Many student organizations have experienced a rapid turnover in leadership spring term and many students are wondering why. Some students blame the stress of service and scholarship.
“We are told to be students first, but our calendars are already filled with student leadership tasks we must handle,” Mr. Central State University Mark Barton said.
Senior Kristin Johnson, the former president of the Student Government Association, said that her grades began to suffer because of her extracurricular responsibilities. “I was lost. I was confused,” she said. “I was not sure who I was becoming.” Johnson eventually decided not to run for reelection when her term was up at the end of last year.
Other students say that rapid turnover in the Student Life department has contributed to problem. Students no longer have strong ties to the administration. “It is just not the same anymore,” senior Nycole Hicks said.
Students say that the new administrators have implemented a host of new procedures that have made their tasks more difficult. “The new administration is something were not used to, but we are adapting,” Barton said.
Administrators say that they try to support student leaders on campus in any way they can. Director of Student Life Robert Matthews said that the student leaders are his “top priority.” At least one former student leader said she appreciated the support. “I can honestly say that our advisors work hard to support us and give us that extra push,” Hicks said.
Students must maintain a 3.0 grade point average to hold an executive position in the most prominent student organizations. Student leaders must act as the liaison between often unhappy students and the university administration.
“This is a stressful task and not everyone is built for it,” Barton said. “Some days I feel like giving up, but this is what I signed up for.”
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