Standing Committee Placement Released

Fellow Denison Community Members,

The DCGA Exec Board unanimously approved standing committee placement for the DCGA 2010 Student Senate. The new standing committees' membership is as follows:

Academics Committee
Brett Ayers, Chair
Molly Anderson
Ryan Chenevey
Tia Christenson
Amy Eberlin
Nick Garafola
Will Georgic
Manny Horsford
Eddie Millard
Jerome Price
Mario Zepeda
Yuanqing Zheng

Finance Committee
Sibylle Freiermuth, Chair
Abdi Ali
Ryan Buesser
Maggie Doyle
Elizabeth Emhardt
Amy Huang
Sarah Kelly
Kevin Lynch
Steven Profitt
Gisselle Ripamonti

Projects Committee
Audrey Gross, Chair
Casey Hanrahan
Max Harris
Matt Lipner
Sophie Loewengart
Lucas Meyer
Mya Price
Sean Redmond

Public Relations Committee
Michael Chung, Chair
Ryan Buesser
Sakeenah Chapman
Sam Esarey
Radhika Kamalia
Rachel Reed
Tommy Simon
Dillon Wilson

Rules Committee
Rob Moore, Chair
Priya Nigam, Speaker
John Froehlich
Chafi Samen Kehedy
Ian Shapiro
Tenniecia Williams
Raymond Wilson

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA President

Student Focus Group Identifies Ultimate Baja Alternatives

Fellow Denisonians,

Yesterday, three different student focus groups met with Sodexo District Marketing Director Kim Bacchetti and Sodexo Regional Marketing Director Ron Ralston to discuss the dining options provided by the Slayter Union Snack Bar. Four questions were addressed to the students: (1.) What brand name food provider would you like to see in the Slayter Union Snack Bar? (2.) When going out to eat, what type of restaurants do you frequent? (3.) What type of food would like to see added to the options in the Slayter Union Snack Bar? (4.) What price would pay for a complete meal at the Slayter Union Snack Bar?

I was able to attend both the 3:00pm and the 7:00pm sessions, and I took notes that I will use to follow up with Dining Services General Manager Becky Macheda. These four questions focused around the idea of bring in a new food provider to the Slayter Union Snack Bar, and suggestions from students ranged from Chick-fil-A to Jamba Juice to Panda Express to Chipotle. The feasibility of these options, though, is unclear at this point in time. As more information becomes available, I would eventually like to hold an open forum in Senate to hear feedback from the student body on various food provider options.

There was also heavy discussion on the availability of health foods, grocery items, and international options available in the Snack Bar; in the open discussion at the end, students were able to bring up general concerns about the quality of ingredients and food preparation. In addition, members of the 7:00pm session were able to convince the marketing team to agree to holding a second set of focus groups in the Spring to address Curtis and Huffman issues specifically. Those sessions will be publicized, and I would encourage anyone interested to become involved in changing the state of dining services on our campus.

Another option for those interested in improving the quality of student dining can look into serving on the DCGA Dining Committee, which will have members appointed in Senate on Tuesday, January 26th. If you would like to continue to be involved in this process, this is a great way to be involved. I would like to have the Dining Committee work closely with Campus Affairs Council and the DCGA Senate to ensure that dining services truly are serving our student body.

Thanks to everyone who helped out with the sessions! With your participation and feedback, I know that the student body can attain the dining services quality that it deserves.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA President

For Bullsheet Sophomore Editor Kaitlyn Grissom's perspective on the 7:00pm focus group session, check out her post on the Bullsheet Blog here.

New Executive Board Elected!

Fellow Denison Community Members,

Last night after long and difficult deliberations, the DCGA Student Senate elected a new speaker and new chairs for each of its standing committees. The results are as follows:

Senate Speaker: Priya Nigam
Finance Chair: Sibylle Freiermuth
Rules Chair: Rob Moore
Public Relations Chair: Mike Chung
Academics Chair: Brett Ayers
Projects Chair: Audrey Gross

Congratulations to those elected, and I am excited to work with these representatives in the coming year!

Also, if you are interested, the presentation I gave to senate concerning the how the DCGA can function effectively can be found here.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA President

Inaugurations!

Fellow Students,

Last Thursday, the newly elected senators and co-governors as well as the president and vice president of the DCGA were inaugurated into their positions as student representatives. If you see any of them around, be sure to congratulate them on their new leadership positions!

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA President




Photos courtesy of Jennifer Low and Shiya Huang

Community Senators Elected

Over the past week, community senators were elected by their various communities. The final election took place at 6:00pm this evening, and the results have been confirmed. The following students will be serving their student communities in the coming year.

Community Senators

African-American Student Community
Sakenah Chapman
Raymond Wilson

Asian-American Student Community
Priya Nigam
Yuanqing Zheng

GLBTQA Student Community
Tia Christenson
Nick Garafola

International Student Community
Radhika Kamalia
Gisselle Ripamonti

Jewish Student Community
Matt Lipner
Sophie Loewengart

Latino/Latina Student Community
Mya Price
Mario Zepeda

Muslim Student Community
Abdi Ali
Eddie Millard

Be sure to congratulate these students should you see them. Inaugurations will be held tomorrow at 7:00pm in the Welsh Hills Room, and it is open to the public.

Class Senators and Co-Governors Elected

Fellow Denison Community Members,

Yesterday, the student body elected new student class representatives for the DCGA Senate, ending a week of some of the most competitive campaigning I've seen in my time on campus. The following students were those who have been elected to serve their class in the coming year.

Co-Governors:

Class of 2011
Brett Ayers
Sibylle Freiermuth

Class of 2012
Rob Moore
Jerome Price

Class of 2013
Sam Esarey
Georgy Chafi Samen Kehedy

Senators:

Class of 2011
Molly Anderson
Ryan Buesser
Amy Eberlin
John Froehlich
Will Georgic
Kevin Lynch
Sean Redmond
Tommy Simon

Class of 2012
Ryan Chenevey
Elizabeth Emhardt
Audrey Gross
Max Harris
Sarah Kelly
Lucas Meyer
Steven Profitt
Tenniecia Williams

Class of 2013
Michael Chung
Maggie Doyle
Casey Hanrahan
Manny Horsford
Amy Huang
Rachel Reed
Ian Shapiro
Dillon Wilson

Congratulations to those who have been elected into service, and best of luck in the coming year! I am very excited about the coming year, and I feel strongly that this will be a big year for student government!

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Bylaws Revisions

Fellow Denison Community Members,

One of DCGA's big projects this year was an all-out revision of the DCGA Bylaws, which serve as a code of operating procedures for the Student Senate, Senate Committees, Class Councils, and other officers. At 6:30pm on this Monday, November 16th, the DCGA Rules Committee will be finalizing their draft to be voted upon the following Tuesday, November 17th. The initial recommendations of the Rules Committee were presented on October 27th (available here).

If you are interested, please feel free to join us and offer your perspective. The DCGA Bylaws directly impact the funding of student organizations as well as the functioning of student government.

See you there,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
Rules Chair, Denison Campus Governance Association

A New President Chosen

Fellow Denisonians,

As some of you may have already heard, I have been elected to serve as the President of the Denison Campus Governance Association. After a long and arduous campaign against three of the most qualified members of my class, the student body selected me to lead them through the year 2010. I would like to use this time to thank all of those who helped me out in all ways. Whether it was talking to a friend about the elections, operating an elections table, asking me questions about my platform, giving me suggestions about my platform, posting posters, or just simply voting, I would certainly not have this opportunity without your assistance.

On the table are a great variety of issues: dining, diversity, communication, policy, identity, resources, and more. To tackle these issues effectively, I will need passionate and dedicated students to participate in the student Senate as well as in committees that address these issues. I have said that I would not have come this far without you; I must also say that, without continued support, I will not be able to go as far as I would like to go.

So run for Senate. Not only will you develop your leadership abilities, but you will make real change on campus. Your food will taste better with you knowing that you helped improve the quality of the food. Your classes will be more fulfilling with you knowing that you helped restructure the general education package. Your residence halls will feel more like home with you knowing that you helped develop its designation and policies. This year, Senate will be an organization that reinvents Denison student life.

However, if Senate isn't for you, still be sure to let your voice be heard. Sign up for the DCGA Updates List to stay informed. Check this blog regularly. Let me or your other representatives know what you think the biggest issues facing our campus today are. This year will be huge for the students, and it will be even bigger with you a part of it.

See you at Senate,

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA President-Elect

What Does the President Do?

Fellow Denisonians,

When deciding for which presidential candidate to vote today, it is crucial to consider the duties and powers that come with the position. I have enumerated several of the more significant presidential responsibilities and explained why I am most qualified to fulfill them. These duties are all taken from Article II, Section D, Sub-Section 1 of the DCGA Constitution or from Article III, Section B, Sub-Section 1 of the DCGA Bylaws.

1.) "The President shall serve as Chair and member of the Campus Affairs Council"

I am the only candidate to have attended the Campus Affairs Council's meetings this semester. This will ensure a seamless transfer of office, so the Campus Affairs Council can move forward in approving the medical amnesty policy and establish student health and safety as paramount.

2.) "The President may also convene, at pleasure, any advisory group consisting of students, faculty or other individuals"

I am also the only candidate to have already created an advisory committee: the Committee on Finance Reform. This committee brought together organization treasurers (who presented budget proposals to the finance committee) and finance committee members (who heard budget proposals presented by organization treasurers). After writing the resolution to create this committee, I was elected as chair. Under my leadership, the committee proposed several key reforms to improve the effectiveness of our finance allocation process.

I would like to recreate this committee again to further address issues concerning the finance allocation process, and I would like to create other committees to similarly address other issues of concern that may arise throughout the year.

3.) "The President shall be the chief executive officer of DCGA"

As Rules Chair of the DCGA, I spearheaded a complete revision of the 39-page DCGA Bylaws, which are essentially the operating procedures for Senate. I met with the various DCGA committee chairs to update our Bylaws to include recent adjustments in committee roles. As a result, I am very well-versed in all roles of DCGA, and I would be effective in administrating responsibilities and assisting the members of Senate and the members of the community at large in realizing their goals.

I believe that I am the clear candidate of choice when it comes to qualifications for DCGA President; as a result, I ask you to vote for me today to best represent the student body in what will surely be DCGA's biggest year yet.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Running an Environment-Friendly Campaign

Fellow Denisonians,

After facing criticism concerning paper use in yesterday's Bullsheet, I was curious as to how I could reduce the waste generated by my campaign. I have come up with a couple ways that will hopefully allow my campaign to meet the standards the university has set concerning sustainability.

1.) Use Electronic Campaign Materials When Possible
Through employing various non-paper resources, such as this blog or my facebook campaign group, I can reduce the amount of waste that I am generating. I can also maximize my face-to-face campaigning, such as the sort that I do while tabling in Slayter or while meeting with campus groups.

2.) Use Paper Resources Effectively
Without any paper advertising, campaigning would be incredibly difficult. However, using paper in creative ways can make the most of few resources. Collecting many papers in one place draws attention, as well as other ideas such as door hangers, table tents, and fliers placed in unique locations. In other cases, paper should be used sparingly if it must be used at all.

3.) Recycle Paper Used for Campaigning
After campaigning, paper campaign materials should be recycled. The back side of campaign posters can be used to promote other events on campus. I propose that all Presidential and Vice Presidential candidates turn their campaign posters into Senate elections posters, to encourage as many students to run for student Senate as is possible. If elected President, I would like to use the giant face poster as a means of introducing myself to the student body at large by placing it with a different caption. I would also like to recycle it after that also by putting it in my room as a souvenir of that one time when I made a giant poster of my face.

I intend to implement these practices as I carry my campaign to completion in the next couple days. Hopefully, these three strategies will ensure that my campaign is in line with sustainability mission of the campus.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Halloween False Alarm

Fellow Denisonians,

This Halloween weekend, I went around to various social gatherings to introduce myself and speak about my vision for student government. While check in at various parties, I witnessed a fire alarm that forced over 100 students out of Lower Elm, disturbing their evenings. Rumors circulated as to the cause of the fire alarm, the most disturbing of which claiming that security themselves had pulled the fire alarm to evacuate the building and break up the parties.

Hearing the blaring alarm reminded me of problems last year in Shorney with students pulling fire alarms without the impression of a fire. Not only do false alarms decrease the legitimacy of fire alarms, but they also blatantly disrespect student rights. As DCGA President, I would push for the reoutfitting of fire alarm stations with ones that mark individuals who pull them. No one should have their evening disturbed by fire alarms, whether it disrupts their sleep before their midterm or one of the best party nights of the year.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Putting Safety First: Medical Amnesty and You

Fellow Denisonians,

One of the key issues in the Campus Affairs Council right now is the idea of medical amnesty, a policy that promises protection from disciplinary action to intoxicated students who seek out medical help themselves or have help sought for them by others. This policy has been modeled after policies at other universities, and its intention is to set as first priority the health of Denison students.

This is a policy that I whole-heartedly support. When a student is deciding whether or not it is appropriate to get medical help for a friend, that student should be taking into consideration only the health of that friend -- not worries about getting the friend in trouble. As an RA, I can rest assured with this policy knowing that my residents will contact me if they are in danger; indeed, without it I may not be contacted when my residents need me simply because they fear punitive action. This obviously hampers my ability to perform my job to assist residents.

Having sat in on Campus Affairs Council for the past semester, I know I can ensure that this proposal is swiftly enacted into policy so that the health and safety of students is held as paramount.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Hopefuls Discuss Issues on WDUB

Fellow Denisonians,

Last evening, all four presidential candidates met to discuss various issues on 91.1 WDUB's College Boi Radio. The discussion was framed around three key issues chosen by DJ and presidential candidate Cortez Hicks; these issues were sustainability, finance, and diversity. Audio clips of these discussions can be found below.



Sustainability



Finance



Diversity



Closing Thoughts



Special thanks to Cortez Hicks for hosting us on his radio show. The discussions certainly informed the policy of all the candidates, and I hope that no matter which candidate wins, they will incorporate the problem solving strategies raised in this conversation into their presidential goals. Be sure to tune in next week to College Boi Radio on Sunday from 9:30pm to 11:30pm for some post-election coverage, only on 91.1 WDUB.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

The Truth About Dining

Fellow Denisonians,

There have been a wide variety of problems that folks bring up when they talk about dining services on Denison's campus. Many of those concerns were discussed at the Open Forum I organized in Senate on September 15th of this year. After this Senate session was held, I had a conversation with Ronnie Hintz, Director of Purchasing and Administrative Services, who handles the contracting with our current Dining Services provider, Sodexo. What I found was that many of the concerns that students had were actually not necessarily grounded in truth; most of them, in fact, were rumors. I have therefore compiled three rumors about dining services on campus, and then I have addressed them with the facts. Enjoy!

Rumor #1: You cannot order non-Sodexo food for Denison events.

It is not exactly clear where this rumor started, but even the DCGA student government was operating under this policy. In truth, this policy only applies to Curtis Dining Hall, Huffman Dining Hall, the Welsh Hills Room, and the first floor of Slayter. What is necessary, though, is that the alternative caterer provide proof of insurance to protect Denison from any liability; any vendor that accepts short order forms possesses this insurance (list can be found here).

Rumor #2: The contract is already set for the rest of our time at Denison, so there is nothing we can do change dining.

Though the contract is set for four years, there are annual renegotiations that allow us to have influence on the quality and price of service should the student body mobilize behind this issue.

Rumor #3: Students have no input in the contracting process.

The Student Dining Committee participates in an annual focus group that Sodexo uses to cater to student needs (no pun intended). To ensure that Sodexo serves us what we want to be served, we must ensure that the members of that committee are both passionate and qualified so that we can see real change in dining quality on campus.

There are certainly many issues that DCGA can affect concerning dining on campus, but it is important first to set the record straight. Sustainability, pricing, variety, and taste are all issues worth persuing, and I intend to work with the Dining Committee to ensure that we have committee strong enough to effectively represent the student voice.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

A Conversation with DCGA Past

Fellow Denisonians,

Sometimes looking at where you've been helps you see where you're going. Today I had such an opportunity when speaking on the telephone with Bob Dold Jr., who served as DCGA President in 1989. Though he served before most Denison students had yet been born, his memories of the student government dealing with problems with excessive drinking on campus and with a Greek life system run rampant provided interesting context for our own current issues. Though certainly student life has been radically different since the fraternities were forced to vacate the teardrop, alcohol is still commonplace on our campus with students frequently shuttled to and from Licking County Memorial Hospital with alcohol poisoning. This issue is one that must continue to be addressed by the next president, and I believe that the Medical Amnesty Policy proposed in the Campus Affairs Council as well as Keg Licensing and Registration will improve the health and safety of Denison leisure activities and will address this pertinent problem.

Former DCGA President Robert Dold Jr., '90

We also spoke about campus programming and facilities. One notable difference was Lamson Lodge, which was a pub during Dold's time at Denison. As President, I would like to see life brought back into lodge, creating a committee to look into facilities and furnature that could re-outfit the lodge, making it a place where students felt comfortable lounging. In programming, we mentioned DDay, which was once a day on which classes were canceled and a massive party was held on the North Loop. I would like to ensure that DDay is funded the funds it needs to do its tradition justice. As the the oldest DCGA event still in existence, it is one root onto which we must hold.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Redefining Trustee-Student Relations

Fellow Denisonians,

Sparked by a recent Denisonian article, I sent an e-mail to friend and newly elected Recent Student Trustee Romero Huffstead asking for ideas about interactions between the student body and the Board of Trustees. Just today he responded sharing my desire to forge a strong and meaningful relationship between the DCGA student government and the Board of Trustees.

Recent Student Trustee Romero Huffstead, '09

Currently, there are monthly telephone conversations in which the DCGA President and the Recent Student Trustee update each other on the business of their respective group and share ideas for upcoming campus projects. Trustee Huffstead also stated plans of expanding this conversation to include more representatives of the DCGA, which is a plan that I support. Further, I would like to publicize the content of those conversations to incorporate the student body at large into the discussions.

I would likely use this blog to publicize talking points of the conversations, though I would also happily speak with members of the Denisonian news staff, the WDUB news staff, and the Bullsheet. Theoretically, conversations between the DCGA President and the Recent Student Trustee take the place of conversations between the Denison student body and the Board of Trustees; with strong publicity, I know I could well represent my side of the table.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

The MuSAAC Coalition: Bringing Together Athletes and Musicians

Fellow Denisonians,

What do Denison musicians and athletes have in common? I found out yesterday, while I had the privilege of speaking with Denison Student-Athlete Advisory Council (DSAAC) President Dan Crawford.

Student athletes, said Crawford, have had difficulties with class commitments that extend beyond the times listed at registration. For example, many labs will extend past 4:20pm, when they are stated to end. This forces students to choose between completing their lab assignments and attending their practices on time.

As an active member of the music department, I know that this has also posed a problem in certain Denison music ensembles -- specifically the Jazz Ensemble, Jazz Combo, Wind Ensemble, and Orchestra. These ensembles have rehearsals that start at 4:30; therefore, they fall victim to this same problem of professors not following their own syllabi with regard to times.

"The focus of student life," reads the fifth line of our mission statement, "is a concern for the whole person." By making the sciences incompatible with music and athletics, Denison is not only putting students in an unfair position, but it is neglecting its mission and failing as a liberal arts institution. Students should be encouraged to blend a science major with participation in a sport or ensemble, not denied the opportunity.

As President, I would use the Academic Affairs Council (see Faculty Governance, Article III, Section A) to push this issue within the administration. If necessary, Dan Crawford and I can mobilize student athletes and musicians to apply further pressure to ensure that courses are completed within the time limit allotted.

If you have more information about this issue or would like to provide feedback, please do comment. I will certainly look over any and all suggestions. Thanks!

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

And We're Off...

Fellow Denisonians,

The campaign started off last night when the clock struck 12:00am, and my campaign staff and I were hard at work developing the signs you see around campus in various locations. Special thanks to all the extra helping hands that made last night's poster posting session possible! Additional thanks to Amy for providing the following pictures from the evening!

David, hard at work, sketches out the letters for "Eric 'Harry' Brisson for President" with machine-like precision.

Katie models her newly completed campaign sign, now up on display in the Curtis Hall entrance!

The fruits of our labor! All that is left now is the posting!

David, Andrew, and Matt plaster my face onto a wall in Slayter Student Union!

Atanu, Amy, Faith, Alanna, Matt, and Ryan of my wonderful East Hall campaign staff give a "thumbs up" to the camera! Thank you guys so much for making Day One a success!

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Announcement

Fellow Denison Students,

I have an important announcement to make: I am running to represent you as Student Body President. You may know me through the various campus activities in which I have been involved, but regardless of if you do or don’t, I appreciate you taking the time to read my platform below.

My primary goal in 2010 is to optimize student incorporation, ensuring that the student government truly is operating as the students' government. To meet this goal, I have a three-tier strategy:

1.) Capitalize on Available Technologies
I have already created the DCGA Updates mailing list, to which nearly 300 constituents have subscribed. In my term, I would like to see this number increase to include 700 constituents – one third of the student body. With this many students receiving updates on the projects and policies of the student government, the student government’s decisions could better reflect the needs and desires of the student body.

In addition to the mailing list, I have also created this blog, entitled the DCGA Fireside Blog (see "Introducing the DCGA Fireside Blog"). If elected president, I will use this blog to keep the student body up-to-date on student government issues. Additionally, the blog can be used to post polls that can survey the student body on student issues. This blog will better incorporate the student body at large in the decision-making process.

Finally, I would like to continue improvements to the DCGA website (dcga.denison.edu). I have already proposed a DCGA Bylaws amendment that would require the webmaster to hold weekly office hours to update the DCGA online archive of agendas, minutes, and resolutions. This should improve the transparency of our organization and, further, should hold the student Senate accountable to the student body.

2.) Coordinate Publicity with Student Media
As president, I would use my relationship with student media to ensure that students are informed about the discussions and proposals taking place in the student Senate. Having served as WDUB 91.1 Business Manager and Denisonian Copy Editor (as well as being a long-time Bullsheet reader/submitter), I could ensure that the student body remained informed about student government issues.

3.) Provide Opportunities for Community Input
As DCGA Rules Chair, I put together the Open Forums that discussed campus dining issues and campus facilities ideas. I would like to continue these into the 2010, assisted by cross-promotion with other publicity resources. In addition to these forums, the DCGA Fireside Blog also provides an opportunity for feedback in the form of comments and polls. Finally, I would also like to hold office hours every week in Slayter Union. I feel that these actions would incorporate the student body into the Senate policy developing process.

This action plan, which I call "Keeping the Student Government the Students' Government," is by no means the entirety of my platform; indeed, it simply will restructure the role of the president to allow me to serve the student body more effectively.

I will continue to post more information on other issues, but know that this is the focus of my campaign. I feel that by effectively incorporating the student body, I place myself in a much better position to pursue the "legitimate needs and desires of the student body" as the DCGA Constitution asks.

If you have any feedback or suggestions concerning any of the ideas listed above or any others that are later presented, please do not hesitate to comment. That is, after all, the entire purpose of this blog.

Enjoy campaign week!

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011

Introducing The DCGA Fireside Blog

Fellow Denison Students,

Quality communication is essential to the success of any organization, and the Denison Campus Governance Association is no different. While great strides were taken during the 2009 Senate term, there are still fundamental problems of communication that will need to be tackled in 2010. Efforts such as the DCGA Updates listserv have met some success, but still many students are aware of neither their role in the student government nor the projects and policies their representatives are implementing.

In 1933, Franklin D. Roosevelt gave the first in a series of radio talks that helped hold the United States together throughout the Great Depression and World War II. These talks were known as the "Fireside Chats." Initially, my idea was to create a similar radio program to update the campus weekly; however, since radio does not draw the same audience as it did over half a century ago, it is decidedly prudent to use a medium more convenient for exceptionally busy Denison students. It is from this that I derived the idea for this blog.

The DCGA Fireside Blog is easily accessible and can be easily incorporated into the DCGA website, and it could be constructed so that any DCGA Representative can publish updates. It also allows for comments, which provides a simple feedback mechanism. It is also accessible by student media sources, and could improve the quality of DCGA coverage. Essentially, it provides a vehicle of communication that can directly connect students to their representatives.

It is my hope that this blog will play a strong role in better incorporating the student body at large into their governing body. Better incorporation of the student body into student governance is not only a gain for the student body at large, but it empowers student representatives also. A student Senate that can speak for the student body holds real power. After all, the students are still the primary source of funding for the university; let's make the administration work for us.

Your Representative,

Eric "Harry" Brisson
DCGA Senator, Class of 2011