SGA reconsiders adviser’s role

The committee formed to address the controversy over USD Student Government Association’s adviser reported on its goals to the senate Tuesday night.

The committee, which was chaired by SGA Vice President Anne Grady, recommended the senate seek an additional adviser to augment its current adviser, Kirsten Compary.

Sen. Karl Giuseffi drafted the resolution that, although never formally introduced, sparked a 40-minute debate over the relationship of the SGA with its adviser at last Tuesday’s meeting.

The resolution suggested that a conflict of interest exists as a result of SGA Adviser Kirsten Compary’s position within the university’s administration as associate dean of students.

Giuseffi, who served on the committee, said he was pleased it was able to work with Dean of Students James Parker to formulate a solution to the problem.

“Dr. Parker’s commitment to restructuring SGA will enhance student government and senators’ ability to voice student concerns,” Giuseffi said.

Parker said student services should continue to be the primary adviser to SGA.

“I think it’s the university’s role to work with our student organizations to help them reach their goals,” Parker said.

He added that he sees it as one of his responsibilities to assist the SGA when the need arises.

In addition to working with the committee, Parker took part in the initial discussion of the resolution at the SGA’s meeting last Tuesday.

Parker argued that the majority of student governments across the country are advised from within the student services division of their school’s administration.

Although he appreciated his input and valued his advice, Giuseffi said he believed some in the senate were unwilling to participate in the discussion because of Parker’s presence.

“I can’t really say I blame him,” Giuseffi said of Parker. “I place the blame more on the senators. I don’t think they have really been forced to stand on their own two feet and I think discomfort guided their reaction.”

SGA President Blake Alberts was disappointed with Giuseffi’s decision to disseminate the resolution in the manner he did. He said he hopes to cooperate with student services in restructuring the SGA adviser position.

“So much of what we do revolves around student life,” Blake said. “All of my positive interactions with the administration have been through student services.”

Reach reporter Nick Woltman at Nick.Woltman@usd.edu.

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2 comments

Anonymous

Wed Mar 3 2010 14:17

Bring Rick Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Butch Oxendine

Wed Mar 3 2010 10:04

ASGA tracks the role of the advisor nationwide at all types and sizes of institutions. At almost all institutions, the advisor is a representative of the student affairs/student life department, usually an associate dean or director. There are NO student governments in America that have no advisor at all. There are a handful of institutions, such as Adams State College in Colorado, that can choose their own advisor. They actually have a confirmation hearing like the U.S. Senate does to approve a new Supreme Court Justice.

The best structure for a student government advisor is a "multi-headed" advisor. Ideally, you would have three advisors. One is the official, university-sanctioned advisor. The two others could serve various aspects of your needs. One advisor could be a member of the faculty who could assist the legislative branch specifically. Another advisor could be a staff member who assists you in your financial issues. Sharing the advisor's job responsibilities allows for more perspective and doesn't overburden one person.

Your institution is not a member of the American Student Government Association, which conducts research like this. But you should be! See www.asgaonline.com.

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