As our university fights through tough financial times, student organizations also feel a significant impact upon their pocketbooks. Though GSB will not directly see financial losses (since its funds are received from student activity fees), groups funded through college councils rather than GSB have already begun feeling the impact upon their budgets. Colleges have had to drastically decrease the amount of funding they pass to student organizations, leaving these groups searching for other sources of funding. With fundraising opportunities sparse and corporate sponsorships also limited by tough economic times, some student organizations face extreme difficulties in making their financial ends meet.
The Roling/Dobbels administration recognizes the need for certain restrictions in the GSB funding process. A vast majority of organizations receive funding from GSB since there is no other source from which they can directly receive funds. It is GSB's responsibility to make sure the needs of these groups are met. However, it is important that GSB practices wise and efficient use of its funds in these trying economic times. Many student organizations across campus are only minimally eligible for funding through GSB. The recent creation of the GSB Events Account allows GSB to fund any student group for events entertaining and open to all students. This is a strong first step toward using fees to benefit students in the best way possible.
Nate and I are committed to working with the GSB Finance Director and Finance Committee to streamline the GSB finance rules and processes so students can have as many opportunities available as possible. We will work to adjust rules as needed to provide students with the best possible use of their funds. Nate and I recognize certain restrictions need to remain in place; however, we are committed to working out different aspects of funding that will be key in developing partnerships across campus.
Enhancing the Experience - University Partnerships
Next year's GSB executives must work to maintain two-way communication between students, GSB, and university administration. In the face of budget cuts and trying financial times, it is important that the needs of the student body are communicated to our university leaders so essential services are not removed from our student experience. Nate and I are committed to working with students across campus to determine exactly what areas should be identified as critical areas for student success.
As a member of University Affairs Committee, I have begun work to promote openness between the university and the student body. Many students have felt that the course evaluation work they complete at the end of each semester is not fully utilized by departments. We are not only working to help the university explain to students the policies associated with course evaluation data, but are asking faculty to consider making hard data public for students to examine. Projects such as this that benefit students are central to our campaign.
Nate and I also want to improve the voice of the student body in the affairs of Faculty Senate. Students are currently represented on various committees, but the direct voice of students directly to Faculty Senate could certainly be improved. Nate and I will commit to working with the Senate to open up two-way communication between faculty and student governments for the benefit of both groups.
Finally, it is important that we note the importance of two-way dialogue in conversations with university administration. Many issues students have with university decisions often stem from a lack of information passed directly to the student body. Students are often confused about policies on many different levels (such as the course evaluation policies). Nate and I will commit not only to representing the student voice, but also to educating students about the decisions and methods of our university leadership.
As a member of University Affairs Committee, I have begun work to promote openness between the university and the student body. Many students have felt that the course evaluation work they complete at the end of each semester is not fully utilized by departments. We are not only working to help the university explain to students the policies associated with course evaluation data, but are asking faculty to consider making hard data public for students to examine. Projects such as this that benefit students are central to our campaign.
Nate and I also want to improve the voice of the student body in the affairs of Faculty Senate. Students are currently represented on various committees, but the direct voice of students directly to Faculty Senate could certainly be improved. Nate and I will commit to working with the Senate to open up two-way communication between faculty and student governments for the benefit of both groups.
Finally, it is important that we note the importance of two-way dialogue in conversations with university administration. Many issues students have with university decisions often stem from a lack of information passed directly to the student body. Students are often confused about policies on many different levels (such as the course evaluation policies). Nate and I will commit not only to representing the student voice, but also to educating students about the decisions and methods of our university leadership.
Celebrating Diversity on Campus
In addition to simply recognizing the accomplishments of organizations across campus, it is important that GSB promotes and sponsors events on campus that celebrate our diverse population. The "Mind the Gap" campaign developed by GSB is currently examining the opportunities available for a collaborative event between GSB and a variety of organizations on campus. It would ask groups to propose a large-scale diversity event sponsored by GSB and hosted by organizations of a wide range of interests. It is this type of inter-organization collaboration that our campaign is looking to promote. We look forward to great successes in the future from Mind the Gap, especially in its potential to promote cooperation on campus.
Nate and I want to work to involve all of GSB in this effort, as well. We are firmly committed to working hard as executives to make sure goals become a reality. We will communicate our initiatives and rely strongly on help from the other branches of GSB. Diversity on campus requires the effort of every student from all across campus, as we all bring something unique to the table. Nate and I will develop personal partnerships to make these efforts happen.
Nate and I want to work to involve all of GSB in this effort, as well. We are firmly committed to working hard as executives to make sure goals become a reality. We will communicate our initiatives and rely strongly on help from the other branches of GSB. Diversity on campus requires the effort of every student from all across campus, as we all bring something unique to the table. Nate and I will develop personal partnerships to make these efforts happen.
Recognizing Diversity
Iowa State University is one of the most diverse communities in the State of Iowa. Students of different ethnicities, beliefs, and orientations attend our university and bring a rich heritage of traditions to our campus. The combination of all of these truly makes Iowa State a unique place.
The Roling/Dobbels campaign is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of organizations across campus, especially organizations contributing to the diversity of our campus. Many Iowa State students are not aware that groups such as multicultural groups are in fact open to all students and host events that are open to all students. Nate and I are committed to promoting awareness of the events, activities, and accomplishments of all student groups on campus. We are committed to helping all students become involved with events on campus that celebrate the rich backgrounds and traditions of our diverse population. We will work to publicly recognize those groups whose work is truly outstanding. Nate and I are committed to developing personal relationships with the leadership of all interested organizations on campus. Our initiative in developing partnerships will be the key step in accomplishing our goals of recognition and involvement across campus.
What other actions will Nate and I work toward in our administrative roles? Check back tomorrow for the second part of our discussion on diversity.
The Roling/Dobbels campaign is committed to recognizing the accomplishments of organizations across campus, especially organizations contributing to the diversity of our campus. Many Iowa State students are not aware that groups such as multicultural groups are in fact open to all students and host events that are open to all students. Nate and I are committed to promoting awareness of the events, activities, and accomplishments of all student groups on campus. We are committed to helping all students become involved with events on campus that celebrate the rich backgrounds and traditions of our diverse population. We will work to publicly recognize those groups whose work is truly outstanding. Nate and I are committed to developing personal relationships with the leadership of all interested organizations on campus. Our initiative in developing partnerships will be the key step in accomplishing our goals of recognition and involvement across campus.
What other actions will Nate and I work toward in our administrative roles? Check back tomorrow for the second part of our discussion on diversity.
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