On Campus Policy & Making a Difference

​What does it feel like to make a difference? If you’re like most of us, as you walk though campus, there are things that upset you along the way. Whether it be the lack of seating in your favorite building or getting out of class with your mouth watering and having your favorite dining option closed before 5 p.m., we’ve all been there. Have you ever wondered though how students make change and address these frustrations? It really comes down to one thing- policy.

Now you’re likely asking yourself, what is policy exactly? According to the University of Sydney, they define that policy is “a course or principle of action, adopted or proposed by a government, party, business or individual.” In other words, policy states that a change is needed and proposes a way for said changed to be implemented. That being said, it is NOT the course of action itself nor does it define the means in programs are to be implemented.

This year, we shifted the focus of our Cardinal Policy Project to campus and challenged our students to brainstorm policy ideas to make their campus a better place to learn, work and invest. While this is a large undertaking for freshmen students, we are delighted at the thought and dedication our TFFs have poured into the policies they are working to draft. Identifying key stakeholders and implementation applications are in the works and we can’t wait to share the fruit of their labor and dedication. Check back soon for more updates and possibly a peak at some of our favorite policies from this year’s group!

-Michael DeGroot
Task Force Freshmen Co-Director (18-19)
michael.degroot@uoflelsb.org