Today you have the opportunity to vote in the election for Young Trustee, and as you read the online ballot you will see a clause asking whether you affirm a set of proposed changes to the Duke Student Government Constitution. These changes mark a significant shift in the structure of student government at Duke, beginning a gradual consolidation of policy under DSG and programming under the Duke University Union and improving student representation within a unified student government.
In addition to the “merger” of Campus Council into DSG and DUU, the proposal on today’s referendum redefines the roles of the DSG vice presidents to reflect changes in the University structure and a growing emphasis on the environment, and creates Cabinet-level positions for the leaders of a student environmental consulting group and the Duke University Student Dining Advisory Committee. Through a similar reorganization, we are pleased to say that participation in The Inferno will become absolutely free, for the first time in the history of Duke Athletics.
These changes are varied, but they carry a common theme. The student voice is strongest when it is united—when lobbying efforts and student services are centralized, and when the path to student involvement is direct and open to everyone. The proposal you will vote on today has been endorsed by CC, DSG, and DUU as well as the Chronicle’s Editorial Board. It is our sincerest hope that you too will support these improvements to student government by voting “YES” on today’s referendum.
Mike Lefevre, Trinity ’11
President, Duke Student Government
Yi Zhang, Trinity ’11
President, Duke University Union
Campus Council general body
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