For better or for worse, the Undergraduate Student Government Senate liaisons are the primary communication link to other campus organizations, but with restructuring they may no longer be needed.

A liaison's purpose is to keep the Senate and the organization aware of each other's projects and goals. If the liaison's job is done well, a direct line of communication is opened and good relations are established, but this isn't always the case.

USG's restructuring efforts include plans to make contact more efficient and possibly eliminate the liaisons completely. One solution might be to require town senators be members of Organization for Town Independent Students and campus senators be members of the Association of Residence Hall Students, said Scott Payne, ARHS president.

Town Senator Josh Bokee said he sees a need for a more direct relationship because the whole purpose of restructuring is to bring every organization closer together.

Payne said the problem with the liaison system is that the liaison is from an outside group and is expected to know what is important to take back to Senate meetings.

"It's a difficult job. They come into organizations where the environments and goals are different and they are expected to represent the views of both organizations," Payne said.

Last semester ARHS experienced difficulties with their senate liaison Larry Santucci. Payne said Santucci represented the council in a "demeaning and degrading manner." It became a struggle when there were discrepancies in the reports given to the senate and the ones given to ARHS.

ARHS asked that Santucci resign and be replaced by "someone more positive with an open mind," Payne said.

Santucci said the call for his resignation was more of a personal issue over disagreements between him and Payne.

"I think Scott just didn't like me," Santucci said.

Town Senator Josh Bokee has taken over the position. Payne said ARHS is pleased with the contact and the senate and ARHS are enjoying much better relations.

"There are good people now working as liaisons, but it would be nice if everybody could work closer together," Bokee said.

USG Senate President and Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Student Alliance liaison Mike King agrees with Payne.

"Relations with ARHS have been extraordinary. We're working together in restructuring and promoting communication among the groups," King said.

Town Senator and OTIS liaison Mike Burcik said the system's success depends on people communicating.

OTIS President Lynette Mason said there have been problems in the past when liaisons didn't attend meetings but is pleased with Burcik.

"It gets frustrating at times, but other organizations face this too. Mike (Burcik) does his job well," Mason said. "He makes all the meetings, which is really important. He's able to contribute and very willing to work with people."

Mark Shiner, LGBSA political co-director, said in the process of restructuring, the liaison system could be made more effective. He said the liaisons should be required to tell the organizations exactly what they take back to senate.

"There should be more accountability of the liaisons to the groups," Shiner said.

A possible solution to this concern is to compile a journal with all the written liaison reports so that everybody, including the media, knows what's going on, King said.