When student leaders apply, campaign for and put hours into their roles, they should also be able to defend themselves on their own.

It’s time to take the training wheels off of Student Government Association.

While I believe that faculty advisers for Student Government Association have good intentions, some of the actions in assembly leave me thinking they are overinvolved.

Last Wednesday, Dean of Student Life Irene Stevens’ announcement at the student assembly is a prime example.

In reference to The Collegian’s recent push for data from SGA’s recent elections, Stevens inferred that the push for this information has caused a sort of chaos on campus.

“There’s a tone that (SGA adviser) Caroline Huck-Watson or (SGA President) Al Carroll would do anything dishonest,” Stevens said. “I wish the tone was more civil.”

Executive board members were appointed to these positions by fellow students.

When a staff member—meant to serve the entire university, not just SGA—makes an announcement like this, it undermines the trust fellow students put in their leaders to make informed, grown-up decisions.

SGA assembly is a place for students to take the initiative, so staff advice simply isn’t warranted.

Administrators should take a hint from President Jim Danko, who has emphasized his belief that faculty should have supreme reign over Faculty Senate.

I would like to see advisers take a back-seat role in SGA.

If the Collegian can independently put out a newspaper each week, SGA leaders should be able to do their jobs all by themselves, too.