A call to arms

It has been three years since the student handbook was last open for revisions, and this academic year, each and every Lasallian once again has the chance to initiate legitimate change upon the regulations that govern student life.

The last batch of revisions three years ago included notable changes from the previous version. It included provisions designed to prevent cases of academic dishonesty, as well as a rule that allows students who have received a grade lower than 2.0 to still receive Latin Honors — changes that favored many students. However, other changes were not as well received, one of which were the controversial revisions to the dress code.

The challenge for the USG is to further improve the educational environment of more than 16,000 students. All eyes will be on the them — whether that is a good or bad thing is open to interpretation — as they fulfill the duties entrusted to them by the student body. In the process of evaluating policies, assessing student needs, and formulating provisions to address issues, the USG would do well to remember the value of true student representation in leaving a lasting legacy.

The task of making this process fruitful, however, is not just in the hands of the USG. It is the responsibility of all students to bring about change. Without their cooperation, nothing will be accomplished. Of course, this idea is not new.

In 1981, the Student Council, now known as the USG, was just about to be restored after being shut down for nine years due to Martial Law. An editorial by The LaSallian written for this occasion over 30 years ago still rings true today. It reads, “But then again, the Student Council does not guarantee perfection nor instant answers to student needs. Much would depend on the students themselves.” A 1982 editorial follows this up by saying, “The [Student Council’s] strength would be drawn from us, so let us join our efforts and make this truly our Student Council.”

Back then, just as it is now, the success of any student leadership hinged on one important factor — the students themselves. We may live in a less tumultuous era, but the cooperation of the student body remains the most important factor in the success of the USG’s endeavors.

The value of genuine student insight cannot be overstated. No amount of social media posts ranting about student policies can instigate real change if the ideas behind them do not reach those in power to facilitate these changes. There has to be an effort from both sides to meet halfway and work together, and this effort begins with each and every one of us.

This is the year for us, as one student body, and through the leadership of our elected officers, to reflect on the student handbook and its effect on everyday student life. We must evaluate which practices to keep and discard, figure out what changes need to be done, and devise ways on how to improve the good that already exists. It is the year for us to involve ourselves in the rigorous process of handbook revisions, a process that is more complicated than complaining about everyday issues online, but ultimately more rewarding in the long run. This is the year for change.