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Show OPINIONS www.uvureview.corn FEBRUARY 21, 2011 VOL L ISSUE 24 UVU Review Editorial The only game in town _ #1VE . UTAH VA I. E j Gilbert Cisneros/UVU Review Students will have a decidedly undemocratic election for the 2011-2012 UVUSA leadership with only a single presidential ticket on the ballot. By Celeste Tholen Rosenlof Opinions Editor he recent application 1 period for student body officer candidates went largely unnoticed, chiefly in consequence to the Election Committee's poor advertisement efforts, as demonstrated by the single candidate group running in this year's elections. As representatives handling approximately 12 million dollars in student fees each year, it is imperative that the Election Committee extend the deadline for applications, delay the election and push for more advertisement to promote a democratic student election. The lack of response from those authorities is unfair to students, and does nothing to encourage change or initiative within our governing body. The team that is the sole option for next year's student body officers is a group already within the current student government. As incumbents of that government, they have, to say the least, an upper hand on any outside candidates and, in this case, applicants. Without proper advertisement, which is relied upon by outside parties, the chance for outside parties to become involved or apply is poor. If the student government wishes for a democratic delegation of power, they should be held to higher standards of publicizing those governing positions. They must hold the opportunity for any student to participate in the government of the school a priority above loyalty to previous student government bodies. Knowledge about the application period, information on the application and campaign process, and particulars about policy should be openly accessible to any student interested in running for student government; UVU Review feels that the Elections Committee has failed to be transparent about this information to those applicants not already within the realm of student government, giving an unfair advantage to incumbents. Furthermore, the Elections Committee consists of partial student body officers, including, at this time, Student Body President Richard Portwood as the Elections Committee chair. This committee reviews and approves all campaign finances and materials and also decides penalties for broken rules. This means that there is no objective third party making these critical decisions. Instead, the organization of the Elections Committee leaves them to the hands of friends or acquaintances of an already favored group. If the Elections Committee decides to proceed with the pretense of an election, we feel that a write-in candidate must be allowed. For that to happen, however, the rules concerning a write-in's campaigning must be clarified, as well as how one would cast that vote on the electronic voting platform. This information must be provided to both write-in candidates and the student body. Additionally, providing an advisor from Student Life or an extension of the Elections Committee for each applicant would serve to grant access to vital campaign information. To further bridge the gap, a financial endowment would allow students from low-income families to participate. These students may not be as able to afford campaigning as a more privileged student. As a school, we are failing to take advantage of their valuable experiences and insights to what the university needs. As illustrated in the example before us, it is clear that there should be a change in election rules that promotes equal opportunity and non-partial practices. A response from UCCU President This response is regarding the Jan. 31 article "UCCU only enhances little brother status to BYU" By Jeff Sermon a commu- program teaches and rewards chilnity charter. We serve all people dren for developing wise financial and institutions in our community, habits and getting good grades hile I normally wouldn't including both BYU and UVU. We (over $12,000 in 2010!). We hope take the time to respond don't choose between them — we that you will see the credit union to an opinion piece such as UVU choose to serve both. As a coin- often joining with UVU to promote Review's Jan. 31 op-ed, "UCCU munity credit union, it would be financial literacy, Latino student enhances little brother status to strange if we didn't have a pres- development and financial educaBYU," it gives me an opportunity ence at UVU. tion. Our partnership with UVU is to correct some of the writer's asThirdly, there is a real differ- a manifestation of our support and sumptions and to help the UVU ence between sponsorships and interest in furthering the education community better understand and partnerships. Through sponsor- and well being of our community. appreciate the partnership between ships, organizations trade money In conclusion, UCCU is a firstUtah Valley University and Utah for advertising. Partnerships, choice financial institution. The Community Credit Union. however, run deeper. In addi- writer would have been well served First of all, we disagree that tion to funding, partnerships in- to check the financial ratings of the UVU is anyone's "little brother." dude the shared pursuit of reach- institutions cited as "wealthy" or UVU takes a back seat to no one. ing goals and establishing results better institutions. We are rated BYU is a great university and as- that make our community a better by Bauer Financial as "one of the set to our community. They fulfill place to live, work, and raise our best managed credit unions in the their mission very well and UCCU families. We have such a partner- U.S.," with a continuous four-star appreciates the association we have ship with Utah Valley University. rating for over 82 consecutive with them. We look forward to a The money received for the nam- quarters. With 18 local branches, continued relationship with BYU. ing rights of the UCCU Center is we are growing in market share But UVU fills a vital and unique used to fund scholarships, admin- and capital. We are strong and starole in our community, and it does istrative priorities and even ath- ble, but more importantly, we are it better than any other institution. letic programs. The UCCU/UVU here in the community and at UVU For young people living in our com- partnership funds several annual because we want to be. munity, UVU is where most of them internships. UCCU provides more We are convinced that this relawill have the opportunity to gain an than 18 UVU scholarships to grad- tionship between UVU and UCCU education. Did you know that 87 per- uating high school students from as community partners will make cent of UVU graduates stay here in our community each year. Our both institutions — and our commuour community and state? award-winning "Be MoneySmart" nity — better and stronger. Guest Writer W king al efunds on Your Mona Randy Neilson/UVU Review UCCU has partnered with UVU as the institution's financial representative. Correction: Original "UCCU only enhances little brother status to BYU" article was written by Matt Petersen. Secondly, UCCU has |