What does Student Government Association do for you?
Becky Smiltneek
Issue date: 10/5/09 Section: News
Almost every student at UW-Waukesha has seen those big wooden ballot boxes, patriotic tables, and friendly smiles of students running for positions in Student Government Association (SGA). What many do not see is the hard work SGA puts into addressing important student concerns on campus. Adam Vanderwerff, current President of SGA, says "We love to hear from students." That overall sentiment was certainly the welcoming vibe he gives off.
How does SGA help students?
In spring 2009, SGA was involved in the school's decision to close the Computer Center an hour earlier, effectively lobbying to keep the library open an hour later, until 10 p.m.
Since both areas have multiple computers for students' use, SGA felt that keeping the library open longer would make it more convenient for students with night classes or other scheduling difficulties to use the library's other resources. This is just one example of how
SGA has looked out for students' interests.
This semester, SGA wants to tackle the problem of out-dated technology on campus. Vanderwerff feels that the discrepancies in current technology between UW-Waukesha and 4-year campuses like UW-Whitewater and UW-Milwaukee are unacceptable and could even be putting UW-Waukesha's students at a disadvantage when transferring to these larger schools.
"UW-Waukesha's lab equipment is 30 years older than UW-Milwaukee's,"
Vanderwerff said. UW-Whitewater is using SMArT boards but UW-Waukesha has only one on campus, a test pilot, according to UW-Waukesha Computer Center
Director David Weber.
SMArT boards are roughly a mix of projectors and regular white boards. They are touch screen boards that work with a computer to enhance classroom instruction and were developed over 15 years ago, according to the company's website.
Vanderwerff said that the Music Department especially would like the SMArT boards. of the scope of solving this problem, Vanderwerff feels, "It will probably be a year-long project partly because there are many laws governing where the money for these things comes from and where it can go." Weber confirmed that the problem does lies in funds.
In addition to this initiative, SGA has many committees advocating for students.
At least five students participate in SUFAC Budget meetings to help decide how the school's money is allocated.
SGA reviews parking tickets and advocates for students facing academic suspension, an action taken by the school if a student drops below a 2.0 GPA. Their
SlIC Committee deals with all concerns relating to the Hub. SGA even has a voice in appointments, as they are involved in hiring the new TrIo reading Specialist.
The other current officers of SGA are: Vice President, Tegan Anderson; Executive
Director, Andrew Prudhorn; and Treasurer, Matthew Madden.
Students are encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of SGA either by emailing them at wakstugv@uwc.edu or by just dropping by their office; the room with the big glass windows located just off the Hub.
How does SGA help students?
In spring 2009, SGA was involved in the school's decision to close the Computer Center an hour earlier, effectively lobbying to keep the library open an hour later, until 10 p.m.
Since both areas have multiple computers for students' use, SGA felt that keeping the library open longer would make it more convenient for students with night classes or other scheduling difficulties to use the library's other resources. This is just one example of how
SGA has looked out for students' interests.
This semester, SGA wants to tackle the problem of out-dated technology on campus. Vanderwerff feels that the discrepancies in current technology between UW-Waukesha and 4-year campuses like UW-Whitewater and UW-Milwaukee are unacceptable and could even be putting UW-Waukesha's students at a disadvantage when transferring to these larger schools.
"UW-Waukesha's lab equipment is 30 years older than UW-Milwaukee's,"
Vanderwerff said. UW-Whitewater is using SMArT boards but UW-Waukesha has only one on campus, a test pilot, according to UW-Waukesha Computer Center
Director David Weber.
SMArT boards are roughly a mix of projectors and regular white boards. They are touch screen boards that work with a computer to enhance classroom instruction and were developed over 15 years ago, according to the company's website.
Vanderwerff said that the Music Department especially would like the SMArT boards. of the scope of solving this problem, Vanderwerff feels, "It will probably be a year-long project partly because there are many laws governing where the money for these things comes from and where it can go." Weber confirmed that the problem does lies in funds.
In addition to this initiative, SGA has many committees advocating for students.
At least five students participate in SUFAC Budget meetings to help decide how the school's money is allocated.
SGA reviews parking tickets and advocates for students facing academic suspension, an action taken by the school if a student drops below a 2.0 GPA. Their
SlIC Committee deals with all concerns relating to the Hub. SGA even has a voice in appointments, as they are involved in hiring the new TrIo reading Specialist.
The other current officers of SGA are: Vice President, Tegan Anderson; Executive
Director, Andrew Prudhorn; and Treasurer, Matthew Madden.
Students are encouraged to bring their concerns to the attention of SGA either by emailing them at wakstugv@uwc.edu or by just dropping by their office; the room with the big glass windows located just off the Hub.
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