Bennett urges new JCRC chairs to focus on students and ignore tempting politics

by Henry James Foy | January 23rd, 2008

Former Vanbrugh JCRC Chair Ryan Bennett has urged the new group of college chairs to use their time in Senate campaigning for their college’s students, rather than getting involved with the politics that he feels beleagures the committee’s decision making.
“Please, everyone who is on Senate next year, remember: You are not the Labour party, you are not the Conservative party. You are not government, and you are not ruling the world. You are a group of students representing other students. Don’t get involved in the politics,” Bennett said.

Speaking in his final Senate at the end of last term, Bennet implored both the incoming Chairs and the current YUSU officers to ensure that the meetings are used efficiently.
“Do what the students want, get it done, and don’t sit around here arguing about it,” he said. His passionate plea was met with appreciation and applause from his fellow Senate members, including YUSU Training Officer Tom Langrish, who had earlier congratulated all the departing chairs for a sucessful year on the committee.

“It’s common practice in the life-cycle of a committee that when a large portion of a membership is leaving, to formerly offer thanks to their hard work,” said Langrish.
YUSU President Anne-Marie Canning expects the new chairs will need little encouragement to get involved in Senate debates and affect the decision-making processes. “I think we have a really good bunch and we will all get along well. They are all very competent, and I look forward to working with them all.” she said. Major issues that the new-look Senate must deal with include creating a manageable and workable ethical merchandise policy, keeping student issues at the top of Hes East plans and finding a solution to the problematic campus bars.