Students share insight for next year’s USG

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Students had a chance to submit suggestions and questions to Undergraduate Student Government representatives during USG’s first Tommie Talk.

Senior and chair of USG’s Student Organization Committee Heather Clayton said the event was held as a way to gather student opinions in order for USG to better serve the student body next year.

Junior class senators Ryan Smith and Evan Eklund distribute mittens to Tommie Talk attendees. Smith said he hoped to educate people about Undergraduate Student Government at the event. (Grace Pastoor/TommieMedia)
Junior class senators Ryan Smith and Evan Eklund distribute mittens to Tommie Talk attendees. Smith said he hoped to educate people about Undergraduate Student Government at the event. (Grace Pastoor/TommieMedia)

One of the main things USG does each year is set three initiatives they want to focus on. Clayton said having events like Tommie Talk to gain student perspectives is key in deciding what those initiatives should be each year.

“Right now we’re getting thoughts and concerns so that when we set the initiatives in August, they’ll be really reflective of what students care about,” Clayton said.

Senior Maureen Harrington said she wanted USG to make it easier for clubs to organize events.

“I’m part of a club, and we often have trouble just knowing all the procedures of when we have to set up an event, like how to reserve the room and the food and all that stuff,” Harrington said. “I just thought it would be helpful if, like, on the website there was one place where you could see step-by-step like, this is who you need to contact to reserve a room, this is who you contact to approve a speaker or something like that.”

Junior class senator Ryan Smith said he hoped to promote USG and eventually communicate the wishes of students to St. Thomas leadership at the event.

“I’m hoping to talk to people about if they’re interested in student government for next year,” Smith said. “Just try to be the face of the student body and voice their opinions to our upper leadership at St. Thomas.”

USG’s initiatives for the 2013-14 academic year were life balance, Tommie takeover and Tommie citizens. Clayton said students are concerned about parking, dietary and health issues.

Freshman Zachary Beckman said he attended the Tommie Talk to find out more about USG and will consider submitting his input to the council in the future.

“Probably what I’m gonna end up doing is asking more questions, and maybe afterward I will submit something,” Beckman said. “For the moment its all about the learning experience.”

Grace Pastoor can be reached at past6138@stthomas.edu.