If he hadn’t taken a shortcut home four years ago, there’s a strong possibility John Adams would not be the first representative for University College in the history of the Student Association.

The decision to cut through Maxwell Hall would change his life when he stumbled upon an SA meeting.

‘I need to go that way to go home, so I cut through the building,’ he said, cracking a smile. ‘When I went through the building – there they were.’

On March 26, SA elected Adams, a senior paralegal studies major, as the first representative for University College, Syracuse University’s school for part-time students. As an official member, Adams is no longer confined to passively observing from the upper gallery of Maxwell Auditorium – a spot he has occupied longer than most current SA members have attended SU.

For the first time in 56 sessions of SA, University College students now possess a formal voice in the general assembly.

But the process of obtaining this seat was a protracted battle, plagued by bureaucratic processes.

Jon Barnhart, president during the 54th session, authored the bill that paved the way for making the addition possible. Any change to the SA constitution, like this proposal, must be approved by a majority of the student body through a referendum on the November presidential ballot.

Because the bill was presented after elections had already occurred, the vote was delayed until the next election cycle, Barnhart said.

SA began to consider this provision during the 53rd session, when Adams presented a desire to the then-administration to get involved, Barnhart said.

Angelo Coker, vice president under Barnhart, identified with Adams because as a veteran, transfer student and commuter, he fell under the label of ‘nontraditional’ student, Barnhart said.

SU has historically brought in students who defy the stereotypical classification of a college student, being one of the first schools to accept veterans on the G.I. Bill, he said.

‘The typical definition of a college student has changed quite radically, and we wanted to make sure that regardless of what kind of student you were, you were still considered a student,’ he said.

To fall under the jurisdiction of SA, a group must pay at least a portion of the student activity fee, which is why students of the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry have representation in SA, Barnhart said. University College students do not pay any part of the fee.

‘So it was a question about whether or not we should still represent them and still have a seat for them, even though they don’t pay the student activity fee,’ said Chief of Staff Taylor Carr.

SA members deliberated on whether part-time students had to pay the fee to receive representation in the assembly. It was determined University College students did not have to pay the fee, but in return they were only granted one seat in the assembly, Carr said. Home colleges usually have one seat for every 300 students enrolled. The University College enrolls several thousand students.

Like many SU students, Adams sports Orange gear head to toe. He is thankful for the position and the people who made its addition possible.

A native of Syracuse, Adams attended Henninger High School, located in the city’s Eastwood neighborhood.

Pursuing a bachelor’s degree in paralegal studies was not Adam’s first time at SU. He was previously a student in the College of Arts and Sciences but did not complete his degree, he said.

‘I had to go to work,’ he said. ‘Family obligations.’

He speaks softly, often taking drawn-out pauses between sentences to think.

He decided to move to Utah, where he became employed at the state’s Disability Law Center with the help of a friend. He advised attorneys on mental health issues in the community and interned doing paralegal work, he said.

Adams became involved with the state legislature in Utah and was a part of political campaigns for candidates such as Gov. Michael Leavitt, who would later become the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency and secretary of the U.S. Department Health and Human Services under President George W. Bush, he said.

He carried out tasks such as filling out envelopes, making phone calls and occasionally campaigning door-to-door with candidates, he said.

The quest for a higher degree, something the local community college did not offer, and the goal of attending law school led him to return to SU five years ago, he said. He is on track to complete his degree in 2014.

When University College did not have a seat in the general assembly, Adams had limited power in pushing for initiatives that benefited his constituents.

‘I would just go to the sessions at the assembly and just sit down and listen,’ he said. ‘I was there to advocate and be a cheerleader to the administration.’

But as a representative, Adams said he wishes to bridge the connection between University College students and the SU campus. University College students do not receive discounts for SU sporting events and speakers, making them feel out of the mix, he said.

Many part-time students are also unaware of the events and organizations SU hosts – a result of the limited amount of time they spend taking classes on campus, he said. ‘Chancellor (Nancy) Cantor talks about Scholarship in Action, working with people off-campus,’ he said. ‘I’m trying to do it in a reverse manner, and getting people hooked up to the campus.’

When obtaining the 25 signatures required for his petition, many part-time students were not aware University College had obtained a seat in SA, he said.

‘But when I told them that we finally got a seat, their eyes lit up,’ Adams said. ‘I could see them light up.’

President Dylan Lustig said SA is always open to more representation and that University College obtaining a seat in the general assembly was ‘a long time coming.’

Lustig said he has faith Adams will be able to make a difference, especially because he has been unofficially involved with the organization for so long.

‘Whether or not John was recognized as a member of SA, he was here,’ Lustig said. ‘It’s just nice that now he’s going to get to be able to vote, the chance to join a committee and some recognizable work – other than what he’s already done.’

Neal Casey, president during the 55th session, shared this sentiment that representation for part-time students was long overdue. Many of the decisions SA makes affect all students, even those attending SU part-time, he said.

Not only did Adams show dedication by attending the meetings, but he also worked with Casey on initiatives like better lighting for certain areas of campus, he said.

And though University College did not have a seat at the time, Adams was elected and served on the Committee on Administrative Operations, he said. The committee reviews each piece of legislation before it is presented to the general assembly to make sure it adheres to the standards outlined in the SA codes.

It’s difficult for anyone in SA to immediately make a huge influence, but this experience, coupled with his unique insights, will allow Adams to succeed, Casey said.

Published on April 2, 2012 at 12:00 pm

Contact Dylan: dmsegelb@syr.edu | @dylan_segelbaum