2008 Woodie Awards
We are ready, willing and eager to hear you
Are you prepared to speak? The SGA needs your voice
Casey Patriarco
Issue date: 11/13/07 Section: Editorial
The Student Government Association - formerly DUSC, the Delaware Undergraduate Student Congress - is the voice of the undergraduate student body, and we are actively seeking your input.
Members of the SGA executive board are extremely excited for new university president Patrick Harker and vice president for Student Life, Michael Gilbert.
Their student-oriented approach, accessibility and eagerness to hear student opinions and concerns have been extremely encouraging.
So, do you just want to be a passive observer, or do you want to affect change on your campus?
SGA has the resources, administrative connections and the energy to let your voice be heard.
SGA serves as an entity designed to protect and safeguard the rights of approximately 16,000 constituents, including you.
Currently, your student government is investigating a City Council bill which redefines public events and amplifies consequences for those which are not pre-registered with the city.
We are aware of the implications of this bill for student social gatherings and concerned about the city's attempts to mandate eviction procedures.
We want to know to what extent the city has become a meddlesome third party in the landlord-tenant agreement between private individuals.
SGA serves as an umbrella organization for more than 270 registered student groups on campus. Student leaders have voiced their concern about the inability of student groups to prepare or bring in their own food to on-campus events and meetings.
The mandated use of Dining Services' catering was not only costly for all student organizations, but the policy particularly affected cultural groups who wanted to provide their own ethnic foods.
Recognizing this was an issue, SGA and Michael Gilbert have successfully negotiated with administration for new food policies.
Along with providing forums where student opinions can be expressed and their voices can be heard, SGA is currently sponsoring a campus-wide Holiday Food Drive, in which student groups have an opportunity to win either a digital camera or pizza party if they collect the most canned or nonperishable food.
Also, we are currently researching and communicating with administrators about recently passed Student Senate proposals. These include the proposed installation of Internet/e-mail access express stations in Perkins Student Center and Trabant university center, revision of select aspects of the alcohol policy, and the extension of Moriss Library operating hours.
We are the voice of the student body. The SGA wants students to know they can come to us, as we are the tool to get their voices and opinions out to the administration. SGA would also like to remind the administration that are a valuable resource in obtaining student feedback if they need it.
We hope, that in the upcoming broad-based review of the Residence Life educational program, the university takes full advantage of SGA and allows us to be apart of the review process.
Also, SGA is always seeking student opinion. Please feel welcome to stop by our office, 223 Trabant University Center. Another means to communicate your concerns would be during the SGA's upcoming Student Life-themed roundtable event.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to directly present issues and questions to a panel of administrators from departments such as Health Services, Dining Services and Residence Life. This event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in 127 Memorial Hall.
The student-oriented approach of the new administration coupled with our organization's enthusiastic commitment has opened seemingly endless doors of possibility.
So, come knock on SGA's door - we will answer.
Casey Patriarco is the president of SGA. Her viewpoints do not necessarily represent those of the Review staff. Please send comments to cpat@udel.edu.
Members of the SGA executive board are extremely excited for new university president Patrick Harker and vice president for Student Life, Michael Gilbert.
Their student-oriented approach, accessibility and eagerness to hear student opinions and concerns have been extremely encouraging.
So, do you just want to be a passive observer, or do you want to affect change on your campus?
SGA has the resources, administrative connections and the energy to let your voice be heard.
SGA serves as an entity designed to protect and safeguard the rights of approximately 16,000 constituents, including you.
Currently, your student government is investigating a City Council bill which redefines public events and amplifies consequences for those which are not pre-registered with the city.
We are aware of the implications of this bill for student social gatherings and concerned about the city's attempts to mandate eviction procedures.
We want to know to what extent the city has become a meddlesome third party in the landlord-tenant agreement between private individuals.
SGA serves as an umbrella organization for more than 270 registered student groups on campus. Student leaders have voiced their concern about the inability of student groups to prepare or bring in their own food to on-campus events and meetings.
The mandated use of Dining Services' catering was not only costly for all student organizations, but the policy particularly affected cultural groups who wanted to provide their own ethnic foods.
Recognizing this was an issue, SGA and Michael Gilbert have successfully negotiated with administration for new food policies.
Along with providing forums where student opinions can be expressed and their voices can be heard, SGA is currently sponsoring a campus-wide Holiday Food Drive, in which student groups have an opportunity to win either a digital camera or pizza party if they collect the most canned or nonperishable food.
Also, we are currently researching and communicating with administrators about recently passed Student Senate proposals. These include the proposed installation of Internet/e-mail access express stations in Perkins Student Center and Trabant university center, revision of select aspects of the alcohol policy, and the extension of Moriss Library operating hours.
We are the voice of the student body. The SGA wants students to know they can come to us, as we are the tool to get their voices and opinions out to the administration. SGA would also like to remind the administration that are a valuable resource in obtaining student feedback if they need it.
We hope, that in the upcoming broad-based review of the Residence Life educational program, the university takes full advantage of SGA and allows us to be apart of the review process.
Also, SGA is always seeking student opinion. Please feel welcome to stop by our office, 223 Trabant University Center. Another means to communicate your concerns would be during the SGA's upcoming Student Life-themed roundtable event.
This event provides an excellent opportunity for students to directly present issues and questions to a panel of administrators from departments such as Health Services, Dining Services and Residence Life. This event will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m. in 127 Memorial Hall.
The student-oriented approach of the new administration coupled with our organization's enthusiastic commitment has opened seemingly endless doors of possibility.
So, come knock on SGA's door - we will answer.
Casey Patriarco is the president of SGA. Her viewpoints do not necessarily represent those of the Review staff. Please send comments to cpat@udel.edu.
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