Voting Is Critical for The College Community

If you want to make an impact on events around campus and the future of Harvard student life and education, but only have a minute to spare, don’t fear—there’s a simple solution to your dilemma: vote in the Undergraduate Council’s (UC) elections for president and vice president next Monday through Thursday.

Voting is extremely important for the health of the student government at Harvard. This year, there are three tickets that differ substantially in their perspectives, ideas, and plans for both the UC and Harvard’s futures. In order to have a voice in shaping his or her Harvard experience, I encourage every student to take the time to learn a little more about the candidates, to stay informed with the news around the campus, and to make an informed decision next week.

Many students, however, feel that the UC is disengaged from the student body, and may ask why they should voice their opinions and take the time to learn about the issues.

I cannot emphasize enough how tremendous an influence the UC president and vice president have in shaping both the UC and student life at Harvard. The winning candidates will not only have leading roles in determining how to spend your money allocated to the UC from the student activities fee, but will function as the face of the student body in working with the faculty and the administration. They will make decisions on your behalf that involve the curriculum, academics, student activities, and social events. For example, in the ongoing Harvard College Curricular Review, the UC has taken an active role by adding student viewpoints to the faculty debate. The UC also petitions the administration on a variety of issues including policies toward transfer students, library and dining hall hours, and more. While students may not see these activities directly, a great deal goes on behind the scenes that impacts your time at Harvard.

The UC will be what you make it. Through your involvement and awareness, the new president and vice president will be able to both better represent you and bring you what you really want from the UC. Don’t ignore this opportunity–I urge you to listen to what the candidates have to say and to voice your opinion by logging on to the UC website (www.uc.fas.harvard.edu) next week and casting your vote.

Michael B. Love ’08, an economics concentrator in Leverett House, is chair of the Undergraduate Council Election Commission.