. "I think students always need an organization that gets things done and represents the students with the administration."

But MSA members do not always get their way with the administration. As Power pointed out, the assembly's current campaign to include a student on the Board of Regents is not likely to convince regents to raise fees.

"The process of representation by interest group is a never-ending affair once you get into it," Power said. "In the past, MSA attempts to force the regents to make students pay higher fees have generally been greeted by negative reactions."

Many administrators said MSA has been helpful to work with in the past.

Associate Vice President for University Relations Lisa Baker said she was impressed by the assembly's attempts to boycott the U.S. News and World Report college rankings in 1996.

"One example where I've appreciated MSA input was when they were working with colleges across the country to talk about the importance of U.S. News and World Report rankings," Baker said. "I appreciated having a chance to hear what the comments were and to get their feedback."

In the '60s, the Student Government Council, MSA's predecessor, led a nationwide fight for civil rights and other issues of international importance, according to Inteflex Lecturer Margaret Steneck.

"SGC became radical in the early '60s," Steneck said. "They got the University concerned about human rights issues and women on campus. They worked to get rid of the highly paternalistic rule that women on campus were under."

In the hopes of making student government less radical, the University replaced SGC with MSA.

"SGC, which had been controlled by the school of LSA, was replaced by MSA, with its representation of all the schools," Steneck said. "It was certainly hoped that it would be less radical than its predecessor."

Recently, MSA has been vocal in both the state Legislature and on Capitol Hill. Cynthia Wilbanks, associate vice president for government relations, has worked with MSA to inform state legislators on student concerns at a hearing held on campus earlier this year.

"We asked MSA to participate and some students there testified," said Wilbanks, the University's Lansing lobbyist. "The students presented their views very well. The legislators were impressed with the number of students and the preparedness of the students. MSA also communicates well with its local representatives."

MSA has been criticized by students and organizations for failing to make an impact in the past. Alan Levy, director of Housing Public Affairs, said the criticism leveled against MSA is unwarranted. Levy pointed to recent successful efforts to extend library hours and increase voter registration.

"The extension of open library hours is a classic example of an effective student government," Levy said.

"In and of itself, it's not earth-shattering, but for students, it's an important issue."

In the end, student government is necessary because it is the only way for students to have a voice, Levy said.

"Consider the alternative," Levy said. "Would we be better off without a student government on campus?"

03-17-98