Though the benefits conferred by these initiatives are real, and doing the small things well can make a college's environment truly great, the current method of meeting student needs through "pet projects" is not effective. These projects distract senators from their core task: providing a voice for their class and serving as liaisons between students and administrators. Additionally, students find it difficult to hold senators accountable when the key measure of a senator's performance is a "pet project" program that lacks transparency and is difficult to monitor.
The USG has far more important tasks than "pet projects" in which to engage, such as addressing the recent annexation of part of Spelman Halls 7 and 8 by Whitman College and the lack of USG representation on the Alcohol Coalition Committee. Students have shown a great deal of interest over the past few months in both of these issues, and the USG should represent their concerns. The USG is correct to spend most of its political capital on delivering meaningful change one small step at a time rather than becoming consumed in drawn-out public battles with the administration over issues such as the University's grade deflation policy. But there are times when the USG must stand up for students. The USG should not avoid tackling the big issues just to ensure that projects of minor consequence can be favorably resolved.
Senators need to avoid having the tail wag the dog, which is what happens now with their overinvestment of time and attention in their "pet projects." Increasing the thickness of toilet paper, for example, should not take precedence over right-sizing the residential colleges. The USG's first priority must be to excel at its core competencies of being the link between the student body and the administration, surveying and responding to student concerns, and rallying students to fight for their interests. "Pet projects" are nice, but not when they come at the expense of paying attention to the most important task: serving the critical interests of the students who elected USG senators to office.
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Women’s Basketball deserves an at-large bid to March Madness
Steve SilvermanSo that means the big three Ivy teams are likely competing against each other in a game of musical chairs. And when the music stops, if it comes down to Princeton versus Harvard, the Tigers should be the choice.
So that means the big three Ivy teams are likely competing against each other in a game of musical chairs. And when the music stops, if it comes down to Princeton versus Harvard, the Tigers should be the choice.
Keep Princeton in Estonia
Astor Lu and William AepliWe strongly disagree with Veronika Kitsul’s recent Opinion piece, in which she argues that the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures must end its Russian language program in Estonia and refrain from sponsoring programs in any post-Soviet states. In attempting to cancel Princeton in Estonia, we damage access to Baltic culture, Russian language study, and ultimately, the world’s chances for peace in the region.
We strongly disagree with Veronika Kitsul’s recent Opinion piece, in which she argues that the Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures must end its Russian language program in Estonia and refrain from sponsoring programs in any post-Soviet states. In attempting to cancel Princeton in Estonia, we damage access to Baltic culture, Russian language study, and ultimately, the world’s chances for peace in the region.
Princeton’s role in combating the drug crisis must start on campus
Lizbeth ReyesTo maintain a healthy and safe community, Princeton must do more to inform students of the risks of substances and substance abuse. This includes making information about drug use and use prevention accessible to students—and not just through a website.
To maintain a healthy and safe community, Princeton must do more to inform students of the risks of substances and substance abuse. This includes making information about drug use and use prevention accessible to students—and not just through a website.
