The Undergraduate Student Government concluded a considerably productive semester following their meeting last night.
The meeting was the final meeting until the start of spring semester. The fall semester is usually less productive than the spring semester. This fall USG’s output has been higher than previous years.
“I think the semester has been very productive,” Kevin Yania, vice president said.
During this semester USG tackled four major issues. Last month USG approved the implementation of the $20 health services fee. The approval came after close to a month of discussion among the organization and the students.
Other issues tackled by USG were the campaign for increased voter registration and the construction of a sidewalk along Alumni Drive. Senators pushed their constituents to register to vote. A registration booth was even placed at the Ludacris concert. A sidewalk and crosswalk were installed along Alumni Drive in order to provide students with a safer walk to Lot 6.
USG is also encouraging professors to use My BGSU to inform students of class cancellations. This is meant to keep students off the roads when winter weather becomes an issue.
Another priority for the organization was to promote their work to the students. USG distributed magnets to students with their names and contact information. USG hopes that the magnets will get more students to utilize the organization.
“I think we have been getting more visibility with students,” Sarah Saccany, president said.
Much of the progress in USG can be attributed to the executive board. Saccany, Yania, and all the committee leaders have worked hard to get every senator involved.
“This is the best administration that I have seen in the four years I have been in USG,” Justin Dorch, off-campus senator said. “They are extremely organized and know how to get things done.”
The senator retention rates have been high within the organization. Currently only two seats have not been filled by representatives. This statistic is much better than previous years.
USG has high hopes for the upcoming semester. Members of USG plan on traveling to Columbus to speak with state representatives. USG will stress the importance of state funding for higher education.
Another issue USG is concerned with is the large amount of parking tickets being issued this year. USG will look into why there has been an increase and if any changes can be made. The organization is also looking for easy solutions to the parking problem. USG will continue to push for the paving of Lot 4, 6, and 12.
USG is planning an organization round table meeting. Representatives from all campus organizations will be on hand to discuss the issues surrounding the University. USG may also change their spring elections to online voting. The organization hopes voting numbers will increase with an online election.
“Historically the spring semester is more productive,” Yania said.
