Normally, I don’t disagree with Van Morrison.

But for this specific instance, I’ll have to call the crooner on his error. He sings a jangly song called “Baby Please Don’t Go,” and for all the cases when that song is appropriate, it shouldn’t apply to student leaders who just won’t graduate from NIU.

That may be a foreign thought, especially for students rushing through their college days. But at NIU there’s a subtle trend toward students, specifically student leaders, extending their stays in DeKalb under the guise of helping themselves and helping the community. However, as these students cling to the college world, their presence disrupts the natural flow of student leadership and could be detrimental for NIU’s near future.

That’s not to say that NIU student leaders are all bad seeds.

The past few weeks have tried everyone’s patience, especially the people who actually care about the university for more than a passing moment. Although hundreds of students were recognized during the past week, there’s that “look” giving away their frayed mental state.

You know, the “look” & where the gleams of the eyes turn desperate. The “look” tells us that no matter what a person does, it never will be enough. It’s the “look” of overworked and underrested student leaders.

Contrast this with the student leaders sitting back, resting on the laurels of a few events and even fewer credit hours. They have another “look” & one of a child getting away with everything.

Listing names wouldn’t necessarily be ethical and probably would be more trouble than could be withstood these last few weeks. But look at the names that just won’t go away.

That’s not to say this is a new problem. The Student Association was plagued in recent years by students who just couldn’t call it quits. Maybe they cut down on the class load to deal with their jobs. But more likely, these students find a comfort zone and delay arriving on the doorstep of a living because NIU offers friends, security and prestige.

So what’s wrong with dropping a few classes for a better cause? True, many of us have taken that step.

According to data found in the 1999-2000 NIU Fact Book, the latest figures show that for students arriving on campus in 1994, only 21 percent of the cumulative enrollment graduated in four years. But after five years, that percent rose to 42 percent.

There reaches a point for all involved and busy students where there’s just too much going on.

But when this happens year after year, the four-year plan becomes a six-year plan. And no one complains because these students put themselves in positions of leadership, and a few even are rewarded with institutional tuition waivers.

Ignored by these selfish students is the guy or girl who really wanted to give leadership a try. Given the strangleholds on many of the positions, a scant few students who care are turned away for good.

Solutions are as vague as the mission statements for some of these groups and organizations. With about 75 students on campus actively participating in the process, it seems ridiculous to scare away the stragglers. But think about it another way.

If support dwindles for students who can’t let go, new students will fill those roles. And with them come new ideas … new energy … new blood. The potential exists for an even more active student body.

But please, college careerists, just go.