Oak Creek Student Senate is the voice of the students

by Matthew Friedewald

November 20, 2008

Oak Creek Campus’ Student Life advisor, Cathy Lechmaier, sitting with Student Senate member, Josh Lechmaier, at the recent Senate meeting.

Many of us have heard the term “Student Senate.” While some of you may know one, do you know what they actually do? In short, they are the voice of the student body. It’s their job to convey your concerns and requests to the College’s administration.

During the October 22 meeting, they discussed a range of topics, which included everything from problems with the vending machines and getting pay phones installed to upcoming event planning.

They also revisited topics like flu shots and the Food for Families and Toys for Tots drives.

When asked “Why did you join the Student Senate?” many individual reasons were given, raging from curiosity of how things get done to having a voice in decision making. The visiting Marketing Club member, Ryan Hansen, seemed to sum up the consensus of the room. “I wanted to get involved, to get more out of the school experience than just what the classroom teaches. There’s more to being a student than going to class and just leaving after.”

Faculty Advisor Cathy Lechmaier added, “It’s so important for campus life that the clubs know what the senate is doing and senate knows what the clubs are doing because the senate is the one that supports the club’s activities.they can take the information back to the clubs and help spread the word…I find that the students who get actively involved are the ones who are going to make a difference.”

So next semester, when the time comes for senate elections, ask yourself if a role in the senate may be right for you.

Do you just want to complain or be part of the solution? Do you want to get more out of your college experience or just go to class and be a student?

Do you have the courage and conviction to stand up, to help make policies and solutions to campus problems? Will you be a voice for your fellow students?

About the Contributor

Bob Hanson, Adviser MATC Times Newspaper

My philosophy: I believe my ultimate goal is to create a safe atmosphere of engaged learning. This is done with excellent communication skills and sound journalism practice by students. I believe that student media should always consist of student work. I have an obligation to defend and teach without censoring, editing, directing or producing the students’ rights to free expression. My background: I started out my career as a printing press operator and soon learned design and layout. I have been employed at MATC for 30 years and I have had the pleasure of working as the Times Adviser since 2006. I have had several jobs while here at MATC but none have been more satisfying than being the Times Adviser. Other things that I find important: I have the pleasure to work with some of the best students here at MATC. This continually inspires, re-energizes me and sometimes challenges me to always work at my best and strive to give the staff of the MATC Times the best possible learning experience. I have an open door policy and strive to make myself available to students. If you interested in joining our great staff please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 414-297-7824.