Three weeks ago, sophomore senators created a Facebook group, entitled "DePauw Class of 2014 Forum," to generate fluent dialogue between the students and the senate. This move was the beginning of a social media push and promotion tool for student senators looking to reach out to the student body.
According to sophomore senator Stefani Cleaver, the group, which boasts 228 active members, has already sparked some ideas and issues that have been discussed at senate meetings. The class of 2013 created a similar Facebook page, but it has not received as strong of a response. The senior class also has a page to serve as a discussion forum, entitled "DSG Senior Class Discussion Group."
"Most people in our class are ready to voice out their opinion, and we make it open so people can invite others," Cleaver said. "We've actually shared a working document of the page to Vice President Nic Flores and all the ideas have been brought to him."
Although the group was created by sophomore senators, it still accepts invites from students of all classes, and addresses a wide range of topics that affect the campus as a whole. Some issues include using air dryers instead of paper towels dispensers in the bathrooms and creating better disability access in all dorm buildings.
According to Brian Alkire, director of public relations for student government, the senators created the Facebook group as a means to strengthen communication between students and senators.
"They wanted some more ideas about students' opinions, such as what they wanted to change and how they wanted to accomplish it," Alkire said. "The group is really getting a lot of feedback and helping us out in our meetings."
Alkire also said that student government will soon unleash a social media campaign on Facebook and Twitter to inform the entire student body on issues discussed in student meetings, advertise events and announce passed or rejected legislation. Although the details have yet to be finalized, many ideas and strategies have been discussed.
"Facebook is just a more convenient way to relay information and exchange ideas," Cleaver said. "People just feel a lot more comfortable using social media to express their opinion."
Sophomore Shavon Mathus said the group is a perfect way for students to voice their concerns and involve the student government in creating ideas and events that can unify the diverse student body.
"I read a lot of the issues discussed and comment on them sometimes," Mathus said. "It's really accomplishing a conversation between the class and the senators. They are good at responding to each other's concerns and keeping everybody posted about what's going on."