The Legacy of Mark Kelly

Today was going to be the beginning of a bright new summer, one filled with blogs perhaps. However, something has soured this day. I had it in my mind to go and start something cool, like liveblogging a Senate meeting with the new student senators. Perhaps interview a few, and show the blogosphere another aspect of student governance here at uOttawa. But I cannot. A tangible reminder of of this past year greeted me at the entrance to Tabaret 083. Two lovely Protection officers and a nice lady with a list. An invitation list. A member's only list.

Now I could rant and rave about a lack of acess and that the university is trying to cover things up, but, once again, I cannot. For the sake of the business of this institution, Mr. Rock has to restrict acess to one of the more entertaining political bodies on our campus. And I agree with him. I want the Senate to go about its business, and get things done. Create new programs, new degrees, and new classes! Abolish things that are not up to snuff. Make this institution better than what it is. Engage, educate, and inspire us to ever greater feats.

Maybe this will eventually happen, but not without outside ideas. The BOA works, in part, because of that all important open forum at the end. The Senate met earlier this year in the chapel, specifically to allow more people to participate in the process, the struggle, to make this place better. Now, I, an engaged student, someone who strives to enjoy his student experience, has to sit on the steps of Tabaret because another student took issue with his coursework. Perhaps the Senate should take a lesson from another governing body nearby. If someone is disruptive, kick them out. If someone just wants to show up, let them stay.