President Mary Ellen Mazey spoke at Undergraduate Student Government on Monday night, where she highlighted some of the University’s recent successes and offered a Q & A period for members of USG.
“It’s all of you, it’s about the students here at BGSU. All of us are here for you,” Mazey said as she began her brief address to the body.
She boasted the freshman class’ academic preparedness and the diversity of this year’s entering class. The class of 2020 represents 33 states, 900 high schools and 36 countries.
The University’s enrollment is now at 19,812 students, and Mazey shared the University’s ultimate goal of 25,000 students, which, if reached, would be comparable to other MAC schools. This enrollment goal requires specific attention to online, non-traditional and veteran students; all of these are growing in enrollment.
In response to a senator’s question about future plans for campus improvements, Mazey spoke about the plans to move the Business College to a renovated Hanna Hall, which is scheduled to have a new addition on the east side of the building – preserving the west side of the building which faces old campus. This proposed project requires $12 million in donations, about half of which has been raised, said Mazey.
She was also proud to announce that the Doyt-Perry Stadium, soon to turn 50 years old, is currently being painted and is expected to be completed in time for the homecoming game.
For the second time this year, members of the general assembly addressed the lack of emergency blue lights around campus, particularly in the Greek Village. Mazey explained the safety measures in place in the new village, including exterior cameras that provide footage to the BGSU Police and the emergency buttons located on the lower level of each house.
“(The blue lights) are a safety of the past, and what we’re trying to do is find the safety ways of the future,” Mazey said. She also said that by having Greek life on campus, as opposed to off campus like some universities, sorority and fraternity members exhibit better behavior, which improves the overall safety of students.
Bob Moosbrugger, director of athletics, also spoke briefly at the meeting. He encouraged students to attend and support the athletic events and he gave a few updates about the ice arena, including the replacement of the floor and the installation of a video board.
The video board is being paid for by an advertising partner and will serve as a “great interactive piece for the ice arena that will get fans engaged,” said Moosbrugger.
USG President Amanda Dortch spoke about the Falcon Care Initiative – the program that allows students to donate swipes to be used by students in need. The initiative was created by USG a few years ago, but many students do not know how the program works, or that it even exists. USG intends to work towards spreading awareness of this program.
Dortch also informed the body of a voter registration event scheduled for Sept. 27. The Center for Community and Civic Engagement is hosting the event in the Union Oval and will also be staffing Union tables. The event is a opportunity to register voters for the coming election.
Dortch also informed the body of the upcoming One Grey Dress project. One Grey Dress is a global project that shows support and awareness of human trafficking; participants wear the same grey dress (or shirt) for one month straight. The project this year is being held from Sept. 25 to Oct. 25.
