Editorial: A successful USG presidency

Alcohol policy was one of Diemand-Yauman’s top priorities upon election. Though he was unable to change the Borough’s policies, he did engage with New Jersey state senators about the “9-1-1: Lifeline Legislation” providing amnesty to certain underage drinkers, and he reached out to student body presidents at colleges across the state to discuss high-risk drinking issues on other campuses.

Unlike some past presidents, Diemand-Yauman did not allow his signature issue to take time away from other initiatives. With the help of academics chair Ben Lund ’10, the USG was able to pass a significant reform of the pass/D/fail policy. In addition, the USG’s Undergraduate Life Committee succeeded in establishing the University’s first gender-neutral housing program, and the pilot will be implemented in the upcoming room draw.

Diemand-Yauman’s administration was also prompt and effective in addressing student concerns that emerged throughout the year. He negotiated with the housing office about room-painting fines, worked with OIT to improve wireless internet quality across campus and established a carpool service for students looking to travel home during breaks.

In addition to these accomplishments, Diemand-Yauman made a number of structural changes to the USG during his tenure — an ethics code for USG senators, working groups and an improved elections system. Diemand-Yauman’s decision to create working groups alongside committees, for instance, ensured that the USG was able to simultaneously pursue a number of goals. Through this results-oriented approach to the working groups, USG members were made accountable, and a number of working groups were extremely productive.

Diemand-Yauman’s desire to increase accountability, however, was jeopardized when he failed to enforce the referendum requiring the USG to publish a list of its members who had signed the pledge to not seek recommendations from administrators. While Diemand-Yauman may have disagreed with the referendum, he still should have published a list of signatories in a timely manner. We also would have liked to see Diemand-Yauman send more frequent e-mails to the student body about the USG’s initiatives, and we are pleased that his successor, Michael Yaroshefsky ’12, plans to make greater use of e-mail communication.

When Diemand-Yauman steps down, he will leave behind an impressive record of accomplishments. Throughout his term, he displayed the ability to go after what students wanted while still collaborating closely and effectively with administrators. Several of Diemand-Yauman’s more ambitious initiatives, however, are still being developed. We hope that Yaroshefsky will be able to build on the progress that has been made thus far. One thing is certain, however — he will have big shoes to fill.