Intercom to define goals, discuss role on campus
By Kami Lewis
Staff Reporter

Members of Intercom will define their goals and continue discussion about the group’s role on campus at their second meeting of the semester Monday, said Chelsea Hudson, Student Government Association president and Intercom chairwoman.

Intercom is a panel of 14 student leaders who represent the student body twice a year at the Board of Trustees meeting. Members are elected presidents or vice presidents of campus organizations invited by university officials to join Intercom. Inclusion hinges on current Intercom members’ approval.

Hudson said TCU does not have many “secret” organizations, but Intercom is a low-profile, yet high-impact group that is probably unknown to most students.

“We’ve debated what sort of impact we should have on campus, as an in-your-face organization or one that’s little known at all,” Hudson said. “I think it’s important that students understand what we’re here to do, and at this point I think many students don’t know why we are here.”

Intercom will present their ideas April 11 to the board’s Student Affairs Committee, which will in turn present those ideas to the entire board. The board as a whole will provide feedback and decisions based on Intercom’s proposals.

Intercom suggestions that have been implemented include freshman seminar courses, the Diversity Council and faculty member increases. Hudson said the suggestions cannot be credited solely to Intercom, but did represent the student voice.

“We are in the process of boiling down our objectives this semester until we can present just five well-thought points to [the board],” Hudson said. “(W)e come in knowing our ideas probably won’t come to fruition for five to 10 years in some cases.”

In addition to the board presentation, Intercom is considering adding the Residence Hall Association to their group. Hudson said RHA will make their case for inclusion in April.

“RHA is a relatively young organization, but they represent the student population living on campus, and that’s a valid audience that needs to be heard,” Hudson said. “If they can present a strong case for why they need to be involved in Intercom, then I can see that happening.”

RHA president Laura McFarland said she is looking forward to the opportunity to present.

“We’re looking toward the future and working to be a voice on campus,” McFarland said, “Intercom is a great chance to broaden our efforts to make a difference.”

Intercom meets once every two weeks over a working dinner. Members break into groups of two or three to research and brainstorm suggestion ideas, Hudson said.

Kami Lewis
k.e.lewis2@student.tcu.edu

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