SGA needs help to decrease deficit
by Jennifer Dawn Reese
SGA President
Welcome Back!
The turnover to Senate Session VIII occurred at the first SGA meeting of C-term '98 when four new executives and 27 new senators stepped up to the elected responsibility of representing the campus. Before officially inaugurated, this group formalized a standard of responsibilities, a vision, and many goals for the year. SGA's first major accomplishment was the establishment of clear objectives, expectations, responsibilities and commitments amongst themselves. Many of the initial goal setting discussions happened at a joint retreat with SocComm. As a result from the retreat, the two organizations reinforced a friendly, working relationship that is extremely visible. Mutual goals were also established. Teamwork between the two organizations has definitely benefited the campus.
SGA and SocComm established a vision for campus unity, one that intends to break the communication barriers that exist between organizations, students, faculty, and administration. Campus unity idealizes campus involvement, support, spirit, pride and harmony. This vision proposes to re-create the enthusiastic, spirited college campus. The goals that were created to accomplish this vision were focused around student body concerns. One of our biggest goals is facilitating more campus-wide events. SocComm is working on adding programming while SGA is promoting broader participation. Students wanted to be informed, so SocComm and SGA put up a Campus Calendar in Daniels Hall. Students claimed there was no support or spirit at athletic events, so an SGA senator is working on organizing activities that will encourage and enhance the student spirit at athletic events. Lack of participation at organizational activities, concerts, productions, etc., continues to be a concern that both organizations are brainstorming ways to overcome.
We are creating the team for campus unity. Several campus organizations have joined this team and this commitment. The team provides support between the organizations on campus. More players are needed however; we need you on that team. We want to hear what your concerns are and what you want us to work on.
SGA and SocComm have a responsibility to the students. SGA especially has the responsibility to represent and act on behalf of the student body. Share this responsibility by letting SGA know what your concerns are.
As for last term, several of our goals we set to accomplish were completed in addition to several student body concerns. The Housing Selection Process was the result of student concern that led to SGA investigation and action and resulted in a comfortable compromise between Residential Services and the student body. The willingness to accommodate the student body by institution organizations was made clear through this accomplishment. Faculty, staff, administration, and trustees all want to be involved in student life on campus and would respond to any invitations.
Within SGA, The Committee on Academic Issues (CAI) insured the course reserves and test files were once again updated and organized to be accessible to students. CAI also investigated the concerns students had toward professors scheduling a test or class on an Institution "No Classes" day. If a student finds himself in this situation, he can receive permission not holding him responsible to attend a class scheduled on a day the Institution has declared as "No Classes," i.e. Project Presentation Day. Permission may be granted from the Provost John Carney III.
The Committee on Student Life Issues (CSLI) is another SGA committee that has accomplished many of its goals and several more are in the process of completion. An email terminal was placed in the mailroom as result of the committee's hard work. The Safe Ride program has been established from the dedication of both SGA and Graduate Student Organization (GSO). Safe Ride is a partnership with the Yellow Cab Company such that WPI students can ride within city limits for a fee of $2. Student must show their WPI ID to take advantage of this service. The continual meetings for the DAKA advisory board have insured that a senator is actively voicing student concerns.
Lastly, the discovered $19,093 deficit has reached a plan of action. The SGA Appropriations Committee is in the process of discussing the situation with all clubs and organizations. All are asked and strongly encouraged to look over their remaining funds for the year and if the funds are not seen as a need, then they are to transfer them back to SGA so the deficit will diminish. Within two weeks the deficit issue will be re-assessed and appropriate measures will be taken from there. A plan has been established to insure a positive balance will exist on June 30, 1998 when fiscal year 98 closes. For a detailed explanation of how the deficit occurred and the exact plan of action please consult the SGA webpage . The appropriations committee has finished preparing the budget for fiscal year 99. A detailed presentation of all organizational budgets will be delivered at tonight's SGA meeting by the SGA Treasurer, Chad Tino.
