Letter to the Editor: SGA makes most sense; UOSA lacks meaning

What is UOSA? What is a student association? What does it do? Unfortunately, most students don’t know, and it isn’t their fault.

“UOSA” is the University of Oklahoma Student Association and it consists of our student body and its student government.

And if they don’t know what UOSA is, that also means that students cannot use UOSA for its intended purpose — advocating for students.

“Student Government Association” provides a clear name to students so they can have an idea of what this organization does. This name does not make our association exclusive. In fact, SGA empowers all students.

All students will be (like we are now) part of our Student Government Association.

So what’s the difference? With SGA, people will know who we (as students) are when we speak. Our own administrators, city and state officials constantly confuse our name. “UOSA” delegitimizes our role and purpose. SGA is explicit with our purpose and empowers us.

What’s in a name? In this case, the difference is between ambiguity and clarity, confusion and recognition, weak representation and empowerment.

I’ve been involved in our student government for more than three years, and it was sheer luck that got me involved. I’ve spent the last three years proselytizing “UOSA,” and it has been an uphill battle.

The cost of changing UOSA’s name will be minimal. Every year, we advertise our programs and events. For most of our public relations, we’re talking about printing a different logo on materials already being printed. The rest of the cost will be spent on things that need to be remade anyway.

We have deteriorating banners, out-of-date signs and poorly made advertising materials. Even if the name weren’t being changed, these materials would still have to be replaced. I’ve proposed revamping the entire image and name of our student association for the students.

Today, choose to empower yourself and your fellow students. Choose for the recognition of our student voice. Choose clarity. And choose SGA. Vote Yes on the SGA Referendum at elections.ou.edu.

Joe Sangirardi, UOSA president and letters senior