Friday afternoon of this week was very different for The Hornet Tribune staff as the staff received word, unexpectedly, that the Student Government Association executive officers, senate and other executive positions would be formally sworn into office.
Because it is our business to cover the news on campus, especially news that deals with students, the staff had to shuffle some things around and find a reporter, photojournalist and videographer at the last minute to cover the event.
Usually, this staff would learn of something like a presidential inauguration at least two weeks in advance, but for some reason, not this year. However, we were asked that afternoon by a university official if we could cover the event because the university photographer would not be able to make it to the event.
Despite the lateness of the hour and identifying a reporter, photographer and videographer at the last minute who could cover the event, the inauguration was assigned it and all of the student journalists made it to the occasion before the inauguration began. Once they arrived, they were told that they could not enter because they were seating people and that they had to wait outside.
Expecting it to flow like most presidential inaugurations, where the media are always allowed in the venue to ensure that the lighting is correct for the photos and the writer can visualize the room before everyone enters, The Hornet Tribune was stopped at the door and told they must wait until everyone enters and is seated.
Like good stewards, the reporter, photographer and videographer waited outside until everyone was seated and once they finally were invited in they had to come into the ballroom checking their equipment and performing the proper tests, because as they entered, the executive director of Marketing and Communications was talking and the color guard was about to come into the venue.
What was probably more interesting, and to some maybe troubling, is that the guests, executive officers and legislative officers began eating their meals before the officers were formally sworn in.
At most inaugurations, the guests, dignitaries and former office holders are announced as they come in with a creschendo of the four executive officers coming in last.
After the program, where certain individuals get up to speak the SGA president is invited to give his inaugural address, which last about 20 minutes. After his or her inaugural address, the executive officers are sworn in by the SGA chief justice. The occasion is a very serious occasion because it represents the peaceful transition of power, and for all onlookers, to hear the oath of office. Usually, after the applause, everyone exits and heads to the inaugural reception where there are heavy h’orderves or a steak dinner.
The reason for dinner being served after the inauguration is simple. One of the people on the program of one of the executive officers could spill a drink or drop food on their clothing, which would result in food stains on their clothing.
Imagine the SGA executive president or the SGA executive vice president having to take photos with people with stains on their clothing?
That would not be picture perfect.
Hopefully, in the future, when presidential inaugurations are planned, someone can let the media know a week in advance so that we can cover it properly. Members of the media, in most cases, will need to arrive early so that they can do the proper pre-event checklist.
Events such as an SGA presidential inauguration do become history after some time and people would like to reflect upon that history. This staff would like to present the best representation that it can of those memories.
Therefore, remember decorum is vital, and official events of this nature should follow proper decorum.