The Student Government Association held their last meeting for the summer on Wednesday. In that final meeting, the SGA ruled that the University: Student Handbook outline Section 16 in the Student Life Policy be explained more explicitly, implemented a university-wide readership pilot program and announced a new service similar to Craigslist.com for students.
The current student handbook only mentions a student organization could be charged with a violation of the disciplinary code. The SGA ruled that any new handbooks published must have an in-depth outline of Section 16, defining what a violation is and what the disciplinary procedure entails. It will also state what the Assistant Dean’s sanctions may impose on the organization, the organization’s notification of their violation and the appeal process. The amendment filed by the Dean of Students Office passed despite only having a 12-hour notification.
"The current handbook doesn’t even go near explaining the (Disciplinary Procedure,)" Speaker of the Senate Alexander Obregon said. "We’re doing this so that the student doesn’t feel like they are being deceived by the University or anything."
Because some colleges require students to subscribe to news sources in order to fill a class requirement, the SGA passed a resolution that would implement a USA Today Collegiate Readership Pilot Program. The program entails "delivery of USA Today and the option for two other papers of the student’s choice, Web-based resources, on-campus programs and recycling options for unused newspapers."
USA Today offers the free of charge pilot program that will last four weeks to any student willing to participate. If enough positive feedback is received, the SGA will motion to permanently implement the program.
"This is by no means permanent," College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences Sen. Kelly Evans said. "If this doesn’t work out and not enough people jump on, then it just won’t happen."
The SGA also passed the Coog’s List Initiative, an interactive Web forum similar to Craigslist. In conjunction with Career Services, Undergraduate Research, the new Commuter Resources Office and other offices, the Web site will be a resource for students to find available jobs, carpools, book exchange, research opportunities, alumni connections and housing opportunities. It will be based from the SGA’s Web site, www.uhsga.com, and students can post in forums. Staff and faculty will also be free to use the forums.
"We need (to let) people know that they have such a resource available to them," SGA Vice President Jonas Chin said.
The next SGA meeting is scheduled for Aug. 13.
