The votes are in. Unfortunately, student government — no one even knows who you are. Or what you do.
Let’s start over. In early December, the Stork conducted interviews and polls on social media to see what students really think of the current Student Government. With the end of the semester fast approaching, were students truly satisfied with all that was being done by the SG? The answer: Student Government – “never heard of it.”
Of those personally interviewed, only three could recall any SG officers. Most did not know who they are, and even less knew what they do. Their answers were all more or less the same: “I don’t know anything they have done.” “I don’t know who they are.” “The only thing that I remember from the Student Government is them running an election campaign last year, but I don’t know what they’ve done, like, from there.” So much for the social awareness promise.
In the polls, the results are even more pitiful. 58% of students voted they did not trust SG. 82% stated they felt unrepresented by SG. Even if those numbers were reversed though, it wouldn’t seem to matter – only 28% believe the SG has any power to enact change within the university. It seems somewhat pointless to interpret the results in any further depth, as according to our interview, even those who have faith in the SG are almost completely unaware of who they are or what they do.
We hoped to interview Student President Umberto Greco in December so he might be able to shed some light on why students seemed so disconnected with the SG. Twice, we contacted him to see about arranging a potential interview. Twice, we were told he would get back to us by “next week.” Twice, we waited a week.
Now, these perceptions of SG may change depending on students’ reception of “MM37,” the long-awaited “IE Bar” that launched December 19th, but we’ll have to wait and see. The student bar is a partnership with La Que Se Lia, a local bar in Madrid that will now be offering discounts to students. We have yet to hear of any progress being made for a similar setup in Segovia.
In summary, the SG seems to operate and exist completely outside of students’ university lives, having little to no effect on them whatsoever. An invisible student body with just as invisible powers, headed by silent student president already on exchange this semester. It would appear there may be need for some reassessment by the Red Administration if they want to retain any importance in the eyes of IE students.
You can view all our interviews and the poll overviews here.
