Volume CXXXII, Number 2 September 20, 2002 f

Revised BSG focuses on goals
JONATHAN PEREZ
STAFF WRITER

The end of the 2001-2002 academic year marked a major stepping-stone in the reconfiguration and gradual improvement of Bowdoin's student government. As it was, the ruling body, composed solely of an Executive Board and Congress, needed improvements in both communication and organization.

The change came as a result of proposals by Jason Hafler '04. With the advent of a new Constitution, the former Executive Board was abolished. In lieu of it now stand a President and five Vice Presidents, each elected directly by the student body. Currently, each Vice President oversees five separate committees: Academic Affairs, Facilities Management, Student Affairs, Student Government Affairs and Student Organizations.

Under the new system, Hafler noted that students have a "more direct link to administration and administration to students," creating stronger ties between College committees and student government. Other changes included the renaming of Congress to Bowdoin Student Government and the SAFC Chair position to Treasurer.

Most recently, the BSG has provided funding for a free taxi shuttle service running Friday and Saturday nights during the hours of 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Also offered is a second shuttle to Freeport, Cook's Corner, Wal-Mart and Hoyt's on Saturdays and Sundays between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m.

In the works remains the final installment of two television sets for Watson Fitness Center in Smith Union. Volume control would be accessible through a tuner, provided that students bring their own Walkman sets. Other BSG programs, including fan buses to college events like the Bowdoin-Colby hockey game, and non-credit course offerings, will continue throughout the year.

The future of and amendments to Bowdoin Student Government depend solely on the voice of the students, which has become increasingly direct as a result of the changes in BSG structure. Voting poles for Student Class Government Office elections are slated from September 19 through 22.