From the forum

Winkler Hall Update

meisnerarmstrong — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 13:42:50 +0000

Dear Constituents,

Here is the spring semester and oddly enough it feels like spring here at marvelous Appalachian State University. To sum up SGA last semester Senate has been breaking records to number of Senators within any other North Carolina SGA public university Senate, and those Senators haven’t been idle neither. One of the most impacting events is the Library hours are now extended to 24 hours a day, 5 days a week. If you want any more information on that or anything else SGA has been involved in the past let me know.

Upcoming events

There is going to be imposed a mandatory 8% ($187.28) tuition increase currently included in the 2010-2011 state budget. SGA advises students to petition legislators in the N.C. General Assembly to repeal this tax on students, and to replace it with a tuition rate set by the UNC Board of Governors that keeps 100% of the funding raised within our University. A petition is already provided by SGA ready to be signed at all times in the SGA office in the Student Union. If there are any questions please contact me.

There has been nothing passed in Senate as of this semester yet. Though there are a few things cooking. If there is anything that Senate can do for you, let me know and I will do my best to see it done while using my resources in SGA.

Sincerely,

Brian Kelly

Senator, Winkler Hall

SGA, Appalachian State University

Contact Information: e-mail (Kellybm@appstate.edu) Room (1002 A) Phone (828.446.2122)

Coffey Hall Update

meisnerarmstrong — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 15:00:56 +0000

M. Caroline Thompson

2009-2010 Coffey Hall Senator/ Rules Committee Member

I would like to extend an extra cry of celebration in light of the Constitution being passed in Senate! Hallelujah! I would also like to send out my support and thanks to all those who worked so diligently to improve and correct it. I am proud of the other bills we have already passed in Rules Committee and Senate and am so excited about all of the legislation currently being worked on.

I look forward to seeing ideas including the Appalcart GPS tracking, potential alternatives to take-out boxes in the cafeterias, support for ASU’s intramural sports teams, and the research of a new and improved system that will allow students to calculate their GPAs easier and follow their path to graduation more clearly put in to motion.

As a special note to my constituents: thank you for your continued support and input, please look for me at our Coffey Hall Council Meetings on Thursdays at 7:30pm, and feel free to stop by the SGA office in Plemmons on Thursday afternoons between 2 and 4pm to pay me a visit and/or let me know how this representative body can be of better service to you. Happy Holidays to all at ASU!

Constitutional Revision Committee Update

meisnerarmstrong — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:58:40 +0000

Hello Mountaineers,

I hope that all is going well as you’re preparing for your exams. I can’t believe that the semester is nearly over, but I sure am excited about Christmas break! SGA has been very hard at work this semester, and I’d like to take a minute to update you with a bit of what we’ve been able to do.

At out last Senate meeting for this term, we approved our revised Constitution. I was particularly glad because I’ve been the chair of the Constitutional Revision Committee. Six of us worked beyond our normal commitments to bring our current constitution up to date (nothing had been amended since 1996). While you may not think that this directly impacts you, it does in the best of ways. It was wonderful to be able to serve on this committee because I knew that what we were doing was refining SGA’s core document so that the government can best serve you. With changes such as outlining Senatorial Elections Procedure, Rules for Impeachment of an Officer, and extensive grammar review; we sought to cover it all.

It’s passed Senate, now here’s what needs to happen: we need you to approve this document as well. This spring we’re going to have a referendum so that you can vote on these revisions. It’s a bit early for any more specifics, but I just wanted to let you know as a heads up. I’ll really appreciate your vote when it does occur.

It really has been an honour to serve this semester. I love this university, and I’m glad to be able to do anything to help. My email is trogdonrl@appstate.edu, please don’t hesitate to contact me at any time. I’d love to hear your questions and concerns. Good luck on your exams and have a wonderful holiday!

Kind Regards,

Ronnie Trogdon

Off Campus Update

meisnerarmstrong — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 14:56:42 +0000

Erik Tveidt, Off-campus

Myself and group of several other senators are currently working on legislation to support smoker’s rights here at Appalachian. We suffered a set-back when we were notified that ASU no longer owns the ashtrays that were removed last year (We would like to see more ashtrays on campus to reduce litter and improve fire safety). Our initiative is still in its infancy, but we will be circulating a survey to gauge student interest in the subject. Also, a petition is available for those who feel strongly about the subject. The link is below

http://www.gopetition.com/petitions/stop-unfair-campus-smoking-policies.html“>Online petition – Stop unfair campus smoking policies

Cannon Hall Update

meisnerarmstrong — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:16:42 +0000

Hello Mountaineers!

My name is Glen Buickerood and I am a senator from Cannon Hall. About me as a person, I am from Greensboro, North Carolina and went to Western Guilford High School. I am from the 2008 graduating class and am a sophomore here at ASU! Being an International and Comparative Politics major, I got involved with student government this year and have developed a taste for how the internal government works. Being a senator is just one of the many activities. I also am a brother in The Delta Chi Fraternity (the tailgate grill master!) and the captain of an intramural men’s soccer team. However, as a new senator I have expanded my interests into events all across campus rather than one organization.

Working with the campus outreach committee, I have started to build connections all across campus in different clubs. The specific organizations I am working with are: IFC, IRA and App Sits. My job is to sit in on club meetings to develop a list of needs each club has related to the student government. I relay the messages of the clubs back to the committee and ultimately to the President and Vice President.

Legislation I am currently working is the Amethyst Initiative. This is a statement signed by college presidents and chancellors asking elected officials to support an informed and unbiased public debate about the current federal drinking age. This statement does not condone underage drinking, but rather asks for an opportunity to discuss the effects the law has on underage adults (ages from 18 to20) as it pertains to drinking. If this bill is brought before the senate, it will come up in the spring session. I invite all students interested to read up on the Amethyst Initiative to develop an understanding for what it is saying. If we want the possibility for the drinking age to be lowered, we need to be well informed of the facts.

I look forward to the positive change that we as a student body can produce on campus! Thank you for showing interest in what we do because without your input we have no grounds to stand on. We are located on the second floor of the Student Union and would love to hear your opinions on what should be done around campus!

Winkler Hall Update

meisnerarmstrong — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 01:12:29 +0000

Your Senator’s Voice

Dear Constituents,

The world keeps spinning and ASU is keeping pace! On the home front we are staying active. First, I constantly see students working away all around and I encourage you all to push hard down the final stretch between now and the end of the semester.

Second, thanks goes out to all the Winkler residents who voiced their opinion to maintain Winkler Residence Hall as 4 to a living unit as opposed to the proposed 8 by the Housing and Residence Life Department of ASU. Your voice was heard and Winkler will remain as is concerning number of occupants.

Third, if you recall the elevator was making an awful racket. As a result, a work order was placed to fix the elevator and it has been reported as to have been resolved.

Fourth, there were multiple concerns presented to me all with a base question, “Since we (Winkler Hall residents) pay the most money to live on campus, what do we see in return?” I immediately made an appointment with Tom Kane, director of Housing and Residence Life, in order to ask that same question. In response, Mr. Kane informed me that the expenses paid by all On Campus students are allotted to the same budget with no differential between Residence Halls. As such, I further queried as to how that Winkler would not have the same cost of living as any other residence hall. The ultimate answer comes down to mostly the unique feature of Winkler Hall (one resident:one room ratio).

The rough estimate that Mr. Kane gave me at the time was Housing and Residence Life had to increase the cost of living at Winkler by 1.6 (give or take) per resident as previously Winkler had hosted two per room originally. As it turns out with a flat housing fee increase Winkler Hall is one of the most, if not the most, cost efficient option for students On Campus at this time. If there are any further questions please contact me and I will be glad to help out any way I can.

ASU administration is working hard to continue providing marvelous services for the student body, and they would love to continue providing such services and more without charge to you. However, with both the expected and unexpected budget cuts provided by the State of North Carolina there most likely will be fee and tuition increases. Having attended the Student Fee and Tuition Forum this evening I found it pertinent to give students a heads-up on what ASU is looking at increasing fees and tuition for. Attached I have a sheet with the current budget of certain services, the proposed budget, and the increase involved between the two prices.

If there are any particular questions concerning a certain fee please contact me and I will be more than glad to elaborate on the subject. I am pleased to say that the library is now open 24 hours for 5 days a week, which is something SGA has been pushing for since at least last academic year. Also, on a personal project as a Senator I have been trying to get the River Street Bike lanes repainted. If you would notice I succeeded and the state maintenance workers repainted the road lines as well.

I mention that success that my constituents, you guys, may be inspired that you too can get things done on campus. If there is any way I am here to help you guys see a campus which truly represents the student body residing on it.

Sincerely,

Brian Kelly Senator
Winkler Hall SGA
Appalachian State University
Contact Information: e-mail (Kellybm@appstate.edu)
Room (1002 A)
Phone (828.446.2122)

Hoey Hall Update

meisnerarmstrong — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 22:07:42 +0000

Hello Mountaineers!

Just thought I would give you an update on what has been going on and what I have been up to. Currently, I am helping work on a bill concerning club sports and the money they are allotted each year. Over the past couple of years, the number of club sports teams has increased, but the amount of money allotted to them has not increased. We see this as a problem. Whenever the club sports teams do not have enough money, that makes the club dues increase which causes fewer people to join club sports because of money problems. To resolve this issue, we are putting together a piece of legislation that will increase the budget for club sports therefore causing the initial dues to decreases causing more students to become involved in club sports. The more people involved the better it will be. That’s about all I have for now. If you have any ideas for legislation please shoot me a quick email at annascn@appstate.edu. Thanks for your support!

Cameron Annas
Hoey Hall Senator
Student Government Association

Winkler Update

meisnerarmstrong — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:09:22 +0000

12 November 2009
Your Senator’s Voice

Dear Winkler Hall Constituents,

Greetings to you all! I am very excited how this semester is going for Appalachian State University and I want to see that all those living in Winkler Hall get to know what is going on.

I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you who voted in the local election which polls closed for 3 November 2009. I strongly believe that the students’ voice will be heard, as it should be, in this local election, which every vote truly counts. On other news:
Please:
• Bring goods that can be sent to ASU students who are serving in the armed forces overseas.
Where: SGA Office

From the Senate Floor:
• Senate Bill 043-001 has been passed by Senate 27 October 2009.
Long Title: A Resolution to be Entitled an act to Support the Sustainable Development of More Perpetually Green Areas About the Campus of Appalachian State University
Resolved Clause: “RESOLVED, that the Student Government Association of the Appalachian State University supports the sustainable endeavors of the Physical Plant in creating new perpetually green areas about campus.”
• Senate Bill 043-002 has been passed by Senate 3 November 2009.
Long Title: A Resolution to be Entitled an act to Establish the Dates for the 2010 Student Body Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections
Resolved Clause: “RESOLVED, that the Student Government Association of Appalachian State University establishes the following dates for the 2010 Presidential and Vice Presidential Elections: the period of declaration shall begin on 8 February at 8 am and shall last until 12 February at 5 pm. After this period, a mandatory meeting for all tickets shall be held within three school days of the end of the period of declaration in accordance with Section 3.2 of the Student Government Association Election By-Laws., and the time of the meeting shall be decided by the Elections Chairperson.

The conclusion of the period of declaration begins the period of non-campaigning, which shall last from 12 February at 5 pm until 14 March at 11:59 pm. The period of campaigning shall begin 15 March at 12:00 am and shall last until 26 March. Students will be allowed to vote for the candidates through their Appalnet accounts beginning 23 March at 8 am through 26 March at 8 am. The results shall be announced by 5 pm on Friday, 26 March. In the event that no ticket receives a majority of the vote and second place ticket makes the request, a runoff election will begin 29 March at 8 am and shall end on 2 April at 8 am. The winners shall then be announced by the Elections Chairperson by no later than 5 pm on Friday, 2 April.

Know that the student body’s voice is being heard. I am seeing new legislation worked on constantly by Senators and am glad to see such an active campus. If there are any questions about the passed legislation or about creating legislation of your own ideas I am here for the Winkler Hall Constituents. I look forward to seeing many of you 18 November in the main lobby as I hear any concerns you might have that your voice may be heard.

Multiple concerns that arose at the last meeting I had with you all came down to one main subject: the Winkler Hall Budget. I have set a meeting with the Director of Housing and Residence Life Dr. Tom Kane. We will be discussing the Winkler Hall budget in the multiple facets that concerned those who talked with me during the 21 October lobby meeting.

On a final note, with reference to Housing and Residence Life, as of 2 November 2009 it was announced to me that there will not be eight residences to an apartment within Winkler Hall for Academic year 2010-2011. There was not enough support for such a change. So way to go Winkler Hall on letting your voice be heard!
Sincerely,

Brian Kelly
Senator, Winkler Hall
Kellybm@appstate.edu

Off-Campus Update

meisnerarmstrong — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 20:07:25 +0000

Hello!

This is Ivette Gonzalez and as an off-campus senator for yet another year I can thankfully say, “Phew!” The hard work dedicated to Homecoming from a lot of us in the Student Government Association, especially on the External Affairs Committee, turned out to be beyond worth it.

Despite new and unfamiliar circumstances, events, Boone’s infamous weather patterns and ideas that came along with the 2009-2010 Homecoming, I believe we did pretty darn well. We did have a wonderful turnout of creative floats, kazoo bands and walking groups. The town of Boone loved the parade, the students enjoyed being a huge success in the parade and the students gave Appalachian an amazing win that day. I just want to take this opportunity to recognize everyone that made this homecoming a great success- THANK YOU!

Nonetheless, External Affairs still has many many events planned for the rest of the semester as well as for the rest of the year. So, please be on the lookout for those! I am a member of the Community Service Subcommittee and would love any ideas from ASU for service projects you guys would be interested in being involved in so we can make it happen! I’m sure all of us will be more than happy to answer any of your questions, comments or concerns—also, make sure to contact your friendly neighborhood senator because they too would be happy to meet you!

Remember, we are located on the 2^nd floor of the Plemmons Student Union!

External Affairs Community Service Liasons Update

meisnerarmstrong — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 22:11:17 +0000

Hey it’s Robert Bender with the first External Affairs Community Service liaisons update. Thanks for all of your hard work already done this year!

As community service liaisons, we have many great ideas in store for this coming semester and year. We are currently working on some legislation that would allow senators to participate in upcoming service events in place of their office hour. Who says community service can’t be fun? Some ideas include:

Adopt a Family for a Thanksgiving Meal
Heroes Luncheon
Volunteering at Operation Christmas Child sorting shoeboxes

These ideas, along with many others we look forward to planning, are part of our goals to better our community here in Boone. We also look forward to participating and helping out with the A.C.T.S. office with their upcoming events which include a Service Day at Mountain Mission Farms Oct 31 from 9:30- 3:30, an upcoming info session for the 2009 Dance Marathon, and MLK challenge in January. Also, if anyone is interested in participating in hands on community service throughout the year with the Acts office contact Megan Robertson at robertsonme@appstate.edu.

So as you can see there are many ideas and projects in the works. We look forward to working with each and every one of you, as well as seeing what you guys are interested in doing for the community. Any personal ideas you guys have would be appreciated greatly. You can email me at benderrt@appstate.edu or Orlando Dobbin at dobbinoc@appstate.edu. Thanks for your consideration and look for future updates or email us with any questions you might have.