Editorial: The SGA's Refreshing Initiative

Student Government Association (SGA) President Michael Panzer ’10 has raised the bar. By passing legislation in recent weeks to restore Midnight Breakfast, launch ACTR shuttle routes on campus and extend 24-hour library access during exam time, this year’s SGA Senate has proven itself more aggressive and proactive than almost any other in recent memory. Of even greater note is Panzer’s willingness to attach real money to SGA Senate initiatives — a departure from the generally toothless, non-binding legislative process that has characterized administrations in the past. Even as students celebrate these victories, the SGA is already looking ahead to its next goal: reinstating Middlebury’s outdoor orientation program, which the College discontinued in 2009 due to budget problems.

Marked as often by bureaucratic inertia as by real policy breakthroughs, the SGA has enjoyed a mixed record since the mid-2000s. Repeated false starts at clearing lines of communication — and a revolving door of presidents — contributed to the impression that student government was little more than a place for aspiring career politicians and half-baked campaign promises. Even successful initiatives, including Vrutika Mody’s ’10 years-long effort to get course booklists displayed on the Internet ahead of move-in day, were pursued as senatorial pet projects rather than with the full force and support of the president.

The danger now is not that the SGA will run out of steam before it can execute the plans it’s set in motion, but that it might do so trying to tackle too much. Ambition is admirable, but Panzer and his SGA must proceed with caution as to not fall back into its past precedent of unmet promises. Additionally, while this administration has made distinctive advances, we must remember that the bar was set disappointingly low. They have enjoyed several successes, but their objectives have almost all been reactive. Now is the time to return to the initial campaign promises, such as relaxing keg regulations.

Along with continuing to pursue their current agenda, Panzer needs to prepare for the eventual transition of power. The SGA must be left in capable hands if there is any hope of maintaining this new course. Still, after years of relative ineffectiveness and apathy, we are finally seeing students, Panzer’s network and beyond, willing and even eager to participate. Middlebury’s discovery of a vibrant and assertive student government is, more than anything, refreshing.