SEC referendum deserves impartial consideration
Letters to the Editor
Sarah Bixler
Issue date: 11/20/09 Section: Opinion
I would like to address Kathy Ward's letter, "SEC article presented incomplete argument," in last week's issue. While important in the dialogue about the upcoming SEC referendum, the letter's arguments deserve a response. First, the fact that a few institutions explicitly prohibit paying students with Student Activities Fees is a poor argument. That policy is far from universal. Next, all student wages must be approved by staff. And the variation in hourly wage comes from the fact that the wages are actually stipends. Some Media Board officers could make over $5000 at minimum wage for their time. Even the largest stipend in question is far less than half of that. Stipends prevent wages from becoming a burden.
I appreciate the consideration the SEC members have shown. However, the referendum places only one organization's current policies under attack. It is only natural for Media Board to feel defensive of a policy it believes is necessary. The implication that everyone but Media Board feels wages are inappropriate is out of line. Ms. Ward can only speak for a few friends and colleagues. That no other organization pays students only shows that they found it unnecessary. Even the referendum merely demonstrates that a majority of the SEC would like to bring the matter to students' attention.
Ward also argues that if Media Board positions are paid, everyone in a student organization should be paid. This is not a fair analogy. Not even all students in Media Board organizations are paid - only those with the largest responsibilities, whose wages are at risk if they do not complete their work on schedule. And, again, the wages are stipends for a reason.
Finally, the underlying question: why does Media Board pay officers? Media organizations on campus are like businesses. They rely on constant dedication to meet deadlines and produce a product. If those deadlines are not met, there is no magazine, TV channel, etc. Student leaders put in a huge commitment across campus, but the nature of the responsibility is different. In addition, Media Board does not have the same prestige, power in policy, or universal attraction as other SEC members. Without these important recruiting and motivating factors, it is often forced to rely on minimal financial incentives to preserve and further its contributions to campus. Please give this referendum fair consideration. If the proposed changes go into effect, I'm sure Media Board will do its best to maintain quality, but that is all I can say.
I appreciate the consideration the SEC members have shown. However, the referendum places only one organization's current policies under attack. It is only natural for Media Board to feel defensive of a policy it believes is necessary. The implication that everyone but Media Board feels wages are inappropriate is out of line. Ms. Ward can only speak for a few friends and colleagues. That no other organization pays students only shows that they found it unnecessary. Even the referendum merely demonstrates that a majority of the SEC would like to bring the matter to students' attention.
Ward also argues that if Media Board positions are paid, everyone in a student organization should be paid. This is not a fair analogy. Not even all students in Media Board organizations are paid - only those with the largest responsibilities, whose wages are at risk if they do not complete their work on schedule. And, again, the wages are stipends for a reason.
Finally, the underlying question: why does Media Board pay officers? Media organizations on campus are like businesses. They rely on constant dedication to meet deadlines and produce a product. If those deadlines are not met, there is no magazine, TV channel, etc. Student leaders put in a huge commitment across campus, but the nature of the responsibility is different. In addition, Media Board does not have the same prestige, power in policy, or universal attraction as other SEC members. Without these important recruiting and motivating factors, it is often forced to rely on minimal financial incentives to preserve and further its contributions to campus. Please give this referendum fair consideration. If the proposed changes go into effect, I'm sure Media Board will do its best to maintain quality, but that is all I can say.
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