August 2010
1 post
We're moving!
Hello loyal readers,
In an effort to consolidate resources, we have moved our blog to our new myUMBC group page. Please continue to check us out there. Thanks for reading!
April 2010
10 posts
Leave a Lasting Mark on UMBC!
In partnership with SGA’s Department of Environmental Affairs, UMBC is looking for four Sustainability Interns for the 2010-11 school year. The positions are paid and require an approximate 15 hours a week.
Click the picture above to be taken to the application, or contact Nathan Rehr (nathanr2@umbc.edu) for more information. Take this opportunity to make a last change at UMBC!
SGA's Finance Board: I Like To Eat, Eat,...
Last night’s SGA Finance Board meeting was definitely one for the records. It was interesting to say the least.
To begin the night, the nominations for “Best Finance Board Representative” were made and will be presented at SGA Awards Ceremony on May 6 at 7:00pm. Following that, Friday during free hour is the SGA Inauguration for everyone to meet their newly elected SGA...
2010 Student Election
Last night’s Senate meeting began with going over the revisions in the Bylaws that dealt with SGA’s Judicial Restructuring; these revisions will be finalized next meeting before the Black and Gold awards.
The Senator’s then discussed the topic of Monday’s Commons hours: the 2010 Student Election. Overall the elections went well (2nd largest voter turnout with 2,368 votes) but there were still...
SGA Finance Board: What the Future May Hold...
Hey everyone!
This past Tuesday at the Finance board meeting, much was discussed and proposed for the future of the SGA.
To begin the meeting, the Finance Board approved the budgets for The Student Events Board, The Weekly Retriever, as well as the Student Government Association. Congratulations guys :)
Later in the meeting, there was a discussion of the budget for the Student Government...
The results are in...
…the winners of the 2010 SGA Election are…
President & Executive Vice President: Yasmin Karimian & Richard Blissett
Vice President for Student Organizations: William Joyner
Treasurer: Kaylesh Ramu
Senate: Toby Le, Gift Jayakar, Vikran Bambawale, Dylan Cook, Damani Lewis, Benjamin Smith, Jasmine Batchelor, Matthew McNey, Chidiebele Agha, Sumit Bose, and Alex Gaines
...
Academic Integrity
In recent weeks, a post to UMBCUnderground has received unparalleled amounts of attention through myUMBC. The conversation caught the eye of SGA’s Office of Academic Affairs. Realizing the implications of the situation, OAA has begun to take the appropriate steps to address it.
For those who are not aware the issue stemmed from the use of Turnitin.com by a professor, as well as her methods of...
A word from Governmental Affairs
As many of you are already aware Midnight Monday evening marked the end of the 427th Session of the Maryland General Assembly. Out of a year marked by recession and budget cuts there is cause for optimism as we look back on the legislative season. As it stands today the budget passed clears the way for the Board of Regents to maintain the quality education students deserve with only a modest 3...
...and the winner is....
SGA would like to congratulate all of the ProveIt! finalists and thank them for their hard work and dedication to improving UMBC. Even though there is only one ProveIt! winner, we are committed to providing every submitted proposal with as many resources and contacts as possible to make sure that it happens!
2009-2010 ProveIt! Results WINNER: Biodiesel Production Facility — 25.8% of the...
SGA's Finance Board: I Like To Eat, Eat, Eat...
Hey Everyone!
The SGA Finance Board is still hard at work in achieving a more consistent ruling of funding for food. Here’s an update on a possible Food Policy that the Finance is looking to implement for the future of such decisions.
The newly proposed Food Policy by SGA Treasurer James McCauley, states that the Finance Board:
Will make cuts to all other non-food expenses (where a food...
Vote for ProveIt!
The winner will be selected by YOU- that’s right, the student body, on Blackboard from April 1-10. At the end of the voting period, the votes will be tallied and the proposal with the highest number will be the winner of the 2009-2010 ProveIt! campaign.
There will be a ceremony on April 12, 2010 at 12pm in the UC Plaza to recognize the finalists and announce the winning idea.
Learn more...
SGA Finance Board: Let's Talk Money and Then Some
Last night at SGA’s Finance Board meeting, many discussions and issues arose and were given much attention.
First, the board was briefed on the new referendums of the SGA Constitution [See “Changes in the SGA Constitution” for more details], which now also requires passage through the Finance Board as well as the Senate. Afterwards, the proposals of the various student organizations came forward,...
March 2010
7 posts
Changes in the SGA Constitution
We had previously asked for your opinion on a certain SGA matter. Here is what happened:
During last night Senate meeting, four legislations were passed (two regarding requirements to hold SGA offices, and the other two regarding judicial restructuring)
After much discussion about the GPA requirement and disciplinary probation, two separate legislations were passed for each topic. Section 5.2...
Students on University Technology
Last semester SGA used a free hour to go and find out what students thought of UMBC’s technology. The feedback was passed onto the IT Steering Committee, and now we have their response:
More Macs in the Library
· This is a part of the vision for the student learning center.
· DoIT supports finding ways of adding more machines and labs in the library, subject to continuing...
SGA's Finance Board: What's goin' on?
Hey All!!!!
My name is Naomi Jackson and I’ll be blogging about SGA’s Finance Board for the rest of the semester!
This past Tuesday at SGA’s Finance Board meeting, there was much to be discussed throughout the evening. Many different organizations came seeking the assistance of the SGA for their many events. Among the discussion taking place in the decisions, majority of the...
Want your tuition to change? If not, read this.
As you may already be aware the Maryland General Assembly is currently in deliberations over the Fiscal Year 2011 Budget for the State of Maryland. A fact that you may not know however is that because you attend a Public University, that legislative body has direct control over both UMBC’s operating budget and the funding of the institution that controls your Tuition, the University System of...
SGA’s GPA Requirement
Should SGA change its GPA Requirement?
This was the controversial issue brought up by SGA treasurer James McCauley during last night’s Senate meeting. He explained that the SGA GPA requirement was a 2.25 (2.5 for executive positions) and that the university’s was a 2.0 and inquired whether or not SGA should be allowed to impose this GPA Requirement.
Some senators believed that the GPA...
Restructuring of the Supreme Court
The first main issue at last night’s Senate meeting was the restructuring of the Supreme Court. Chief Justice William Joyner came to discuss the background behind the Supreme Court and the reasons, principles, challenges, and benefits of restructuring.
Basically the Supreme Court has been an inactive court. There have been no hearings in at least 5 years and regular meetings. Many students do...
February 2010
12 posts
SGA's Office of Academic Affairs: Come Talk!
There was A LOT of talking going on in the Commons Thursday afternoon!
SGA’s Office of Academic Affairs scouted the Commons and gathered issues, concerns, and suggestions from students about what we can work on to give the UMBC community an academic “face-lift” this semester.
Between 11:00am until 2:00pm, the SGA was posted along main street asking and recording students’ thoughts and later...
The Situation with Tuition
There was much discussion during last night’s senate meeting about the tuition increase.
Sen. Matt McNey brought up how tuition is going up by 3% and fees are going up by 4% and Sen. Josh Michael explained the logistics behind the tuition increase. Basically there has been a push to get our tuition increased and it’s between getting our tuition raised or having our programs cut and our quality...
Getting Down to Business
There were a bunch of things to discuss during last night’s senate meeting.
First up was UMBC’s code of conduct for logo merchandise licenses. UMBC has joined other colleges and universities as a member of the Workers Rights Consortium and is committed to conducting its business affairs in a socially responsible and ethical manner.
Also, congratulations to Nick DeStefano who was confirmed as...
Come Talk! with SGA's Department of Academic...
Hey everyone, don’t forget to come check out our Come Talk! event this week. Members of the Academic Affairs department will be on Mainstreet from 11-2 to find out about your undergraduate experiences at UMBC. Stop by at any point to talk!
If you haven’t done so, RSVP on Facebook!
1 tag
Update for Week Feb 15: Campus Life
We are still carrying over two of our major projects from last semester. The first is the Safety First program. We are in the process of setting up meetings with the influential administrators that will play a role in putting this program in place. If brought to fruition, this program will go a long way in solving some of the safety issues on campus with regards to alcohol. Suggestions are welcome...
Snowmageddon
I’m sure we each had our own crazy experience with the blizzard of 2010. We either personally slipped and fell at least once (for me twice) or laughed at somebody else doing so, shoveled out our cars, were shocked that UMBC actually closed for an entire week, or went insane being stuck indoors.
Well SGA wants to know how your experiences with the snow were. How do you think the university dealt...
Confirmations
Confirmations were the main focus of last night’s senate meeting.
First on the agenda was the Department of Public Relations. Mitch Case was the nominee for Director of Public Relations and Lindsey Barclay was the nominee for Assistant Director of Public Relations. Both wanted to help connect SGA with students and keep the relationship open and more personal.
For the Department of...
Update, Week of February 15, 2010
Tonight the SGA Senate talked about several issues that fall under the jurisdiction of the Finance & Facilities Committee.
In light of the recent blizzard, many people have had difficulties parking on campus, and there are areas of campus that still remain icy. While Facilities Management has worked tirelessly to alleviate these issues, there is little that can be done about ice that melts...
The Deal with Parking
Mon. night Sen. Josh Michaels brought up the issue of parking. As you know UMBC will be getting a new Arts and Humanities building, which will take up parking spaces.
Emails have been sent out to inform students that forums regarding parking have been scheduled on
Wednesday, 2/3/10, from 6:00-7:00 p.m. in the UC Ballroom.
Thursday, February 4, 1-2 p.m., University Center Ballroom
Friday,...
SGA Wants to Hear What You Have to Say
During last night’s Senate meeting, Office and Commons hours were on the agenda and there was much discussion about representing and reaching out to students.
Ideas included…
Ensuring they were there in case students have questions
Finding a better avenue for people to ask questions
Publicizing to students and allowing them to be more informed on what senators are voting on
Going out and...
“What is SGA doing, and why should I care”
– Sen. Mark Gradoni discussing the view of students in relation to how SGA should promote and advertise themselves better
January 2010
1 post
We're baaack.
Hello UMBC! SGA is already back in action for the spring, and we’ll be making even more of an attempt to keep you informed. One way information will be available is right through this blog.
This semester, SGA will have three regular contributors to the blog. Both the Senate and Finance Board meetings will have their own blogger, as well as, a third blogger who will be responsible for...
December 2009
11 posts
Take this survey about the RAC! →
Follow the link above to participate in a survey put together by the Department of Health and Wellness. Check out this post to find out more.
Chill Out: Fall 2009 Stress Free Zone
Following tradition, SGA will be hosting Stress Free Zone starting this Tuesday. Avoid some stress by heading to the Student Orgs Space (2nd floor of Commons) for fun, food, and free stuff! The fun will run through 12/22.
RSVP on Facebook!
Meet your new justices.
The first matter of business for the senators tonight was the confirmation of four new SGA Supreme Court Justices. Chief Justice William Joyner (who you can read about in the fifth paragraph of this post) set out with a goal of finding a group who would be dedicated to reshaping the court. He was on hand to introduce the four new recruits before the floor was opened for questions. They went as...
I'm a wRACk.
We all know stress is rampant during the week of finals, and one of the greatest relievers of stress is physical activity. Unfortunately, the Retriever Activities Center (RAC) appears to be closing early, 7PM, during exams.
SGA’s Department of Health and Wellness, along with Sen. Josh Michael, is currently evaluating this issue involving the RAC. To best handle the situation, they are...
Project Black and Gold: It's time to vote.
There were so many exceptional submissions to Project Black and Gold, we couldn’t live with just one. So, in place of the original top five entries, there is now a top eight. You can log onto myUMBC and vote for you favorites, the five with the most votes will all be paired with a distinctive banner design.
Make sure to get on myUMBC and vote starting today through the 18th. Remember,...
Join SGA's Department of Public Relations!
This year’s SGA is larger than ever before. To cope with the growing size of the organization, the Department of Public Relations is looking for a handful of dedicated staff members.
Available openings include bloggers and graphic artists. Positions are unpaid, but a great chance to gain experience in the field. Time commitments will vary based on position.
If you have any interest,...
Students on Stress
Finals are only two weeks away, so stress will surely be on your mind. Join senators and first-year ambassadors to discuss how you manage stress or learn about campus resources to help you do it. Also, tell us what you might like to see during the next SGA sponsored Stress Free Zone.
As always, the event will be on Market Street in the Commons during free hour. RSVP on Facebook.
Attention UMBC Bloggers
The Department of Public Relations will be looking for additional bloggers for the spring semester. SGA bloggers will be responsible for attending either the Senate (Monday 5:30PM+) or Finance Board (Tuesday 5:30PM+) meeting weekly and create blog posts reflecting what members of the SGA are working on. Other duties will include various blog related assignments (video posts, SGA announcements,...
What to do with SCEQs?
Along with the exciting Google news of Monday’s Senate meeting, the senators also participated in a discussion on the Student Course Evaluation Questionnaire(SCEQ) students are asked to fill out towards the end of each semester. Richard Blissett, Director of Academic Affairs, was on hand to talk about what his department has found so far.
In total, the costs of materials to administer the...
We're going to start Tweeting,..often.
I (Mitch, the blogger.) have taken over SGA’s Twitter account. Make sure to follow us and stay in touch with what we’re doing!
Student Gmail Association...
On Monday night, Jack Suess and Dr. Mike Carlin, both from the Office of Information Technology, talked to the Senate about their plan to convert UMBC’s email system in the near future. Their hope is to begin transitioning students to Gmail early next semester. They came to the meeting to explain the details of this task, and look for the SGA’s support.
UMBC would not be the first school to...
November 2009
22 posts
“Google’s desire is to rule the world…but not evilly.”
– Jack Suess, Vice President of Information Technology, responding to a question regarding a hopeful university wide switch to Google Apps in the near future.
Project Black & Gold Deadline!!!
Hey UMBC! Tomorrow is the last day to enter your idea(s) for a new UMBC slogan. So stop waiting, and participate in Project Black & Gold now!
Don’t forget, the top five submissions will be selected and then put to a vote on myUMBC. From there, the slogan with the most votes (obviously) will be paired with banners designed by UMBC related artists.
This is your chance to leave your...
Dr. Hrabowski's Wisdom Comes to the Senate.
UMBC’s long serving president, Dr. Freeman Hrabowski, met with the Senate for the first time this school year. Hrabowski, who was joined by a previous guest, Dr. Nancy Young, attended the Monday night meeting with the hope of finding out what the organization is working on. The senators and other members of the SGA had some valuable questions for him as well.
Current economic hardship was the...
Students on University Technology
Next week’s “Students on…” will focus on technology at UMBC. Come talk to senators and first year ambassadors about availability, quality, and anything else relating to technology on campus. Also, next week’s guest in the Senate will be Dr. Jack Suess (check this out), Vice President of Information Technology. His main reason for visiting will be to discuss an...
“UMBC is hot.”
– Dr. Freeman Hrabowski discussing UMBC’s increasing enrollment rate in light of the university’s recent honors during his meeting with the Senate.
Hey everyone, the deadline for Project Black and Gold entries is quickly approaching (a week from Monday)! Make sure you submit your slogan idea(s) before then!
Having trouble thinking of something? Check out the new Project Black and Gold poster, on Market Street of the Commons, to get your creativity flowing!
(Help us spread the word by reblogging this post!)
What would you ask Dr. Hrabowski?
Next week’s “Students on…” will focus on the questions you would ask Dr. Hrabowski. UMBC’s (nationally ranked) president will meet with the Senate next Monday night. Before then, the senators will use free hour of the same day to find out what students are concerned about.
Come by and let the SGA know what you want Dr. Hrabowski to answer! Click the picture to...
Don't forget about imPROVE It!
UMBC! Don’t forget about imPROVE It! Groups still have a little over a month to submit their ideas! Make sure you don’t hesitate!