The first-year focus council’s efforts are too focused

The first-year focus council operates as a special project of the executive branch of student government. It is in desperate need of reform.

According to its website, the council’s role is to “broaden members’ knowledge of student government and prepare them to take on a leadership role in the organization.”

Student government should be working to develop the skills of all freshmen involved in the organization and not just the select few on the council.

Students must apply to the committee just two weeks into the school year. Only 14 to 15 freshmen are selected for the committee.

All new members to student government would benefit from the resources and training the committee offers.

Two of the three chairmen have served on the council before. While the council does have good intentions, the chairmen’s passion for student government could be better utilized.

The chairmen could use their experiences to educate all new members on the process of developing projects — in the service of the student body — for student government.

Having all freshmen members meet and hear from influential student leaders and administrators would benefit the new members and the committees they serve.

Members of the first-year focus council are required to serve on an additional committee in student government.

Chairmen of the other committees — that council members belong to — should also act as student government mentors for freshmen.

Making the council a highly selective group doesn’t benefit student government. After all, no current executive board officers were members of the council. The first-year focus council should focus on all student government freshmen.