I hate GPA requirements.

You have to meet them to study abroad for a semester, get good internships, get into certain majors, take competitive classes, get into college, get into graduate school, be in the University Scholars Program, participate in the University Honors program, apply for good scholarships and join lots of clubs.

What on Earth is left to tack a GPA requirement onto? Oh, that’s right, Student Government. And just when I thought there wasn’t any stone left unturned.

Our student champion, our collected voice (yes, sarcasm), Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Tom Stafford, said, “It’s a regulation that under the University policy I have the authority to approve or put into place without the approval of any other group, but because of the controversy I wanted to review with the executive officers and get approval as well.” Well gee, thanks for humoring us and pretending like other people had a voice in this matter.

It isn’t necessarily fair that the most scholarly students should be the only ones to represent the student body. We should seek diversity, especially in Student Government. The composition of Student Government should be similar to the composition of the student body it represents, and yes, that includes academics.

I can only assume that it has never occurred to the GPA-obsessed people of the world that talent and leadership ability exist outside the realm of compulsive studying. These requirements only serve to hinder students in moving forward with other strengths.

Part of the reason for these new regulations is to hold Student Government officials to a minimal standard so that they will be good role models. I certainly hope the nation isn’t looking to its leader, George W. himself, for a grammatical role model.

We don’t hold our national leaders to certain educational standards – anyone can run for office. It doesn’t make sense to hold Student Government to a higher standard than we hold our presidential candidates. Not to mention that most of the students here at NCSU can’t even name our Student Government leaders, much less look up to them as role models.

So, I would like to personally apologize to everyone out there with a 2.4 GPA. Yes, you can attend this college, but I really wouldn’t try to actually participate if I were you. You will just have to accept the fact that you do not make the cut for participating in half of the things you would like to do. And now you are unworthy to represent the rest of the student body.

Leadership is about inspiring others and yourself. Great leadership is about strength and dedication, not what you look like on paper. Leadership is not a math equation or a program; it is an action that comes from considering the needs of those you represent. It is about passion and determination, not past achievements.

Roughly 15 percent of the Student Senate does not meet the new GPA requirements. Despite the fact that they may have many of the essential qualities of leaders, they will not be given the chance to continue in their leadership. We have found yet another thing to regulate, and more people will be denied their opportunities to build on strengths outside the realm of academia.

Good character and good leadership are not enough to meet the requirements any more. Now that the regulations are official, it will eliminate anyone who does not meet the GPA requirements from running. I’m sure that Student Senate will now miraculously transform into the one we’ve always been wanting — you know, the one that actually stands up for the students.

Actually, they might be too busy studying to avoid getting the boot to actually worry about what we want.

Congratulations, NCSU. That’s one small step for the administration, and one giant leap backwards for the student body.

E-mail Amy your leadership qualities besides your GPA to viewpoint@technicianonline.com.