Student Aaron Shumaker will be leading Undergraduate Student Government this year as president.

USG represents the undergraduate student body and deal with a variety of topics that range from academics to student life. The BG News talked to Shumaker about USG and his experiences at the University.

What is the goal or purpose of USG?

The purpose of USG is to represent the entire undergraduate student body on issues ranging from the academic realm to the student life. We represent them to the university administration, but also to city and state leaders.

We also appoint students to all university standing committees to help facilitate this representation.

Additionally, we handle all parking appeals of undergraduate students.

Why did you originally decide to become involved in USG?

The reason why I joined USG was because I saw an opportunity to join an organization that encompassed all aspects of campus.

USG deals with everything here at Bowling Green, which is exciting to be able make that large of an impact.

What should students do if they have an issue that they would like to bring to USG?

Well, there are several ways to bring an issue to USG. All students are represented two ways, by place of residence and by academic college.

You can contact your respective senator by looking them up on the USG Web site where their contact information is listed.

You can also bring the issue to the entire Senate by coming to one of our weekly meetings, held every Monday night @ 7:30 in Olscamp 113.

We begin each meeting by having an open forum where anyone is able to address the Senate and voice issues at that time.

Also, USG can be reached by e-mail at [email protected] and many students submit issues directly through this method as well.

How do students become involved in USG?

Anyone can become involved by stopping by our office on the 4th floor of the Union and finding out how they can get involved.

They can also stop by one of our weekly meetings or visit our website to find out more information.

What topics or issues are you wanting to tackle this year?

There are several issues that we will be dealing with on the city level. We’d like to continue to lobby for students about the zoning laws that limit some off-campus houses to three residents. And then there is the nuisance party ordinance.

We hope to accomplish both of these goals by bringing the Bowling Green community closer to our campus community.

On campus we hope to start the year by looking at dining services and the options that are offered as well as catering prices.

We hope to facilitate more discussions between campus organizations and also students and faculty/staff members.

We additionally hope to review academic policies, making sure that they are fair for students as well as faculty members.

What is your major?

Applied Health Science

What advice would you offer to a freshman?

Get involved with something. I know that my experience here at Bowling Green has been unbelievable because of my involvement with different organizations. I’ve made friends, but more importantly I’ve been challenged and have become a better person because of my involvement.

What is your favorite aspect of being a student at BG?

By far the best aspect of being a student at BG is all the opportunities that are provided for students here.

It seems like there is a student organization for every interest out there.

BG sporting events are also fun and we have several athletic programs that receive national attention.

What is the best kept secret in town?

I think the best kept secret in town is the BG Quarry. It’s a great place for students to hang out and go swimming, but not many students go there.

On campus, the best kept secret is probably our mascots and spirit group, Freddy and Frieda and Sic Sic.

The identities of each of the students for each of these groups remain secret until their unmasking.

Are you involved in other activities other than USG and what has your experience with these groups been like?

I have been a member of my fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, since as long as I’ve been on campus.

This experience has been great as, it has opened me up to numerous other opportunities.

I’ve gained leadership experience from my fraternity, but more importantly I’ve gained friendship and brotherhood from my experience.

I became involved with Dance Marathon through my fraternity, and now I am a Steering Committee member for this organization, as I am the Faculty and Staff Relations Chair.

I also serve on the Interfraternity Council, as the Treasurer.

USG meets on Mondays at 7:30 p.m. in 113 Olscamp