From the desk of SGA

Hey students!  Let's talk, shall we?

My name is Heather Murray, and I'm the executive director of student relations for SGA. One of our goals this year is transparency — that is, you know exactly what's going on with your SGA. This article, which you'll see every other week online, is one of the ways we're opening up communication with you. It will be a direct update from us, so that you no longer have to ask the question, "What does SGA actually do?"  No secrets.  Well, okay, maybe one — I still can't tell you who's playing at Eaglepalooza.  Not yet, anyway!

The biggest issue on all of our minds is the program cuts. The decisions made by the UPC were difficult but necessary, and we know a lot of students are upset. If you are one of the students whose major or minor was cut, please feel free to come and talk with us. We are your advocates, and we see it as our duty to make sure that your experience at USM is as meaningful and engaging as you expected it to be when you chose this university. We're here to help you through this process and work with the university administration to make sure your voice is heard.

If you're interested in getting involved in SGA this year, many opportunities are opening up right now. Applications for Freshman Associates, the freshmen branch of SGA, will be out on Friday, Sept. 3.  Election Commission applications are also out now. These are great ways to meet people and improve student life on our campus. Applications for homecoming court and Mr. and Miss USM are also available. Also this Friday, we're having a meet and greet in Shoemaker Square. We'll have free smoothies! Come get a drink, pick up an application and have a chat with us.

There are lots of ways to get in touch with us. Our office is located on the second floor of the Student Activities Hub, and you are welcome there any time. You can also follow us on Twitter @USM_SGA, join our Facebook group or email us at sga.usm@gmail.com. We also just launched a new website: www.usm.edu/sga. We welcome any and all feedback about SGA or the university.