From the President's Desk

Elections are determined by those who show up. It’s springtime, Middlebury, and that means it’s election season.

Middlebury College is an institution filled with leaders who want to give back to the community. When we arrive for first-year orientation, we meet former high school soccer team captains, newspaper editors, debate team presidents and perennial theatre stars. Each student here has a history of leadership and the capacity for future leadership, too. Many of us have continued this leadership at Midd. We might volunteer for the service cluster board, play varsity sports, join groups devoted to political action or sing in the College Choir. But there’s more you can do to create positive change on campus.

Getting involved in the Student Government Association (SGA) is a fantastic way to be that change. As I’ve written in this space before, there are a number of ways to get involved with SGA that don’t involve elected office: our varying committees’ work run the gamut of campus life.

But running for elected office offers students the unique opportunity to deal with a wide range of issues on campus. Middlebury students are undoubtedly invested in our community’s future. Some students are passionate about divestment or carbon neutrality; others might prioritize need-blind aid for international students, the future viability of our honor code or our core academic requirements. Any member of the Student Government Association can take an issue and run with it.

These issues each have a place in our community dialogue because of outspoken leaders who brought their messages to the student body — leaders like you. Middlebury is a unique place. Each of us has the ability to make our voices heard. While there are many avenues through which students may choose to be a leader on this campus, SGA is unique in its ability to represent student voices on issues across the board that matter to students.

Take the “We the Middkids” petitions for example. Students across campus are voting on issues ranging from taking cups out of the dining hall to reevaluating free Grille meals for varsity athletes. But voting only gets you so far. Someone needs to take the issues to the administration, someone needs to find sustainable solutions and someone needs to advocate for them.

Most students never consider running for office. But you should. Running is a fun way to meet more of your peers and to learn more about some of the challenges facing the College community. More importantly, however, after a successful campaign you have the opportunity to work with your peers to improve student life.

Even if you don’t choose to run for office yourself, it’s vital to stay involved in the civic process. I encourage you to familiarize yourself with each upcoming candidate’s platform by reading the letters of intent they send out. You can attend the candidate debate — details to follow. And above all, make sure you vote!

On a personal level, I’ve really enjoyed my time with SGA, as a senator and as president. It’s been perhaps the most formative of my many experiences here at Midd. As I count down the days until I become a lame duck, I’d encourage each of you to get involved as well.

Any student wishing to run for office must attend a mandatory informational meeting on Tuesday, April 16 at 4:30 p.m. in the Crest Room of McCullough (and no campaigning before then). The voting period will begin on Wednesday, May 1, and more information on the timeline of elections is available on the SGA website or go/sga. Until then, I look forward to hearing all of your great ideas for Middlebury’s future on the campaign trail!