Student Senate has made some decisions that I believe are proof that it is stepping up and truly trying its best to represent the student body as a whole.

First of all, it’s a great accomplishment on Student Senate’s part to have contributed to the extension of the operating hours of the Chester Fritz Library. While many students at UND may not be too excited to rush over to the library to study on Friday and Saturday nights, I know these later hours will benefit many students who need a quiet place to study.

Previously, the library was only open until 5 p.m., and closing the library at happy hour hardly seems to be conducive to academic success. It’s good to know that Student Senate has taken the opinions of students into consideration and followed through on their promises as senators to represent the student body.

I also would like to commend Student Senate for approving funding for Spring Jam. I know this is a somewhat controversial topic, and there are some senators and students who believe the money allocated to Spring Jam should be used elsewhere.

This I understand; $160,000 is a lot of cash.

Still, I think by approving the allocation, Student Senate are simply trying to fund an event that students can get excited about and will bring campus together for a fun time toward the end of the school year.

Instead of trying to downplay the amount of money our campus government is spending to bring Fall Out Boy, Flo Rida, B.o.B and the other shortlisted groups to UND, we should embrace it — yes, we’re willing to spend big money on a memorable night for our students.

Of course, the money could have been spent enhancing the Writers’ Conference or bolstering other University Program Council events, which could have achieved the same effect. But to me, there’s nothing like a concert to bring thousands of people together in the same room focusing their energy on the same thing.

I’m glad our student government appreciates the same thing.

Whenever important decisions have to be made that affect a large number of people, there are always going to be people who are disappointed and people who are pleased.

In the case of Student Senate, its recent decisions reflect its commitment to the student body.

Larry Philbin is the managing/news editor for The Dakota Student. He can be reached at [email protected].