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The economy, gas prices, and the dwindling availability of credit will put a big pinch on many students returning to campus this Fall. If you are involved in student government, one of your first topics in the Fall should be, "What are we doing for students in financial crisis?"
Many students – especially those who are non-traditional – struggle mightily with financial issues such as hunger, child care, transportation costs, and coping with the costs of higher education. Up until this year, many of these students would simply take out loans or credit cards to buy books or to cope with other financial demands, but now those resources are tightening or disappearing altogether. This Fall, there will be many more students who are under tremendous stress to pay for the things that make higher education possible.
The Associated Students of Oregon State University (ASOSU - their student government) has a number of committees that deal specifically with these issues, helping students in need. Their "Social Resources" committee operates several programs that deal with child care, hunger, and health care. If your student government does not have a committee specifically geared in this direction, now might be a good time to think about creating one. The need this year is going to earn some press, and this is a chance for you to be proactive.
Whether your student government has its own resources to help, or can get active to lobby for assistance from the university or another source, you will help to build greater appreciation and loyalty to your organization by putting it to work on these important issues. Serve your constituents. In times of need, there is no greater work your student government can do.
