Optimism filled the room during Winter Quarter’s first Associated Student Government Senate meeting Wednesday night as ASG leaders gave midterm addresses describing their accomplishments and detailing their upcoming goals.
ASG President Jordan Heinz and Senate Speaker Bassel Korkor both encouraged senators to continue improving relationships with all Northwestern groups, from administrators to students.
“If we are to become a more socially conscientious organization, we have to be aware of the big ‘O’ no, not orgasm but outreach,” said Korkor, a Weinberg junior . “The big ‘O’ is made up of the three C’s campus, community and companionship.”
To improve outreach to Evanston and Chicago, Korkor proposed inviting community members, such as elected officials or prominent business people, to speak to NU students and listen to student views on current issues.
“Last year we had them here as campaigners. This year let’s have them here as companions,” Korkor said.
Heinz also praised senators for their dedication and attendance. During Fall Quarter, ASG retained 70 out of 80 senators elected at the beginning of the year.
“Senator retention has been amazing, and it’s great to see so many senators actively contributing,” said Heinz, an Education senior.
In addition to improving relationships among senators, Korkor said Senate bills last quarter served students on campus more effectively, focusing on needs and interests instead of on internal legislation.
“We pursue things that people agree are worth pursuing,” Korkor said. “People prefer the substance that this Senate deals with.”
Calling upon ASG to improve its relationship with administrators, Heinz asked senators to look at NU’s positive virtues instead of criticizing its faults.
“All I do is complain, and all everyone else does to me is complain,” Heinz said. “It wears on you and it wears on me. Although it’s important to push actively for change, we also need to take a more positive approach to counterbalance and think about what’s going right.”
Most senators said they agreed with Heinz’s proposal for a brighter outlook this quarter. The idea for a faculty honor roll was brought up by three senators and will be examined in the future as a possible way of recognizing administrators for their work.
“I’d like to see more positive reinforcement for the administration and university employees,” said Allison Hall Sen. C.J. Willey, a Weinberg sophomore. “In general, I think the administration is filled with dedicated people and many don’t get the recognition they deserve.”
Allison Hall Sen. Tamara Kagel said ASG’s strong leaders set the bar for the rest of the organization to follow.
“ASG is always striving to do it’s best for the students and with Bassel and Jordan leading us, I think we can accomplish what we set out to do,” said Kagel, a Speech sophomore. “We just have to keep on persevering and pushing the envelope for change.”