The Stupe has received permission to share the following interview transcript. As XXX is a SECRET society, The Stupe encourages its readers to not share this information with others.
The Stupe: So, I guess let’s start with the biggest questions our readership will want answered. What is the purpose of XXX? What is it that you all do?
Cautious Student Interviewee: Its primary focus is to help address and fix the direst problems facing students at Snevets. Though XXX’s membership is pretty limited, they try to represent as much of the campus as possible. From the media organizations to Greek societies, from athletic teams to cultural groups, they try to have their fingers in as many pies as possible. In doing so, XXX spins a pretty big web—
TS: Sorry to interrupt, but you’re using third-person. You are a member, aren’t you?
CSI: Ah. Good catch. Sorry if I weave in and out of the first and third person. I was deeply involved in XXX for most of 2018, but I’ve taken a few steps back these past few months. Consider me… “on sabbatical.”
TS: Interesting. Okay. Any reason why?
CSI: You know, a lot of the initiatives I was working on came to a natural end. At the same time, someone else was inducted who was better suited to filling the needs I didn’t get to address. I’ve taken the opportunity to refocus on my school work.
TS: I must say, that makes a lot of sense. But you were saying before I cut you off; By having members from all over…?
CSI: Right, by bringing in great minds and voices from all over campus, it makes meetings more productive. We are able to share any troubles and work cooperatively with the campus administration, if need be, to alleviate those pains. For the most part, though, the point is to support the student community and foster new growth.
TS: Does XXX meet often?
CSI: Oof. Well, 2018 was a rough year. Lots of things needed to be worked on. As I’m sure The Stupe is aware, Snevets is demolishing Jacobian Hall, so lots of student voices were crying out for our help. And, to tell you the truth, XXX went through a small restructure. We re-wrote governing documents to help give future members a more concrete idea of what their involvement means. So, on average? We met between one and three times per month. Since I’ve been on leave, though… I couldn’t really tell you.
TS: That’s fair. You mentioned XXX works with some of the Snevets administration, could you elaborate on that?
CSI: Yeah, so, every now and again, try as we might, an issue couldn’t be resolved solely by the members of XXX. Unless it’s in newsprint, you know how much Snevets listens to the students. So we have a few contacts up and down Howe. Dean [Nellson] and Dr. Sarah Klown were invaluable to some of my work last year. A lot of my work concerned the Jacobian Diaspora.
TS: Student Life, I see. But, it’s not, like… Y’all don’t rat on student organizations, right?
CSI: Student Affairs, actually. And no, of course not. I ain’t no snitch. We in XXX spill the tea behind closed doors, sure. But why involve the administration when we can break up a club by ourselves, if necessary?
TS: Weird flex but okay. I hope you know I’ll quote you on that.
CSI: I mean, it’s on tape, isn’t it?
TS: Fair point. I have to wrap up soon, but I have a few more questions if you don’t mind. You’ve mentioned your “sabbatical.” Is this common?
CSI: Not really? I mean, it’s a volunteer gig, so everyone puts in as much as they can and want to. For the most part, people tend to drift off when they graduate. That’s when the membership changes most drastically. Every once in a while someone will drift a bit, but there’s a concerted effort to keep ten or so people active for any given year.
TS: Ten? That’s a pretty small number. Has there ever been a problem keeping it that high?
CSI: You know, it’s not that hard to find students willing to make a difference here. As a member of the press, you should know. So it can actually be difficult to narrow down the search. Every now and again, a student will decline an invitation, but that’s fairly uncommon. If a member of XXX is graduating and has a good idea of who should replace them, it’s usually smooth sailing.
TS: I don’t think I follow you. A leaving member just kind of… picks a replacement?
CSI: There’s an actual process, but it can seem that way. In my case, though, I had some insider knowledge. I use their names only since they’re public with their involvement, but I was very close with Timmy Monthly and Sunny D, both of whom were heavily involved. Since I was close with them, I think I was just sort of pulled in
TS: Can you explain that more?
CSI: What, the on-boarding process? Well, there’s a vote for if you’re worthy. But on the front end, in my case? After a few cloak-and-dagger conversations and a few short e-mail exchanges, I had a super quick meeting in A-Cup to talk about what the position entails.
TS: You know I’ve gotta ask, here, are you—
CSI: No, I can’t give that name. I’m obligated to keep some semblance of spookiness.
TS: What a good word, “spookiness.”
CSI: One of XXX’s founding pillars, that. Of course, I jest.
TS: Of course. Well, thank you for taking the time to chat. I’ll miss class if I don’t pack up, but it was great getting to speak with you. If I think of any other questions, I’ll email you?
CSI: Sure enough. You know how to find me. Or who knows, maybe it’ll be me sending you the email, asking to meet in A-Cup…
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