Vanderbilt Student Government has finally accomplished something the Student Government Association never did, something The Vanderbilt Hustler has demanded for years. Though a seemingly easy goal, it has taken years for the transparency of student government finances to become a reality.

Transparency has historically been an issue dear to The Hustler editorial board. In the last two semesters alone there have been at least four editorials dealing with this issue. When former Interhall President Devin Donovan and former SGA President Boone Lancaster proposed VSG, they told The Hustler transparency would be a central value of the organization. We are glad to see that this indeed is the case.

Now, VSG finances are available for review on their Web site as well as on our very own InsideVandy.com. Students are strongly recommended to take advantage of this service. The student government exists for the benefit of the students. If, for some reason, students find themselves displeased with their government’s use of finances, it is up to the students to express them. If, alternatively, they are satisfied, then they can count themselves lucky they go to an institution with such functional student leadership. If they do not bother reviewing, then they are choosing not to engage in the system despite the opportunity and will have no footing should they begin to complain.

Hopefully, this new level of transparency will foster dialogue that instigates improvement in university operations. This is an empowering move by VSG. It demonstrates a heightened level of respect and appreciation for the student body. Perhaps the upper level administrators in Kirkland Hall will take notice and finally see fit to increase their own transparency. We could use some respect and appreciation from them, too, after all.