March Update

Hello UMD Students!!

It has been a while since the last update but the UMD Student Association has accomplished a great deal since November! We have made much progress towards our initiatives!

I hope those of you who stayed up late cramming for finals last semester had a chance to grab a cup of coffee and a cookie from the Library. The Academic Affairs Committee sponsored "LATE NIGHT LIBRARY," which was held outside of the Library entrance. Cookies, cider and coffee were served to students needing a little something extra to get that 'A+'. For those of you desperately needing a study break, I hope you had a chance to grab some free food and a massage in the Kirby Lounge. The Committee of Student Affairs sponsored a relaxation event with professional massage therapists. Snacks and pop were also served to all who attended.

February 20^th was "SUPPORT THE U DAY" at the state capitol. The Student Legislative Coalition sponsored and organized the event. Students from each U of M campus participated in a rally to show support for the University of Minnesota and to lobby for university related initiatives. Members of SLC, Representatives of Student Association, and many other UMD students met with Minnesota legislators to lobby for a new UMD Civil Engineering Building. This year, UMD had a larger student turnout than any other campus, including the Twin Cities campus! Thank you to all students who participated in the event!

UMD was initially accredited as a stand-alone campus in 1967. Every 10 years the campus completes a self-evaluation report and meets with a team representing the Higher Learning Commission. March 3-5 the Higher Learning Commission met with students, faculty and members of the administration. SA's Public Relations Director, Katie Best, organized the UMDSA Executive Consultative Committee to meet with the HLC to discuss important student topics.

I'm sure that you have noticed the FREE newspapers placed around campus! Hopefully you have enjoyed them but unfortunately the four-week test pilot has come to an end. The Collegiate Readership Program is designed to enhance the learning environment on campuses by providing students with access to a daily assortment of leading national and local newspapers. The newspapers we chose were USA Today, Star Tribune, and Duluth News Tribune. Student Association implemented the program to promote civic engagement and global awareness. We have been working with the administration to permanently bring the program back to campus starting next year!

The Committee on Student Affairs has submitted a Medical Amnesty Survey for IRB approval. The survey will be available to students shortly. Also, Student Affairs has made progress on the UMD Beautification effort! Look for changes in the coming year to "the dungeon" between Lake Superior Hall and Burntside Hall. If you have any questions or comments regarding Student Affairs' initiatives, please contact Laura Lindberg, VP of Student Affairs.

Student Association has put together an ad-hoc Liberal Education Task Force Committee to represent student opinion on UMD’s Liberal Education Program. The committee will begin meeting shortly. If you have any thoughts on Liberal Education, please feel free to visit the Lib Ed Task Force's blog at http://blog.lib.umn.edu/wpayne/libed/ or contact Ashley Brown, VP of Academic Affairs.

Student Association's Campus Outreach Director, Anna Lundberg recently organized this semester's President’s Council. Representatives from student clubs and organizations across campus formally meet once a semester to discuss issues, ask questions, and provide updates for their groups. In addition, groups can apply for funding from the Student Association Budget, Loans and Grants Committee. This year 39 student clubs and organizations applied and interviewed with the BLG Committee. All groups who apply and interview receive funds! Good luck this semester to all student clubs and organizations! Any questions or comments regarding the Budget, Loans, and Grants Committee please contact Ben Kirk, VP of Administration and Finance.

As a reminder you must re-register every semester for the Bulldog Taxi Program. You may re-register in the SA Office in Kirby 115. Any questions or comments about the Bulldog Taxi Program contact Jeni Kiewatt, BTP Director.

Spring elections are approaching!! Make a difference! Represent your fellow students and run for a position on UMD STUDENT ASSOCIATION! Pick up an application in the SA Office in Kirby Student Center 115. APPLICATIONS ARE DUE FRIDAY, APRIL 4th. Elections will be held the following week. Voice your opinion on important student issues! Pick up an application today

If you would like to know more about Student Association initiatives, events, and accomplishments, please contact me at demi0042@d.umn.edu. Any suggestions, comments, questions, or concerns please feel free to stop in the SA Office to let us know or leave a note in our suggestion box outside of our office.

Thank you everyone, see you around campus!

Thomas DeMinico
Student Body President
UMD Student Association