USG released its midyear report on Friday, highlighting a number of its ongoing initiatives.
By Max Prinz and Joe Vitale
United Student Government (USG) released its mid-year report on Friday, showcasing the results of its various initiatives and resolutions passed in the first half of the 2014-2015 academic year.
The report, presented by Nevin Kulangara, GSB ’15, Executive President, and Sarah Skrobala FCRH ’15, Executive Vice President, outlines the group’s efforts regarding a number of initiatives, including its Sexual Misconduct Task Force, its attempts to allay student concern over a lack of fitness equipment and its various efforts to increase sustainability on Fordham’s campus.
The 18-page document also reveals the year’s budget allocations and club approvals.
One of the focal points of the review is the progress made by the Sexual Misconduct Task Force over the fall semester. The task force, co-chaired by Caroline Corwin, FCRH ’15, of Women’s Empowerment and Nicholas Sawicki, FCRH ’16, VP of FCRH, put on several programs, including a speak-out and a question-and-answer session regarding the training of Campus Security Authorities on the judicial procedures and precautions taken in cases of sexual assault.
Along with addressing concerns about access to additional fitness space, Kulangara and Skrobala provide an update on USG’s initiatives to address a variety of student interests, including concerns about access to additional fitness space, surveillance of off-campus housing, the university’s smoking policy and a lack of water bottle refill stations on campus.
The assessment also emphasizes the student organization’s efforts to increase sustainability on campus. A sub-committee focused on the issue is working on a “How to be Sustainable on Campus” guide for members of the Fordham community. The guide, the report says, will provide a comprehensive walk-through of resources on campus and tips for properly recycling. Online distribution of the guide is set for the end of January.
Additionally, the semester report details one of Kulanagara’s chief initiatives: Establishing Fordham Student Holdings (FSH) as an official club. FSH would “serve as a platform for student-run businesses at the Rose Hill Campus and give student entrepreneurs the resources and experience they need to thrive,” reads the report. The first businesses under FSH are scheduled to debut in the upcoming semester.
Kulangara and Skrobala mention that USG approved 10 clubs this past term, including Gamers United, Pet Advocacy for Underprivileged Survivors and Social Enterprises Club. Budget Committee allocated $413,872.07 to a total of 77 clubs for Spring 2015, fulfilling 55% of total club requests.
The report comes after two USG members resigned due to what the organization said were scheduling conflicts, though USG said on its Facebook page that the group is working to arrange mid-year elections in the coming weeks.
Look for more coverage and analysis in Wednesday’s issue of The Fordham Ram.
