I appreciate those of you who read this column and spread the word about what SGA is doing to improve VCU for you!
On March 23, I appeared on Channel 8 News to answer questions about the funding of the Sex Workers Art Show, which took place in the Commons Theater Feb. 11. When asked whether I thought the funding of the event was appropriate, I responded that VCU is a very diverse school with a diverse range of student groups, and our funding process for student organizations allows for input and feedback from the student body. For more information regarding this news appearance, please e-mail Peter Moody, my director of communications, at communications@vcusga.com
Last Monday, the senate passed the “Trash in the Commons” bill, which is a plan for a social marketing campaign to curb the incessant litter trend in the Commons. The senate also introduced a bill to have VCU’s student radio WVCW played in Shafer Dining. This bill has been referred to the publicity committee, which means that it will be heard before a small, specialized group of senators before a vote on the senate floor.
On Thursday, the SGA academic affairs committee held a student body speak-out after presenting the just-passed academic bill of rights. Around 30 students attended the meeting and spoke on a variety of topics including advising, textbook affordability and the enforcement of the bill of rights. For more information regarding the status and future of the academic bill of rights, please e-mail the academic affairs chair Armond Conte at conteas@vcu.edu.
The SGA’s student life committee has been working to bring free music downloading for students through a vendor called Ruckus. We’re currently in the process of reviewing vendors for music downloading. To start downloading music and movie files, go to http://www.ruckus.com/ and register an account. Anyone with a valid VCU e-mail address can sign up. For more information, contact student life chair Doug Allen at allendk@vcu.edu
Speaking of student life, we believe that the turnout for the SGA presidential election was a mandate for school spirit. In the “spirit of school spirit,” director of communications Peter Moody recently interviewed the homecoming king and queen, Chase Bland and Monica Motley, for a “This Week in SGA” online radio podcast on how we can enhance school spirit on campus. One of the topics discussed was the School Spirit Bill that pushes for reserving more student seats at Homecoming and CAA Tournament game. To listen to the interview, please go to www.vcusga.com and click podcasts at the top of the screen.
Last Friday I met with director of recreational sports Tom Diehl. Mr. Diehl gave updates on construction plans for the renovation of the Cary Street Gym. The new facility will include many new features such as a climbing wall, a pool, indoor running track, a whirlpool and several aerobics rooms. Currently the Siegel Center has 6,300 sq. ft. of fitness space (fitness and cardio equipment). The new facility will have 18,000 sq. ft. The next meeting of the gym committee is April 17. E-mail students@vcusga.com for more info.
That’s all for this week. Please send me your concerns and ideas for how we can improve VCU for you by e-mailing SGAPresident@vcu.edu.