KSSG's Mid-year Report
Putting New Principles to Work
Doug Levine, MPA2 and Marc Pelka, MPP2
Issue date: 12/6/07 Section: Op-Ed
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Since the first Kennedy School Student Government (KSSG) session was gaveled to order on October 17, your representatives have worked diligently to address the issues facing the student body. Three principles have been central to our work: restoring fiscal responsibility to student government; exercising greater accountability and transparency in order to make KSSG directly responsive to student needs; and strengthening the core values that underpin our school.
First, KSSG established processes and procedures allowing for a leaner, more efficient budget. Saddled with an inherited $16,000 deficit, the Finance Committee, chaired by Manu Tandon (MPA/MC), rose to the occasion and implemented a new, comprehensive protocol for funding more than ninety student organizations.
On top of the deficit, KSSG took in less income than usual. This year, fewer students were admitted to the Kennedy School, and thus fewer students paid the $150 activity fee. Despite the smaller budget, V.P. of Activities Ann Hopper (MPP2) successfully organized the same events that were held in the fall of 2007, including the Boston Harbor boat cruise and the upcoming Winter Formal. She will even end the semester with a $500 surplus. Thanks to the fiscal discretion of the finance and activities committees, the student government heads into 2008 in sound financial shape.
In addition to restoring fiscal responsibility, we have implemented transparent policies that hold the student government accountable to its constituents. For the first time, the Finance Committee created an application and funding process that is fair and systematic, establishing four funding cycles and asking student leaders to draw up annual budgets for their groups. We're already seeing the results: at the end of the second quarter, the Finance Committee reported more than 140 funding applications, appropriated approximately $23,000 in funding and received only two appeals.
Finally, we have worked to reinvigorate the underlying mission of the Kennedy School by restoring a culture of public service and ensuring that the administration continues to encourage a strong international presence.
The Committee on Public Service, chaired by Jeff Ginsburg (MPP2), is examining whether KSG fosters or deprives a culture of public service. With an increasing number of graduates entering the private sector each year, the committee's mission is a vital one. It is taking a hard look at data by comprehensively comparing the Kennedy School to peer institutions and by unpacking the efficacy of financial aid programs like LRAP and public service fellowships. These questions are fundamental to a school that champions public service, and we expect the Committee to emerge with concrete, relevant recommendations.
The international character of the Kennedy School distinguishes it from other public policy programs. V.P. of International Student Affairs Alex Alexander (MPA/MC) has worked to strengthen the resources available to international students, with a particular focus on financial aid, alumni relations and professional development. To obtain answers to specific questions, town hall meetings are planned for next semester with representatives from the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Professional Development.
Alex has also developed an international student listserv and is working on an accompanying website, both of which will facilitate discussion among students. While Class Representative Lionel Perez (MPA/MC) is spearheading an initiative to develop the international Alumni Program to create new networks on the ground in students' countries of origin.
Our time at KSG is short, and we must make the most of it. During our one or two years here, we deserve everything the school promises. No student should settle for anything less. As such, your student government is here to address any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. Every vice president holds office hours at least once a week in Littauer-135, and the president works there on a daily basis.
A successful student-oriented agenda is built on your priorities. Together, we will continue to achieve real results this year.
Doug Levine is KSSG President. Marc Pelka is KSSG Executive Vice President.
First, KSSG established processes and procedures allowing for a leaner, more efficient budget. Saddled with an inherited $16,000 deficit, the Finance Committee, chaired by Manu Tandon (MPA/MC), rose to the occasion and implemented a new, comprehensive protocol for funding more than ninety student organizations.
On top of the deficit, KSSG took in less income than usual. This year, fewer students were admitted to the Kennedy School, and thus fewer students paid the $150 activity fee. Despite the smaller budget, V.P. of Activities Ann Hopper (MPP2) successfully organized the same events that were held in the fall of 2007, including the Boston Harbor boat cruise and the upcoming Winter Formal. She will even end the semester with a $500 surplus. Thanks to the fiscal discretion of the finance and activities committees, the student government heads into 2008 in sound financial shape.
In addition to restoring fiscal responsibility, we have implemented transparent policies that hold the student government accountable to its constituents. For the first time, the Finance Committee created an application and funding process that is fair and systematic, establishing four funding cycles and asking student leaders to draw up annual budgets for their groups. We're already seeing the results: at the end of the second quarter, the Finance Committee reported more than 140 funding applications, appropriated approximately $23,000 in funding and received only two appeals.
Finally, we have worked to reinvigorate the underlying mission of the Kennedy School by restoring a culture of public service and ensuring that the administration continues to encourage a strong international presence.
The Committee on Public Service, chaired by Jeff Ginsburg (MPP2), is examining whether KSG fosters or deprives a culture of public service. With an increasing number of graduates entering the private sector each year, the committee's mission is a vital one. It is taking a hard look at data by comprehensively comparing the Kennedy School to peer institutions and by unpacking the efficacy of financial aid programs like LRAP and public service fellowships. These questions are fundamental to a school that champions public service, and we expect the Committee to emerge with concrete, relevant recommendations.
The international character of the Kennedy School distinguishes it from other public policy programs. V.P. of International Student Affairs Alex Alexander (MPA/MC) has worked to strengthen the resources available to international students, with a particular focus on financial aid, alumni relations and professional development. To obtain answers to specific questions, town hall meetings are planned for next semester with representatives from the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Professional Development.
Alex has also developed an international student listserv and is working on an accompanying website, both of which will facilitate discussion among students. While Class Representative Lionel Perez (MPA/MC) is spearheading an initiative to develop the international Alumni Program to create new networks on the ground in students' countries of origin.
Our time at KSG is short, and we must make the most of it. During our one or two years here, we deserve everything the school promises. No student should settle for anything less. As such, your student government is here to address any concerns, no matter how trivial they may seem. Every vice president holds office hours at least once a week in Littauer-135, and the president works there on a daily basis.
A successful student-oriented agenda is built on your priorities. Together, we will continue to achieve real results this year.
Doug Levine is KSSG President. Marc Pelka is KSSG Executive Vice President.
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