Writer gives advice for creating change

Earlier in this semester in one of my classes I was discussing topics with the instructor and other classmates. In the discussion about potential budget cuts, both at a national and local level, many students had some interesting opinions. I mentioned that if they felt strongly about something, they should consider attending one of the semi-weekly Student Government Association meetings to voice their opinions. I was met with silence.

"What is SGA?"

"When do they meet?"

"Where do they meet?"

I was relatively surprised. Including the most recent advertising campaign, SGA has worked hard to increase awareness of their organization and what they do.  So, with a lot of important changes facing A&M-Commerce and its students, I decided to spread the word about how to initiate real, meaningful change.

1.   Become educated about your topic. If you want cheaper textbooks, research why textbooks cost so much and what other people are trying to do to make them less expensive.

2.   Find out which person/organization goes to with your problem. If you have a problem with financial aid, going to the athletic department isn't going to do you much good. Keep in mind that our administrators are very busy, but some are tasked to meet student needs.

3.   E-mail, call or meet with them. Face-to-face communication is always the best option, but often a call or e-mail will suffice.

Here are some suggestions:

- Attend Student Government Association meetings. SGA represents the student body and works hard to solve problems for the A&M-Commerce community. They meet twice a month in the Pride Room of the SRSC at 6 p.m. E-mail them at sga@cp.tamu-commerce.edu or visit http://www.tamu-commerce.edu/srsc/?page_id=331 for contact links and dates of meetings.

- Attend a Student Forum. These forums, moderated by Vice President Dr. Mary Hendrix, are an excellent way for students to voice comments or complaints to A&M-Commerce faculty and staff. Check the Texas A&M University-Commerce events page on the website for dates and times, or contact Ricia Montgomery at 903-468-8705.

- E-mail Vice President Dr. Mary Hendrix at Mary_Hendrix@TAMU-Commerce.edu. Dr. Hendrix is a remarkable resource who works hard to resolve student issues on campus.

- E-mail The East Texan at theeasttexan@gmail.com. We print letters to the editor as space allows, and writing to The East Texan is a good way to get your opinion into the hands of students and faculty.

The resources for making a difference on campus are out there. You just need to know where to look and who to ask.