<#313 News Focus>
The 2011 GSC, ‘Junsul’, Is Required to Have Responsibility
By Lee Ji-song, Tribune Reporter
The 2011 General Student Council (GSC) also known as the “Junsul”, which claims to advocate anti-political activism, has created new slogans and policies on some matters relating to students’ school lives at Chonnam National University (CNU). Those activities are significantly different from previous GSCs with a background of political activism. In this issue, the Chonnam Tribune reviews the activities of Junsul to make CNU betterin 2011.
Most notably, seven head members of Junsul resigned their positions in the GSC this month. With a general election for the next GSC approaching, the current GSC staff members seem to be interested in registering as candidates for the next GSC rather than completing their official terms. Seo Jae-seong (Freshman, Dept. of Philosophy) said, “These days, the posters with huge letters announcing their resignations were attached on every college building. I think they have no sense of responsibility.” Before they resigned, Junsul also failed to hold the General Students Assembly twice this year. Consequently, CNU students could not discuss the 2011 GSC’s presidential election pledges on several problems including BTL boarding fees and credits system reformation. Regarding the matter Pack Eun-chul (Senior, Division of Forest Resources) who is the president of the GSC said in an interview with The Chonnam National University Weekly, “I am very sorry about it. I lacked the ability to hold the general assembly. We are trying to fulfill the promises.” Also, he acknowledged the GSC’s lukewarm responses for social problems such as the reduction of tuition fees and the incorporation of national universities which launched a nationwide movement this year. These movements are still spreading all over the nation, and many students step out on the streets to voice their opinions. The executive of the GSC said they disagreed with tuition increases at universities but did not talk specifically about the participation of the movements by university students.
Meanwhile, Junsul has been positively evaluated in fulfilling their pledges. A survey conducted by the Chonnam Tribune last month found 52.4 percent of the 212 respondents in favor of this year’s CNU Festival. Many students answered that the festival is the most memorable activity of the GSC. Lee Ju-hyung (Sophomore, Dept. of English Education) said, “The 2011 CNU Festival is totally different from previous ones. Actually, last year’s festival was really boring. I have never seen so many people on our campus during the festive period.” In addition to the festival, Junsul implemented their election pledges such as job fairs and celebrity lectures on campus. They are trying to hold some celebrity lectures this year, so they were eager to research what kind of celebrities CNU students would like to meet. Lee Yung-ju (Sophomore, School of Animal Resources) said, “I think this year’s GSC has the integrity and they do not seem to waste budget. I am happy because a variety of cultural activities at CNU have been increased.” Even though it was not on the pledges, some students showed a positive response to activities such as providing snacks for them during examination periods and operating bus services to hometowns during holidays.
What do students expect the next GSC to do for them? Students want more convenient facilities on campus and to have opportunities to do a variety of activities on-and-off campus as a university student. According to the survey result, 32.5 percent of the respondents answered that they needed more cultural space and break areas for students. Lee Da-in (Sophomore, School of Business Administration) said, “CNU has little space for cultural activities and rest. Even if school has some places, they are so small and crowded. When we need to talk or take a rest, we have to go to a café around CNU.” Next, 26.4 percent of them said that they get more opportunities to go abroad. Third, 22.2 percent respondents wanted to have more cultural events such as festivals and celebrity lectures. The vitalization of CNU community composed of students, faculty and staff members only got about 9 percent.
The members of the next GSC should realize that they are meant to serve as representatives of every CNU student. Let’s hope next year’s GSC members will do their best until the end of their terms.
이지송 기자
jee-song@hanmail.net