Tonight, I am embarrassed to call myself an Auburn alumnus because Owen Parrish was elected as Auburn's SGA president.
According to a Plainsman article and subsequent video covering SGA campaign week, Mr. Parrish intends to focus mainly on the dining aspects of student life. He promises to open a frozen yogurt shop in the Village, as well as start an on-campus food delivery service. Venturing south of the belly, he'd also like to slacken the rules on dorm visitation. Mr. Parrish also mentioned adding a fall break and more dead days to the academic schedule.
In contrast, the other candidates valued academics and student involvement over stomachs.
Cary Bayless would like to revamp Auburn's class registration system, making it easier for students to know exactly what each course requires before the syllabus is passed out on the first day of class. He also wants to better connect students with on-campus organizations.
Joseph Cortopassi promised to alleviate the strain of trying to find on-campus parking, as well as provide a legal service for students.
Will McCartney vowed to continue funding the Toomer's Ten and planned to support sustainability programs. He also wanted to improve Auburn's Career Center and increase the value of an Auburn diploma. He wanted to make it easier for students to get jobs after gradutation. He wanted to improve students' futures.
Alas, the ballots were counted and Parrish won with 48 percent of the vote.
Forty-eight percent of voters rallied in support of a shorter schedule and to have FroYo delivered to the library over campaigns promoting academics and involvement.
This raises so many concerns that it would take me days and many more letters to adequately express my thoughts on this matter.
My principal unease pertains to my generation's misguided and misplaced priorities regarding higher education. Academics and extra-curriculars are taking a backseat to "the college experience." SGA candidates no longer use words to promote their platforms; rather, students are swayed by sweets and coupons for spicy chicken sandwiches.
Mr. Parrish's election sends a message to future SGA hopefuls that superficial and trivial platforms like "food and more food" will prevail over more meaningful policies. Promising to shorten the academic calendar will lead to landslide victories and a tremendous resume boost.
Lastly, I'd like to point out that Mr. Parrish is a member of Farmhouse fraternity. Auburn.edu states that 28 percent of the student body was associated with a Greek organization in the fall of 2010. According to The Plainsman, 32 percent of the student body voted tonight. Out of the approximately 7,500 votes, almost 5,800 were in support of a Greek candidate.
Coincidence?
Editor, despite what some of your readers might believe, my beef with Auburn's Greek system has nothing to do with leggings or Ugg boots. I strongly believe that the Greeks hold entirely too much power over campus. An independent candidate on the Plains is strikingly similar to an independent candidate on Capitol Hill: mute.
In closing, I hope this letter stirs a couple of pots. I hope this letter will alert students and alumni alike; Auburn took a step back today.
I challenge students to make informed decisions.
I challenge students to be involved in their government.
I challenge students to "believe in education" just like the Auburn men and women who came before them.
I challenge students to keep Auburn great.
Phillip Smith
2010 Auburn alumnus
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