In order for the council to align its image with its capability, it must try harder to present itself as an organized body of dedicated students; it must pay less attention to politics and more attention to its self-stated activist goals: "to represent student interests; to secure an active role for students in deciding official policies...to foster and coordinate campus-wide social activities...to promote and fund student groups and organizations...and finally, to serve as a campus-wide forum for the expression and exchange of student ideas and opinions."

The Undergraduate Council is not the joke it is perceived to be. It has many dedicated and hard-working members who genuinely want to effect change. But until it wriggles its way out of its home-spun web of hubris, it will never earn the respect it deserves.

If the council becomes more realistic about its limitations, it will gradually gain credibility. One day, the percentage of Harvard students voting in council elections might even exceed the national percentage.

The council has to reform itself. To begin with, it must cut its size so that chaos and frivolity do not dominate its full council meetings. Also, it must not pass resolutions on everything it can--from human rights in Nigeria to fried dough. Rather, it must carefully think about the limits of its spheres of influence. As Dean Lewis wrote, "[The council] works least well when it legislates without consultation or deep thought."

Finally, the council must realize that it is accountable to the student body, both morally and financially. It must convince us that its members care about change, not petty politics, starting with the presidential elections and continuing from there.

We have a student government that has accomplished a lot--it's time we have one that we can respect.

Daniel M. Suleiman's column appears on alternate Wednesdays.