Student Federation is changing its constitution next semester to allow graduate students to be represented.
Currently, Student Fed’s constitution does not allow for graduate students to serve as representatives. Last week, Student Fed voted unanimously to begin the process of ratifying an amendment to allow a graduate school representative.
Senior David Wilhelmsen, president of Student Fed, is pleased with the decision to change the constitution.
“It will be nice to have a perspective from someone who’s a little bit older and has more experience,” Wilhelmsen said.
According to junior representative Casey Harper, graduate student representation will provide fresh viewpoints for Student Fed because the graduate students have experience in different schools.
“I think they’ll have a unique perspective to bring to the Federation,” Harper said.
One of the arguments to allow graduate students to have a representative is the fact that graduate students pay student fees the same as the rest of the student body.
“Everyone who pays in should have a voice,” Wilhelmsen said. “Graduate students pay student fees just like we do, so it’s not like they’re separate.”
Harper agrees that the graduate students should be represented.
“They pay student fees, so it only makes sense they would have a representative,” Harper said. “Around here we’re pretty anti-‘taxation without representation.’”
In order to change the constitution, President Larry Arnn must grant approval. Then Student Fed must write the new amendment and allow two weeks for the Hillsdale Collegian to inform the student body. Finally, the amendment must be voted on and pass with a two-thirds majority in order to be ratified.
Student Fed can’t ratify a new amendment this semester because the entire process must be completed four weeks prior to finals.
“We’ll get Dr. Arnn’s approval this semester, but there is no way to change the Constitution this semester, at least not constitutionally,” Wilhelmsen said.
Ronald Pestritto, professor of politics, is looking forward to seeing the graduate students represented on Student Fed in the future.
“The graduate students have a great affection for the college,” Pestritto said. Many wish they had had a chance at an undergraduate education like Hillsdale’s. So, it’s a chance for them to be a part of that.”