UNC Mirror

Issue date: 10/17/07 Section: News

Media Credit: File Photo Junior political science major and former SRC representative Jordon Odo, center, addresses a question asked during last year's SRC Town Hall meeting in the UC Panorama room. On the right is current President of SRC, Rico Wint, and on the left is former President of SRC, KellyRose Olson.

The Student Representative Council wants student opinion and is holding an old-fashioned town hall meeting to obtain it.

The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. on Thursday in the Panorama room at the University Center. This type of meeting originated in New England and allows members of the community to voice their thoughts to leaders in that community. In the case of the University of Northern Colorado, SRC serves as the ears and the students give the opinions.

"It's basically a chance for students, staff and faculty to meet their student government officials, and it is an open forum session," said Rachelle Dimaria, the Vice President of University Relations. "Students can ask questions, give comments, raise concerns, not just about SRC, but also about UNC in general."

This is the second town hall meeting of the calendar year, though the first of the fall semester. Last February, around 30 people attended the meeting and discussed topics including the plus/minus grade system and professor salaries. 

As students brought up their concerns, the various members of SRC would try to assist them. The same format will be followed for this meeting. Before questions can be posed, though, students must attend. 

There are some students who aren't enthusiastic about the chance to voice their opinions.

"It's a dumb idea," said Brian Zielenski, a sophomore history major. "UNC isn't a town; it's a stupid name." 

Needless to say, Zielenski does not plan to attend.

Of the students interviewed, few outside of those who frequent the SRC meetings knew about the event, and many didn't feel they could make time in their schedules if they did want to go.

"I'm not particularly interested in going," said Kevin Kaaoush, a sophomore music major. "There's plenty of stuff on my plate right now."

Even with the lack of advertising, there are some incentives planned for those who do attend. Refreshments and snacks will be available to anyone in attendance, and free food and drinks are generally a good way to entice college students to attend events.

Students interested in knowing where their fees go to can attend SRC meetings. These meetings determine where those funds are allocated, and the town hall meeting is an effort to hear student opinion on where those funds should go. Clubs and organizations are also funded by SRC.

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