As Student Government Association campaign season approaches at the end of every spring semester at the University of Tennessee, many student leaders shed light on the potential changes they would like to make to the university. Depending on the student, these improvements can focus on a wide range of topics, such as parking, alcohol policies on campus, dining hall services, and diversity funding. However, leadership does not start and end with SGA on UT’s campus. The majority of on campus organizations consist of a strong executive board that makes crucial decisions and leads the group. This allows students from all walks of life to potential step into a leadership role for an organization that they care about and want to improve. While …show more content…
“I think students pursue leadership so they can get valuable experience before they graduate, and so they have the opportunity to receive cords and stoles to wear at graduation,” said Chelsea Ott. Her perspective on leadership acknowledges people’s priorities of benefitting themselves through gaining experience for the future and receiving display of their accomplishments, instead of focusing on their passion for improving the organization. These incentives might be the primary reason for students taking on leadership positions. Many students have cited instances where SGA candidates, in particular, tend to advertise the issues that they care about and the changes that they want to implement. But, after they have been elected, these changes are never made. The effects of these benefits can be seen in other organizations as well. In order to convince students to take on leadership roles for the Public Relations Student Society of America, Ellen Liston, one of the top public relations professionals in the area, explained the main reasons to pursue an officer position. “As a PR professional, one of the first three things I look for on a prospective student resume is whether or not they have been a member of PRSSA. Being a PRSSA Officer looks great on your resume! While there is some work involved in holding a position, the benefits of having this great resume builder are enormous” said Liston. …show more content…
Students step into these positions for their own personal gain, instead of working hard to improve the organization and try new ideas. Securing a leadership position on campus brings out the competitive side in most parties involved. However, it also brings out the candidate and their campaign’s bad side. SGA campaign and voting week is over run with tabling on Pedestrian Walkway, flyers advertising the campaigns initiatives, and gossip involving various campaigns. Instead of focusing on the candidate’s big ideas, rumors about their character spread throughout campus. Time is wasted trying to put opponents in a bad light instead of focusing on the change that their own campaign could bring to campus. Perhaps this negative environment stems from candidates’ desire to build their resume instead of building the organization. If improving the organization was the priority, the candidates would be more passionate about sharing their ideas with the student body. “SGA is an incredible organization with the potential to make real change both on campus and in the Knoxville community, but the problem with it is that so many people get caught up in having positions or titles that they lose focus of what they are actually working for and that’s making students’ lives easier, happier, more accessible and affordable,” said Thomas