Vice President of Student Affairs Thomas Gibson addressed the Undergraduate Student Government on Monday night. He focused on student engagement and attendance to campus programming.

“I am thrilled to have an opportunity to spend some time with you this evening,” Gibson said. “I have spent the last 90 days assessing the campus condition for student success.”

Gibson has been in his positon at the University for nearly three months. Most recently, he worked at Ball State University in Indiana, and has been working in higher education for 19 years.

In his time at the University, Gibson has been seeking to understand student engagement, the partnerships within the University and how the various departments work together.

“Where I need your assistance and your help … is creating vibrant learning and campus experiences for students,” Gibson said.

Gibson’s goal for the Department of Student Affairs is to “foster pathways for student success,” including engagement, retention, persistence, learning and post-graduation success.

Conversation between the USG body and Gibson included frequency and timing of programming, marketing for programming and determining how to track student engagement. Gibson asked the members of USG for their feedback on the topic.

“How can all of you help me to get more students involved?” Gibson asked USG.

Feedback noted the lack of advertising for programs as an obstacle. Parts of this problem included the existence of no centralized location for listing programs and poor communication among campus organizations in spreading awareness of programming.

Solutions were discussed, such as using a swiping system to track engagement and improving the digital platform of how programs are communicated to the student body.

During executive updates, President Amanda Dortch expressed the importance of members serving to the full calling of their positions.

“You all, when you signed up to be a representative and to represent your specific demographic…were going to serve in this role and act as a senator and a liaison between USG and the people that you represent,” Dortch said. “If you are not sitting at the table, you are not providing a voice for those students.”

She emphasized the importance of attendance and full participation in standing committees.

Vice President Richard Racette announced the date and time for a USG town hall event. This will be an opportunity for “any and all students who want to come in” and voice any concerns or ask questions.

“We will bring in certain administrators and staff … our goal will be facilitating conversations,” Speaker Nadia Oehler said.

The event will be held in the Union Theater on Oct. 24 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.

USG also heard from student Jackie Corfman, secretary and treasurer of Students for Sensible Drug Policy.

Corfman asked USG to consider a Good Samaritan policy on campus.

“A Good Samaritan policy is a life-saving measure that prevents students from hesitating to call for help if there is a medical event that takes place in situations of alcohol abuse or substance abuse,” Corfman said.

Corfman is seeking revision of the current three-strike policy at the University, which she believes is too punitive.