Initiatives for the 2011-2012 Academic Year

Eliminating University Counseling fees

In a stressful academic setting, counseling should not be seen as a privilege, but as a provided resource for students. With over 20,000 students, there are obviously a variety of mental health issues. Having a deterrent to seeking help is not what we think we are about here at GW. The Student Association is working with administrators to eliminate the $50 fee for counseling.

Clearing up University policy on tailgating

We wan to to ensure that school spirit can continue without restraint. Tailgating in Anniversary Park was a major part of increasing turnout at GW Basketball games this past year. We want to make sure this same atmosphere is allowed to continue into the next year.

Improving campus recruiting

Why do we go to college? Well, one of your first priorities with your degree should be to get a job. The Student Association this year wants to focus on improving on campus recruiting by employers. There should be no confusion or problems when campus recruiters come to GW. Their presence should be better publicized and should extend to all schools.

Reducing University Printing Fees

Nine cents to print a sheet of paper adds up quickly on a college budget. Executive Vice President Ted Costigan is working with the library to renegotiate their printing contract to lower printing costs to a fair price for students.

Outreach

We will focus this year''s messaging on outreach and determining the day to day issues that students face. We plan to meet incoming freshmen at CI and continue outreach throughout the school year. In the fall we plan to publish hours where John and I will be doing office hours as well as outreach hours across campus.

Allocations

Obviously one of the Student Association''s most important tasks each year is to allocate the student fee money. This year we will see over 1 million dollars in our pool of money allowing us to increase funding to most student organizations. This increased funding also allows us to fund larger programming initiatives that benefit the greater student body.

Office

We have also been subscribing to the mentality that success begins at home, and in our case, the home is the SA office (424 in the Marvin Center). Last year, the SA purchased new computers to provide orgs with increased printing capacity. Our new printer averages over 30,000 copies every month. The office is here for you. Please come by and let us know about your concerns. Our office assistants can also help you with basic questions as well as assist you in obtaining past exams in our test bank.

Gelman

The proposed improvements to Gelman library are extraordinary. An entrance extending to Kogan Plaza is a major improvement to the current situation. We support the efforts of the administration to improve the center of learning on campus, and look forward to providing feedback and comments about the building process and how this addition can best impact the student body.

4-Ride

The new automated 4-Ride system is set to come out in the fall. As is the case with most new systems, we look forward to hearing from you about any issues that you have. We are excited to see that past student advocating has changed a once inefficient system.