This week at USG, multiple visitors attended the general body meeting. During his report, Dr. Southerland recommended that all representatives invite their constituents to attend the upcoming University Senate meeting in which the Senate will vote on Fall Break. This meeting will occur next Wednesday, April 20 in DOW 642 at 5:30 p.m. 

Treasurer Emily Ruf gave a presentation to the body on where the funding available to USG comes from as well as what exactly USG is able to fund. The opportunity fund is allocated to USG from the student activity fee, $60 from each undergraduate student and $50 from each graduate student. This fund can be used for any student organizations’ surprise expenses. Organizations can only receive financial assistance from this fund once per fiscal year. Any money left over in the opportunity fund at the end of the year is transferred to the reserve fund. The reserve fund can be used by student groups to replace equipment or for capital expenditure. 

Multiple funding requests were voted on during the course of this meeting. Emma Berends and Conor McKiernan from the Ridge Roamers club attended the meeting in order to answer any questions body members had during the voting process. Ridge Roamers was allocated $18,000 of their requested $21,948 from the USG Reserve Fund in order to finance the acquisition of a kilter board. The Sailing Club was also allocated $2,900 from the USG Reserve Fund in order to finance the acquisition of three new masts. These masts will be replacing three which had been accidentally destroyed over the winter. The Keweenaw Youth for Climate Action group was awarded $651 from the USG Opportunity Fund to help sponsor commissions and cover other associated expenses for their upcoming Earth Week Arts and Music Festival. 

Sarah Woodruff from the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being gave a presentation on the different services the center provides, such as counseling, referrals, and Husky Hour. 

Zachary Olson was elected President Emeritus, a position which will allow him to continue his work with USG in an advisory capacity. Ethan Gerds was elected Fourth Year Representative. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Cheyenne Scott at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week at USG, Blue Key President Rachel May addressed the body regarding the situation the MTU branch of Blue Key Honor Society is currently facing. Historically, Blue Key operates with an organizational body of around 50 members. Since the pandemic, participation has decreased, negatively impacting many of the operations Blue Key is responsible for, such as Winter Carnival. Students starting the upcoming fall semester at second year status with a 3.0 GPA or higher are encouraged to apply for membership. 

Resolution 2021-2022 #003 regarding increasing the minimum wage for full-time employees to $15 an hour was debated. The primary discussion came from the desire to support wage increases for part-time student employees simultaneously, as opposed to solely full-time professional staff. 

The body discussed ways to support students affected by the recent Shelden Avenue fire. Students can expect further information in following weeks.

Students are encouraged to continue voting on USG’s constitution. 113 signatures are still required in order to pass the amendments made. To vote, please visit the USG Involvement Link. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olson at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week at USG, Undergraduate Dean and Vice President of Student Affairs Dr. Southerland addressed the body regarding his recent message offering support and acknowledgement to Ukrainian and Russian students here at Michigan Tech. Support services are available not only for students directly impacted but also for those experiencing stress triggered by the conflict. 

USG President Zach Olson updated the body on the continuing work regarding Fall Break. Legislation was agreed on and will be introduced to implement Fall Break for the upcoming and subsequent fall semesters. President Olson remarked that “they are on a time crunch… but the outlook is positive.” President Olson will also be representing USG in the annual Society of Intellectual Sisters (SIS) Bra show at 7 p.m. on April 2 in the MUB Ballroom. The theme this year is Mardi Gras.

In response to USG’s most recent budgetary activity, Financial Advisor to USG Mark Holmgren spoke to USG members about three important questions one should ask themselves when considering potential budgetary changes. These questions are as follows: 

1. What is the impact of this change?
2. Can we afford this?
3. Are there alternatives?

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olson at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week at USG, a representative from the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being attended the general body meeting to act as a liaison between the two groups. Meredith Raasio answered questions regarding the scope of the center as well as how USG can help increase student engagement. 

President Zachary Olson and the Student Affairs representative, Ian Boulis, discussed the recent town hall meeting in which students were able to meet in order to discuss concerns related to dining services. USG wanted to extend their thanks to everyone involved in the town hall, ensuring constituents that they will “do what they can with the information they gathered.” 

17 of the 21 members of USG will be attending a QPR training session hosted by the Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing. This acronym stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer” and will help USG representatives learn how to help and guide students facing a mental health crisis towards the proper resources. 

College of Engineering representative Kaydence Drys brought up concerns which had been raised by her constituents regarding a few of the engineering fundamentals courses required for First Years. Students have expressed upset over the tediousness of these courses as well as the apparent lack of pertinence to their field.

Budget Hearings will begin today and last until this upcoming Sunday, Feb. 27. RSOs are encouraged to make sure that they have all their necessary information in.

Lindsey Prodin was sworn in as an At Large Representative, joining fellow representative Jordan Wheeler. 

USG would like to inform students that their Off-Campus Housing site has been updated to include more relevant information regarding renter’s rights and what to look for and be aware of when touring potential living spaces. This information can be found under the Tenants section of the site. 

Students are encouraged to continue voting on USG’s constitution. USG members will be available at a booth in the library on Thursday, Feb. 24, Monday, Feb. 28, and Tuesday, March 1 to discuss their constitution and answer any related questions. There will be free candy for voters. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olson at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week at USG, a representative from the Center for Student Mental Health and Well-Being attended the general body meeting to act as a liaison between the two groups. Meredith Raasio answered questions regarding the scope of the center as well as how USG can help increase student engagement. 

President Zachary Olson and the Student Affairs representative, Ian Boulis, discussed the recent town hall meeting in which students were able to meet in order to discuss concerns related to dining services. USG wanted to extend their thanks to everyone involved in the town hall, ensuring constituents that they will “do what they can with the information they gathered.” 

17 of the 21 members of USG will be attending a QPR training session hosted by the Center for Student Mental Health and Wellbeing. This acronym stands for “Question, Persuade, Refer” and will help USG representatives learn how to help and guide students facing a mental health crisis towards the proper resources. 

College of Engineering representative Kaydence Drys brought up concerns which had been raised by her constituents regarding a few of the engineering fundamentals courses required for First Years. Students have expressed upset over the tediousness of these courses as well as the apparent lack of pertinence to their field.

Budget Hearings will begin today and last until this upcoming Sunday, Feb. 27. RSOs are encouraged to make sure that they have all their necessary information in.

Lindsey Prodin was sworn in as an At Large Representative, joining fellow representative Jordan Wheeler. 

USG would like to inform students that their Off-Campus Housing site has been updated to include more relevant information regarding renter’s rights and what to look for and be aware of when touring potential living spaces. This information can be found under the Tenants section of the site. 

Students are encouraged to continue voting on USG’s constitution. USG members will be available at a booth in the library on Thursday, Feb. 24, Monday, Feb. 28, and Tuesday, March 1 to discuss their constitution and answer any related questions. There will be free candy for voters. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olson at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week at USG, Secretary Cheyenne Scott reminded members that USG elections for both E-Board and At Large representatives will occur next week. These elections will open at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 21, and close at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 28. Students can expect to receive an email regarding this election and are encouraged to vote for their choice of representative. 

Members of USG will be available at a booth in the library from Wednesday, Feb. 23 to Tuesday, March 1 to discuss their constitution with interested students and attempt to secure the remaining necessary votes to approve the document.

Student Affairs Representative Ian Boulis announced an upcoming town hall meeting to discuss the concerns regarding dining services. This town hall will be held on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. 

The body voted to allocate $1000 of the requested $5000 for the Snowboard Racing Opportunity Fund Request. Historically this team has operated under a higher budget, but as they failed to show up for last year’s budgetary meeting, this was revoked. 

Vice President and Flex Representative Ethan Gerds discussed the recent email students received regarding the upcoming move to Health and Safety Level One. According to the email from MTU President Rick Koubek, at this level “face coverings will continue to be encouraged, but not required, on campus.” This decision comes as a surprise to many, Flex team members included. T

President Zach Olson discussed the reaffirmation of Resolution No. 2020-2021 #006, in support of Fall Break and Institutional Wellness. USG voted in favor of this resolution, encouraging the university to adjust the academic schedule in order to promote greater long-term academic success. This resolution would introduce a two day holiday during the seventh week of the fall semester, to be compensated for by beginning the semester two days earlier. President Olson offered an analogy, saying, “I am a Chemical Engineer by training, and I see this opportunity as a pressure relief valve… which benefits the entire campus community.”

This week, USG discussed their vision for the future of their organization. This conversation allowed them to narrow down the areas in which they want to improve in order to provide better service to the undergraduate student body. Their vision statement is as follows: 

“We, as the Undergraduate Student Government, will use our relationship with undergraduates to determine their wants and needs and advocate on their behalf for changes that enhance the student experience. We strive to be an active component of student life by engaging in proactive outreach and seek to rectify their concerns.”

The proposal regarding increasing the Experience Tech Fee by 3% was approved. This will mean a $3 increase for undergraduate students. This funding will be used to enhance the student experience here at MTU. 

The discussion regarding the dining hall issues experienced by students on campus is ongoing. Max Schramm (First Year Representative) has worked with IRHC to send an email to the head of dining services in order to arrange a town hall-style meeting. Flex Representative and USG Vice President Ethan Gerds remarked on the idea of a “takeout” dining hall option, explaining that it will not be a widely offered option. Students looking to obtain the takeout option should email Student Disability Services. 

Five student organizations were approved to retain their SBG status until 2024. These groups are Film Board, WMTU, SLS, MUB Board, and The Lode. This status allows the organizations to act with more autonomy regarding their business functions.

This week, several visitors sat in at the USG General Body Meeting. These visitors attended this meeting in order to discuss the problems which many students are experiencing regarding the continued closure of the DHH dining hall. The DHH dining hall has been closed since the beginning of the Spring 2022 semester due to staffing issues. Students were promised expanded options at the two remaining dining halls in order to make up for this loss. Eva Thomason, first year DHH resident, recently sent out a forum to other residing students concerning this issue. She received 160 responses from a wide variety of residing students, some of whom raised the issue of being unable to travel to other residential halls, causing them to skip meals. Ms. Thomason summarized these responses into four suggestions which she then brought to both Daryl Matthews, the Director of Dining Services, and Dr. Southerland, the Vice President of Student Affairs and Dean of Students. These suggestions were to offer a bagged lunch option, a three hour-long continental breakfast option, an alternative continental breakfast option (such as fresh fruit or bakery), or to reimburse students, potentially accessible by HuskyCard, for the meals which they are currently missing. Dr. Southerland “want[ed] to publicly acknowledge the professionalism Ms. Thomason displayed advocating for her fellow students.”

Recently on Discord, there was some discussion about a possible breakdown in communication between USG and the Senate regarding the upcoming changes to how student survey responses for faculty evaluations are managed. This issue was brought to the attention of the body, and President Zachary Olson explained that while USG had sent memos regarding their stance and related decisions to the Senate President and Secretary, these memos were not dispersed to the Senate at large.

USG will be introducing their updated Fall Break resolution at next week’s meeting. This resolution now includes more statistics and information which supports the plan to institute a Fall Break at MTU. 

Students are encouraged to keep an eye on their inbox next week for USG election advertising.

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olsen at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week, USG met with Matt Weekely, the Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education. Mr. Weekely answered questions regarding the changes in housing availability for those with 80+ credit hours and potential related housing shortage, as raised by USG members on behalf of their constituents. 

Mr. Weekely explained the reasoning behind this decision, discussing the surprising increase in housing applications. The bald facts of the case seem to be that there is a greater need for on-campus housing than Michigan Tech can currently supply. The current campus master plan includes increases in both housing and parking to accommodate our growing population, but these changes will not be put into effect in time to deal with the current situation. It is estimated that 80-100 students will be displaced. 

The timing of this decision has been called into question by students, as many lease agreements are settled in October or November. Those students with over 80 credit hours, while making up a small percentage of total housed students, are now faced with the incredibly stressful experience of attempting to find housing in a confusing and over-saturated market. 

Mr. Weekely expressed a desire to work with students on an individual basis to resolve their potential housing issues. He informed the body that this decision was made in the most timely manner possible, in relation to the applications received and projections based on available information. Mr. Weekely reminded representatives that “this is the start of a dialogue… if there are ideas, [Residence Education and Housing Services] wants to hear them. We [Residence Education and Housing Services] are here to serve students, we want to accommodate as many students as possible.” It is worthwhile to note that this is not the only solution MTU has implemented: the East McNair rooms, which were originally designed as triple rooms but have previously been inhabited as doubles will be reestablished as triples. There are also other potential solutions in the works which have not been formally established as of yet. If any readers have suggestions or questions, they are free to email housing@mtu.edu or set up a meeting with Residence Education and Housing Services. 

Danielle Meirow from Student Leadership and Involvement informed the body that more referees are needed for Broomball. This position pays $11 an hour. Applications can be found on the broomball website. 

Dr. Southerland discussed an exciting new opportunity with the body: Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson announced the 2022-2023 Michigan collegiate Student Advisory Task Force. This group “will advise on the unique experiences of student voters, helping to ensure the voice of young people are heard in our state’s elections. The task force will also develop and enact solutions to promote voter engagement and identify resources to implement solutions.” Dr. Southerland encourages students to apply to be on this team. For more information, email Jocelyn Benson at Secretary@michigan.gov or visit the Michigan.gov website. 

USG is still looking to fill the following positions: 

(2) Second, Third, and Fourth Year Representatives

(1) College of Engineering Representative

(1) College of Science and Arts Representative

(1) College of Forest and Environmental Science Representative

(1) At Large Representative

(1) Residential Representative

Emily Ruf was elected to the Ways and Means committee. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olsen at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.

This week, President Zachary Olson began this week’s meeting by welcoming back students, saying “We [USG members] are all very excited to get back to work.” This message was seconded by Ethan Gerds, the new Vice President of USG. Joining the new Vice President was a new College of Engineering representative, Brendan Osentowski. USG is still looking to fill the following positions:

(2) Second, Third, and Fourth Year Representatives

(1) College of Engineering Representative

(1) College of Science and Arts Representative

(1) College of Forest and Environmental Science Representative

(1) At Large Representative

(1) Residential Representative 

Dean of Students Dr. Southerland addressed the body regarding the new case manager at Counseling Services, the open job postings for the Study Away/Abroad Program Manager, Director of Career Services, and Director of Student Mental Health and Well-Being. He discussed the successful continuation of Pizza with the President and his enthusiasm regarding his upcoming first Winter Carnival. He also asks for patience on the part of students applying for excused absences in this time of increased demand.

USG members discussed issues brought up by constituents regarding the changes Michigan Tech has made to their housing accommodations. Students with 80+ credits will be put on a waiting list for on campus housing, behind incoming students. USG has invited Matthew Weekly, Director of Housing Auxiliary Operations and Residence Education, to their meeting next Wednesday. 

USG motioned to allocate $1,000 from their Opportunity Fund to Collegiate DECA for their upcoming State competition. 

If you have any questions or concerns for USG please email USG President Zachary Olsen at usg-president@mtu.edu or fill out the form on their website.