SGA President's Blog

WVU Tuition Freeze

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 13:17:00 EST

During the State of the State Governor Joe Manchin urged that all West Virginia public colleges and universities freeze tuition for the upcoming academic year. President Obama also alluded to this in his State of the Union: “And by the way, it’s time for colleges and universities to get serious about cutting their own costs -– (applause)—because they, too, have a responsibility to help solve this problem”

As your student representative on the University’s Board of Governors, I am sincerely leaning towards the freeze, I would like your feedback and thoughts on the tuition issue.

Veterans Day

Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:14:00 EST

With today being Veterans Day, let us all take a moment of our day to pay tribute to the men and women that have put their lives on the line to protect us and serve our country. In Student Government, this day is a day of remembrance and humility while reflecting on the many friends and family members that have served in the military and have came back to WVU to continue their education. One man in particular that has touched many of our lives. George Minwer served overseas, and returned home with a desire to continue to make a difference by getting involved in SGA. George passed away a few years ago but we all will never forget what a great person he was and how much he meant to student government, West Virginia University and our country. If you know any veterans here at school or overseas, make it a point to tell them thank you today.

SGA Discuses Smoking Policy, We Want To Hear From You

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 14:07:00 EST

The Student Government Association Board Governors passed a smoking resolution last week supporting the idea of a Smoke free Health Science Center. SGA passed the resolution but before a policy is drafted and SGA makes the decision to endorse or not to endorse the policy, many SGA members, including me, want to hear your thoughts. Last year, SGA’s Board of Governors passed a resolution supporting a campus wide smoking ban. WVU’s smoking plan has not been updated since the early 1990s and we believe now is the time to review and discuss this issue.

We would like to hear any feedback from students regarding their opinions on a campus smoking bans, whether it is campus wide or just on one particular part of campus.

As always, we want to hear your thoughts. Let us know what’s on your mind.

SGA Across Campus kickoff Wellness and Club Sports

Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:01:00 EST

We our kicking off our new SGA Across Campus initiative this Wednesday September 16 at the Rec Center at 6. Student Government developed “Across Campus” from the previous administrations “Speak Up” program to encourage students to get involved and voice your concerns. The new components to Across Campus is that Student Government is coming to you, we will be holding a meeting once a month in a different location to hear your thoughts, views, and ideas as well as showcasing different locations on campus. This weeks theme is Wellness and Club Sports, Get involved and come on out!

SGA Across Campus Schedule
September 16 @ The Rec Center
October 14 @ the Creative Arts Center
November @ Towers
December @ New Intermodal Facility

Welcome Back

Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:15:00 EST

Welcome back to another great year at WVU! I hope your summer has been a good one. It is going to be a very exciting year ahead, for seniors this is our final lap and for freshman that have just opened your eyes to WVU, there is a lot to look forward to this year with a great line up for fallfest, and first football game, but there will be something exceptional when you get back to campus. We have a new university President Dr. Jim Clements who is committed to the students of West Virginia University. Student government has a lot to look ahead to this year as well and our entire administration wants you to join in with us for our new initiative SGA Across Campus and we want to hear your thoughts. Also check out the new “We Cars Program” where you can rent an environmentally friendly car by the hour to get where ever you may need to go.

Football season is just around the corner and after the great success of last year’s Gold Rush against the Auburn Tigers, SGA has partnered with the Center for Civic Engagement again to put on another Gold Rush. Make sure to pick up the limited edition gold rush shirts for the Colorado game. All proceeds go directly to the United Way, which is a fun way to give back to our community.

This is going to be a great year and remember Student Government is here for you!

Taxi Service in Morgantown

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 23:22:00 EST

Taxi service and the ability to get a taxi in a timely manner is an important issue to many students. Please share your thoughts on how taxi service can be improved in Morgantown… I look forward to hearing what you have to say.

Students Are Struggling...

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 18:48:00 EST

There is no question our nation is going through a difficult time – and the economic troubles can be felt here on our campus.

I’ve talked to so many students who are having a difficult time making ends meet, working more than ever in a part time job – or maybe two or three part time jobs – and still trying to make it through school. It seems the cost of everything is going up – including the cost to go to college.

At last Friday’s University Board of Governors meeting, the Director of the Financial Aid office told us the two big problems are increases in tuition and decreases in financial aid available. It hurt to hear about my fellow students who work hard and who have done everything they can to make it but must go home because they and their families can’t afford to pay the bills.

The folks in the Financial Aid office are always available to help, but there is only so much they can do.

Last year, students made the commitment to invest in good professors and keeping professors here by supporting a pay increase and we said we understand our University has to grow. We were willing to make that investment.

I can promise you that I will be doing the job you elected me to do. Student Government will be active at the WV Legislature this year – asking for more money for WVU – so the burden isn’t so heavily on the backs of students and our families. We’re going to do everything we can. West Virginia is in a better economic condition than most other states – in part because of our energy resources. We need to showcase to the Legislature how valuable it is for them to increase their investment in the students, research, and good work of WVU.

But, after the 8.5 percent commitment in tuition increases we made last year, we need a commitment to increase financial assistance available for students.

I’m calling on the University leadership to make a pledge to not propose a tuition increase next academic year. I know a lot depends on state funding, but we should work in state government to increase funding for WVU – and we must understand that we all make sacrifices in difficult times.

We must always put students and their families first. When the price of everything is going up, many students just can’t pay the bills. More students are leaving halfway through the year because they can’t pay the tuition for the next semester.

We must do something to help students and families in a difficult time. I’m asking the University to join with us to help our families. It’s the right thing to do.

SGA Launches Elections Program

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 16:49:00 EST

We’ve all been hearing the conversation around the exciting McCain-Obama race. Both tickets are poised to make history – and I feel very strongly that we students should be a part of the conversation. That’s why SGA has launched a new program called Engage 08.

Engage 08 is designed to heighten the conversation surrounding the issues, the Parties, and the candidates on campus. Exciting events, voter registration drives, buses to polling places, a nationally known keynote speaker, watch parties, and a Political Movie Series are all part of this great program.

It wouldn’t have been possible without the hard work of many in SGA and without a partnership with the College Republicans, Young Democrats, the Student Sierra Coalition, and the Students for Obama.

Be sure to check out the Engage 08 website at engage08.wvu.edu

Club Sports Teams Invaluable

Wed, 17 Sep 2008 09:31:00 EST

The students who make up our University’s club sports teams are among the best students on campus.

They care about WVU, they are full of pride, and they love what they do to represent our University.
Participating in club sports is a big benefit – you become a better leader, a better team player, and a great representation of your school—- all while doing something you love to do.

One of the most important things we can do to combat the “party school” image is to have a committment to club sports and other engaging activities.

I’ve been very impressed with the men and women who make up our Club Sports teams. They wear the flying WV and the same uniform as our other athletes and they deserve our support. Playing spaces are lacking and funding is low. The University should commit to bringing club sports funding on par with our peer institutions.

And to all of the teams representing our University everyday – we support you and wish you good luck in your respective seasons this year.

We Remember... 7 Years Since 9/11

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 09:29:00 EST

Seven years ago this Thursday, the world changed forever. We will never forget where we were when we heard the awful news. We remember the mourning of those who lost loved ones, the sadness and anger we felt as a nation, and we honor the memory of those lost. We honor those like Chris Gray and Jim Samuel, Jr., two WVU graduates who were at work at Cantor Fitzgerald in the Twin Towers on September 11, 2001 and never returned home again. We honor the loved ones of Mountaineers and people all across the country and the world.

Please feel free to leave any memories or notes of remembrance.