If students want change, they need to step into the arena

Under the current federal administration, we have seen a rise in students expressing strong opinions about national politics. Many demand that “someone ought to do something,” yet genuine engagement rarely follows. 

Students often voice opposition to national issues, but fail to take action or use the local systems of governance available to them.

The Anchorage Assembly, for example, has repeatedly expressed a desire for more youth participation — young people willing to speak on issues that directly affect their daily lives. 

Similarly, UAA has a student government specifically designed to address on‑campus concerns, complete with office hours and weekly public meetings meant to hear student issues. 

Yet almost no one shows up. 

The student government, The Union of Students of UAA (USUAA), funded by student fees, works hard to maintain open communication, but student disengagement leaves these channels underused or ignored.

When the student government does receive concerns, it has the capacity to address them or maintain communication. However, the workload becomes overwhelming when the number of concerns far exceeds the number of active members available to respond. 

USUAA is structured with an Assembly and three boards: The Assembly with 27 seats, the Green Fee Board with seven seats, Student Media with four seats and the Concert Board which holds seven seats.

In total, the organization can support up to 45 members. Yet we often struggle to reach even 12 active assembly members throughout an entire semester. 

The Concert Board operates with only five members, and the Green Fee Board — responsible for sustainability projects — has just two members this semester.

Student life is difficult. Homework, long work hours, commutes and personal responsibilities take up enormous amounts of time and energy. 

However, even with these challenges, it remains vital for students to take part in governance and leadership. 

Engagement does not always require holding office, sometimes even writing opinion pieces for the campus newspaper can make a difference and demonstrate that students are paying attention.

What we are witnessing at USUAA is a program operating at minimal capacity. Students want their issues addressed, but they must also recognize their responsibility to participate and be a voice for others. 

Engagement is not optional — it is the foundation of any functioning political system.

If students want change, they must take action within their local political structures. Our campus, our city, and our future depend on participation, not just opinions. 

The systems around us do not crumble overnight, they crumble when no one shows up.