The Student Government Association welcomed all students to an open forum on Sept. 24 to discuss various topics of concern with their SGA officers, though the topic of converting student clubs and organizations to utilize Microsoft Teams generated controversy and took the spotlight.
The open forum was scheduled to have Bucks new president, Dr. Patrick M. Jones join the students, but due to a scheduling change, Jones will be attending the next open forum on Oct. 7.
Clubs and organizations at Bucks currently use Discord, the app allows real time, less formal communication and flexibility for sharing information, managing events and attendance.
The SGA is encouraging clubs and organizations to adopt Microsoft Teams. With a Bucks email, students will have access to Microsoft 360 and all its features, including Teams, thus making it easier for student accessibility.
Teams will help better organization and communication, the SGA noted, “The issue with having to use multiple apps already serves as a problem, the goal as of now is to move officers to use Teams, then we will work on having club members join. We are trying to go forward as one student body.”
Bucks clubs are voicing that they already have a difficult time having members join Discord group and converting to teams will not make a difference. The president of SGA, Ben Armagost stated, “Discord is more of a chat location, when using your student email, you won’t have to make an account, all Microsoft applications coordinate, making it easier for members to join.”
Converting to Teams will allow future students to see previous work that the clubs and organization have done. Once students graduate, Teams will leave a continuity and a cohesive experience to improve current and new clubs to join the college community.
According to the SGA, clubs and organizations have been getting too relaxed on Discord. Inappropriate behavior on behalf of students has been an ongoing issue.
Upper Bucks Liaison of the SGA, Deb Hammond voiced, “We are sick and tired of Discord, the inappropriate behavior is unacceptable, we are tired of reports. We are trying to get more order. Teams will start out strict but once behavior improves, protocols will be lifted. But right now, it is more like babysitting on Discord.”
“Not everyone has Discord, Teams will be a more organized and central place to talk about professional discussions and communicate more efficiently.” Hammond stated.
Admin of Discord chats have the capability to delete messages that have been sent. Unfortunately, admin have been abusing their power by deleting inappropriate messages before repercussions could have occurred. “All messages that are sent and shared in Discord will be seen by administrators — we cannot discuss further on the inappropriate messages that were sent but they are being handled accordingly.” Christopher Seifert, Director of Student Engagement and Leadership.
Clubs fear that Teams will phase out student control, stating “There is a disconnect between students and the SGA, Teams will make that more uncomfortable and sterile.”
Discord will continue to run parallel with Teams, students who are uncomfortable with the change do not have to adapt into Teams. “We understand change is uncomfortable, we are all learning through trial and error. Though the pros of using Microsoft Teams outweighs the pros of using Discord.” Armagost stated.
The SGA’s goal is to provide effective means for students to express their desire on topics directly concerning them and the college. As the SGA believes converting to Microsoft Teams is a step closer to becoming a better-connected student body for the future.