Mich. poll gauges student opinions on gov't
By Cianna Freeman, Daily Staff Reporter, The Michigan Daily
December 10, 2003
State legislation that affects college students is constantly proposed and passed with little or no attempt to find out how the students themselves feel about it.Starting this month, students will get a chance to voice their opinions about state government issues by participating in an online poll conducted by the Michigan House Civics Commission, formed by members of the state House of Representatives.
The commission wants to gather student opinions on state legislation that relates to the college environment.
The latest poll on the commission's website asks students how they feel about whether state legislators should have control over college classes. Rep. Jack Hoogendyk (R- Kalamazoo) has introduced a constitutional amendment into the Legislature to give lawmakers more oversight of how universities spend their funds.
“Our goal is to allow college students to express their opinions on legislation in Michigan that relate to their college life,” Commission Coordinator Drew Buchholz said.
Although the new MHCC web polls were created to collect and share students' voices, many students are skeptical of the benefits and implementation of these new polls.
“Personally, my schedule is too hectic to reply to web polls every month,” said LSA senior Olivia Langford. “I understand that every opinion matters, but I still don't feel that responding to a web survey will make a big difference in the long run.”
On the other hand, some students said the benefits of these polls may be worth some of their time and effort.
“There is a real demand for student mobilization on this campus and this web polling of state legislation has the potential to do this, if used efficiently and proficiently,” LSA sophomore Jamie Flaherty said.
Some students suggested ways to make web polling more time-efficient and thus appealing to college students.
“It would be beneficial if the University would somehow incorporate these web polls into the curriculum, because it is very important for us (college students) to be informed,” said LSA senior Stephen MacGuidwin, president of the College Republicans. “Maybe they could make it a part of the political science Department.”
The MHCC hopes to involve college students with state legislation and make them feel like a more vital part of the whole process.
“It is our civic duty to get Michigan college students more engaged civically. Our goal is to promote interest in the Michigan Legislature,” Buchholz said.
The goals of the MHCC are completely feasible to many students.
“The Legislature is tapping into a new resource. The Legislature will have a idea of how mainstream college students feel and this should also help students find their issue,” MacGuidwin added.
Students can participate in the polls by going to www.civiccommission.com .