A Reponse to BYUSA Critics

Hey friends,

Contrary to what Brother Stevens would have advised, I actually wrote a letter to the Daily Universe, due to appear tomorrow, in response to some of my critics. Yes, when I should have been studying, I was writing this letter. In fact, when I should have been listening in class...I was writing this letter. Here it is, before I edited it down to 250 words for The Daily Universe (who are so great, by the way)--feel free to look in the paper tomorrow, if you want to see the shortened version:

Today, Brigham Young University students will elect a new BYUSA president. I’m flattered to note that Wednesday’s Readers Forum contributors highlighted how important the election and BYUSA is, by spending time to voice their opinions—we look with anticipation for these comments each year.

Having been a part of BYUSA for some 3 years, reading the letters Wednesday was hard, to say the least. Since the end of last semester, many have been working to inform students about the association’s mission and the BYUSA elections. The saddest part about the aforementioned letters was not that somebody felt passionate enough to share their thoughts—it’s simply that many of their comments were ill-informed.

I’m never going to be able to answer every student’s concern about BYUSA or BYU for that matter—but, this year we have certainly tried. I would still like to invite all students to the Student Leadership Office in 3400 WSC or to please visit the BYUSA website (http://byusa.byu.edu). Between these two options, we should be able to help you, but, only if you put in some effort first.

About 24% of students at BYU cared enough to vote in 2008, and nearly 20% of you have already cast votes in the current elections—with exit polls suggesting juniors had the highest turn-out in the primaries. Both of these percentages are significantly higher than many other undergraduate student association elections across the state and nation.

Some short replies to Wednesday’s letters. The current BYUSA administration has made a lot of internal changes and influenced a number of university-wide policies this year. Campaign initiatives are well-researched and approved by administration to ensure they are realistic and achievable within their year of service. This process, implemented three years ago, has ensured the success of the last three BYUSA presidencies in fulfilling ALL their advertised “promises.” There are much easier, less time consuming, and more lucrative ways of padding resumes—I used to do custodial at Helaman Halls.

I recognize that this letter may not reach or change the minds of any of BYUSA’s most staunch critics, but, I continue to invite you to contact me because I’ll keep serving you. I would also like to refer all students to the “State of the Association” editorial that appeared in The Daily Universe on February 20th for more details.

President Gordon B. Hinckley said, “You can’t, you don’t, build out of pessimism or cynicism. You look with optimism, work with faith, and things happen”—I can honestly say, that this quote has helped guide me and the efforts of BYUSA over the past year.

To the hundreds of volunteers who work selflessly to serve you, I express my thanks. To everyone that voted and who has attended events this year, thank you for your continued support. We really do care about helping you. Keep being amazing students and members of society. You really are a wonderful group and it has been a pleasure to serve you this year.

So, there it is. Here's the link to the State of the Association

Ok, love you guys.