Gathering people of various interests is difficult. Reaching a shared conclusion among those through discussion may be one of the most agonizing tasks in the world. The Korea University Student Association (KUSA) accomplishes this task at least twice every year at the General Student Representative Conference (GSRC). However, whether there are any amendments to be made is an issue that arises at every conference. It seems like Jieum has thought of a new way for the betterment of every delegate and ordinary student.

For many students of Korea University (KU), the GSRC is probably the conference mostly known for its incredibly long hours of discussion. However, there is a reason why this conference in particular usually lasts for over 10 hours, despite the tiresome looks on the delegates' faces. The GSRC is a conference that takes place once every semester, which elected representatives of each college and major have the responsibility to attend. Each elected delegate has the right to vote for items that are considered worth voting for. This conference is strong evidence that proves student autonomy still exists within KU's student society.

▲ The logo of the 47th KUSA, Jieum. Provided by Jieum.

Autonomy is an important value within student society that outer forces cannot easily take away, and it is necessary for all students because it is the most evident way students can express their opinions directly to the university. Many people mistakenly understand the term KUSA as the executive branch within it. However, as can be inferred from the term association, the KUSA includes all students of KU. The KUSA executive branch is designed to work towards the betterment of every member of the KUSA, which includes maintaining and strengthening student autonomy. With a correct understanding of these often used terms, one can finally realize the importance of the GSRC too.

The second regular GSRC of 2015 took place on October 4. Prior to this regular GSRC, a temporary GSRC took place a month before, on September 6, from 3:00 P.M. until approximately 8:00 P.M. This temporary GSRC took place specifically to reduce time spent at the regular conference. The temporary conference started out with each division of the executive branch reporting the projects both in process and finished. However the conference's main aim, evident from the source book provided by Jieum, seemed to be to gather delegates' opinions of the newly introduced idea of a Student Council.

This term itself does not seem new at all, but the system would be new to the KU student regulations if ratified. It has been known by many that Jieum is planning to make major changes in the KU student regulations to prevent incidents such as last year's fraudulent elections from happening again. Last year's incident with Godaegonggamdae may have been a disaster for everyone, but Jieum may be able to expect good out of evil if it shows enough results to make ordinary students believe it has tried to make changes for the better. Most probably, the best way to show this is through implementing tools within the student society that would guarantee maintained long-term effects.

The main problem brought up in every GSRC is the amount of time that the conference takes up of representative students' lives. Although every executive branch realized this problem, attempts to alleviate or solve it were in vain. Nevertheless, since last semester's GSRC, the Student Autonomy Special Committee (SASC) hinted at the establishment of a Special Committee on Budget and Accounts and a Standing Committee as ways to solve the problem regarding the conference's long hours.

▲ A student at the GSRC is clearly not paying much attention to items relevant to the conference. Photographed by Lee Hye Jin.

As Jieum realized that the most time is spent on evaluating budgets and accounts of each college and major, it decided that creating a separate committee to specialize in this matter would be more efficient. In fact, in every GSRC, the inefficiency of this process was brought up. Since not every delegate of a certain major or college knows the inside stories of other delegate groups, it is difficult for them to have confidence in their comments during such evaluations. Thus, the SASC, specializing in enhancing the quality of the GSRC, came to the conclusion that with a Special Committee on Budget and Accounts, the time spent on this item during every GSRC can be eternally reduced.

Meanwhile, the creation of a Standing Committee is an introduction of a entirely new system to KU. Ko Jun Woo ('14, Sociology), the president of the SASC, agreed that Jieum has also realized that the GSRC is commonly perceived by ordinary students as tiresome and unnecessary. Therefore Ko stated, “The SASC decided to organize a Standing Committee in which delegates can take part in discussing items they are each truly interested in. This way, the level of professionalism in such discussions can be enhanced. Also, the items at the GSRC will become more diverse, making it possible for the GSRC to become a chance to gather students' opinions to perhaps use as a tool to negotiate with the university.”

From such debate items of the temporary GSRC, it is evident that Jieum has been focusing on enhancing the quality of the GSRC by shortening the time spent at it. Ko showed his hopes by commenting, “Perhaps if less time is spent at the GSRC, it would be possible to increase the number of times it is held in a year. Delegates will be less tired and they might even be more willing to proceed deep discussions about topics that they are each truly interested in.” Also, in order to guarantee long-term effects that would be maintained even after a power struggle within the executive branch or complete change of reign, it decided to amend the KU student regulations.

Of course, from the debates not only in the GSRC, but also in other places of open discussion provided by Jieum, there were opinions showing concern that these changes may not work or even bring harm to the KUSA. However, this is exactly why Jieum decided to implement these changes as an additional clause to the KU student regulations. This way, it can execute these amendments for at least a year, observe the consequences, possibly make more amendments in the process, and finally end up with a better attempt at perfection. Jieum is clearly trying to make changes and prevent mistakes such as last year's from happening ever again. Whether these changes will turn out successful is yet to be known.