Student Government as put together our annual report including the various projects and initiatives we have worked on throughout the year. For all that were a part of making this year such a success, we thank you. We look forward to seeing what SG continues to accomplish moving forward.
Category Archives: News
2012-2013 RSO Award Winners
Student Government’s Committee on Recognized Student Organizations (CORSO) is happy to announce the 2012-2013 RSO Award winners.
William J. Michel RSO of the Year Award: Organization of Black Students
Outstanding New RSO Award: Tea Time and Sex Chats
Best Event Awards: Latin America(n) Matters & UChicago Muslim Students Association
Most Collaborative Award: Black Law Students Association
Unsung RSO Award: Students for Justice in Palestine
Environmental Responsibility Award: Chicago Policy Review
Student Activities Fee Funding
SG met today to discuss the Student Activities Fee funding for next year. Below you can find the allocations given to the various committees. The $153,000 increase this year is increasing the fee per student by the rate of inflation (about $50,000) and due to a boost in enrollment among both the undergraduate and graduate student populations (about $100,000). Historically, the fee has increased at about twice the rate of inflation.
Student Government Finance Committee and Annual Allocations: $60,000 increase
Increase is given since there have been an increase in the number of student organizations on campus as well as the creation of a travel fund of SGFC. The travel fund will allow students to more easily be able to go to competitions and conferences where they will hopefully learn things that they bring back to the rest of the University community and bring the University of Chicago name to more places.
Coalition of Academic Teams: $10,000 increase
Increase is to support the additional people interested in being in the Coalition of Academic Teams and the increased cost of travel.
Community Service Fund: $15,000 increase
Increase is to support additional community service.
CSRSO Admin: $2,000 increase
This fee goes to support the work at the UCSC to support community service RSOs. The increase will be specifically used to increase the programming where CSRSOs can connect with one another.
Programming Coordinating Council: $9,850 decrease
Increase last year was to help pay for part of the Doc Films projector. Since groups are not asking for huge capital improvements this year, there is actually more money available for next year’s programming.
Sports Fund: $41,000 increase (Note: This increase is mostly due to combining it with the temporary support below)
$5,000 is going towards the increased number of participants in Sports Clubs and the increasing costs of travel. The other $36,000 is removing the temporary support item and combining these two funds since that money is not simply temporarily needed.
Uncommon Fund: stay the same
While the Uncommon Fund did not use all the allocation this year, the hope is, with better advertising, there will be more great proposals next year that the Uncommon Fund can allocate funding towards.
Graduate Council: $2,000 increase
This $2,000 will go towards allowing more graduate groups to apply to Graduate Council for funding for their events.
Graduate Mixers: $10,000 increase [note, change from the picture]
To increase the opportunity for graduate students from different divisions to meet with one another.
SG Administrative Budget: $15,000 increase
To pay for the SG end-of-the-quarter airport shuttles. Historically, SG has applied to SGFC quarterly for these shuttles; however, it makes more sense to allocate the money directly since SGFC is made up of SG members.
SG Van: $12,000 decrease
SG has chosen to get rid of the SG van. Therefore, this money is not needed.
Student Organization Support: stay the same
This money goes towards paying for equipment in 001 such as card stock, butcher paper, computer equipment, and the student workers at the front desk.
New York Times Readership Program: $5,000 increase
This is a necessary increase to keep the program since the costs have increased.
Temporary Support for Club Sports: $36,000 decrease (rolled into Sports Fund)
Rolling into Sports Fund since this money is permanently needed.
College Council: $1,000 increase
To increase level of programming opportunities for College Council
Student Life Fee Research: $150 decrease
No longer needed since the work was done this year
Campus Unity Committee: $30,000 new funding (name to be determined soon)
To create a committee drawing from Greek Life, Athletics, Arts, SG, Graduate Student Life and more to put on two big events in the year. One in Fall focused along the line of a “Taste of Hyde Park” event in Fall Quarter and one in Winter. The committee purposefully draws from an array of the campus community to hopefully connect students together throughout the year.
$20,000 remains to go towards a graduate student mixers and/or a travel fund for graduate students to attend conferences and other professional development opportunities. This $20,000 will be decided during the next Graduate Council meeting.
170s and 192 are here to stay
The University and the CTA signed paperwork yesterday to keep the 170, 171, 172, and 192 buses around for another five years. As they work currently, the 170, 171, and 172 buses will remain free for all with a UCID. For the 192, riders will need to continue to pay the CTA travel costs.
With over 1 million rides in the past year, the CTA and the University are excited to continue their partnership. Over the past year, the University looked for possible alternatives to the CTA to provide this service due to a price increase of 30%. Ultimately, they decided the CTA was the best fit for the University.
The four routes will also continue their current routes and schedules.
2013 Spring Election Results
This year’s elections were competitive from more Slates running to more students voting marking an increased interest in students desiring to leave their mark on the University through SG.
Competition
| Race | 2012 | 2013 | Change |
| Slate | 3 | 4 | +1 |
| Undergraduate Liaison to Board of Trustees | 3 | 5 | +2 |
| Graduate Liaison to Board of Trustees | 2 | 1 | -1 |
| Community & Gov’t Liaison | 2 | 1* | -1 |
| Class of 2016 | 11 | 6 | -5 |
| Class of 2015 | 8 | 2** | -6 |
| Class of 2014 | 3* | 4 | +1 |
* = 2 serious write-in campaigns
** = 3 serious write-in campaigns Continue reading
A Message From the Cabinet
As this week’s elections draw to a close, your Student Government Cabinet would like to express gratitude to all involved in the process. Though this election season has been particularly hard-fought and contentious, we have faith in our processes and hope that everyone will be able to look beyond this week and work hard to push Student Government forward for the future. No matter the result, we will have new leaders and they will have new challenges to face. It is our hope that the student body can rally in true U of C fashion to help them meet these.
To the candidates, thank you for remaining passionate and engaged throughout a tough process. No matter the results, we hope that your energy will not wane and that your fervor will not die. Student Government needs leaders in all capacities, so continue to look for opportunities to serve the student body.
To the Elections and Rules Committee, thank you for your tireless work dealing with unforeseen issues and your willingness to persevere. This season has certainly been a challenge, and you have shouldered an outsized portion of that burden. We have faith that the work you have done will ensure the fairest election possible under difficult circumstances. Thank you for your service.
And finally, to students, thank you for your thoughtful engagement in this process. Because of you, future Student Government elections will have a level candor and seriousness that probably would not have been possible just a few years ago. Going forward, please do everything you can to hold your student leaders accountable. You are the reason these leaders step forward, and it is our hope that you continue to look for ways to make and remake Student Government to meet your expectations.
We look forward to working with the next team to ensure that Student Government is consistently striving to be a body you can be proud of.
-Your Student Government Cabinet
Yusef Al-Jarani, Vidal Anguiano, Raymond Dong, Douglas Everson, Kathryn Hagerman, Rohan Manthani, Michelle Mbekeani, Renard Miller, and Grace Park
RSO Award Nominations
Below are the RSO Award categories for the 2012-2013 academic year. Please click on the Award Title to nominate an RSO for that award. PLEASE NOTE: All applications are due by Friday, May 10 at 12:00pm. Nominated RSOs will be contacted to submit additional materials. If you have any questions please contact CORSO Chair Aseal Tineh at amtineh@uchicago.edu
The RSO Award Committee will consist of undergraduate and graduate students, as well as members of the Office of the Reynolds Club and Student Activities (ORCSA) staff. Final award decisions will be based on the information presented in this application.
William J. Michel RSO of the Year Award or bit.ly/rsoawards1
The highest honor bestowed upon an RSO, this award is presented to one exceptional RSO for its contributions to the campus community. The winner receives an award of $200, deposited into the RSO’s financial account. The selection committee’s decision is based in part on the extent to which the RSO’s contribution exceeds what is normally expected of an active organization, as well as the impact the RSO has had on the campus community.
Outstanding NEW RSO Award or bit.ly/rsoawards2
This award recognizes a new RSO (approved by CORSO during or after Winter Quarter 2012). The decision of the selection committee is based in part on the extent to which the RSO’s contribution exceeds what is normally expected of a newly formed organization. The winner receives an award of $100, deposited in the RSO’s account.
Best Event Award or bit.ly/rsoawards3
This award recognizes the RSO that put on the most successful event this academic year (or after April 2012). While events that were co-sponsored by multiple RSOs will be considered, it should be noted that a “Best Collaboration Award” is also available. The decision of the selection committee is based in part on the uniqueness of the event, its appeal to different facets of the University community, and how smoothly the event was run. The winner receives an award of $100, deposited in the RSO’s account.
Most Collaborative Award or bit.ly/rsoawards4
This award recognizes outstanding collaboration on campus this year. The committee will consider individual RSOS that have made continued collaboration with other organizations a key component of their mission. The decision of the selection committee will be based on the creativity of the collaboration(s), as well as the extent of the RSO’s efforts to attempt collaboration. The winner receives an award of $100.
Innovative Funding Strategy Award or bit.ly/rsoawards5
This award recognizes a RSO or event that has the most successful funding strategy this academic year (or after April 2012). The decision of the selection committee will be based on the inventive nature of the funding strategy as well as its success and sustainability. The winner receives an award of $100, deposited in the RSO’s account.
Unsung RSO/Event Award or bit.ly/rsoawards6
RSO’s and their events don’t have to involve hundreds of participants or be widely known to positively impact the campus community. This award recognizes a smaller or less well-known RSO or event that was exceptionally successful. The decision of the selection committee is based in part on the uniqueness of the event/RSO, its appeal to different facets of the University community, and, if an event, how smoothly the event was run. Events that were co-sponsored by multiple RSOs will be considered. The winner receives an award of $100, deposited in the RSO’s account.
Environmental Responsibility Award or bit.ly/rsoaward7
This award will recognize an RSO that has been conscious of the environment in its daily practices, as well as in the implementation of events. Some examples of initiatives include, but are in no way limited to, paper-less advertising, avoidance of water bottles at events, composting at events, and recycling. The winner will be featured in the Maroon with an article detailing what made it the most Environmentally Responsible RSO on campus. Be creative, be fun, think outside the box!
Blueprint Award or bit.ly/rsoawards8
This award recognizes an RSO that has most taken advantage of the ORCSA Blueprint website. The committee will consider to what extent the RSO has developed their profile and made use of Blueprint’s features as well as how the RSO has incorporated Blueprint into their operations. The winner receives an award of $100, deposited in the RSO’s account.
Vote in the SG elections!
Now that Spring is finally here, we wanted to update you on a few things Student Government is working on. First, we encourage you to vote in this Spring’s Student Government elections with online polling being open from now until Thursday at 5pm. This year, Student Government has been able to make many advances from our partnership with Campus and Student Life in our Leadership Conversations, passing a resolution following the incidents at UCMC, more discounts at local restaurants, opportunities to connect, and much more. These elections represent an opportunity for you to decide who should continue this work next year.
I encourage you to read through the candidate statements for those running to represent you next year, visit their beautiful websites, review the Elections & Rules deliberations, and to make sure and vote before Thursday at 5pm!
UCPD Pathlight Application
Student Government is working with the UCPD to launch an exciting new application for your Smartphone called Pathlight.
Pathlight™ is a smartphone application for Apple® and Android® devices allowing students to opt in to GPS tracking services for their phones (e.g., while walking alone). The easy-to-use phone interface requires just three simple steps by the user:
- Select a destination (Bailey Hall, 124 Main Street, etc.).
- Select the expected walking trip duration (10 minutes, 15 minutes, etc.).
- Select “Follow Me” to begin transmitting location information to campus dispatchers or security office personnel.
If more time is needed, students can easily update their expected arrival times. If a student feels in immediate danger at any time, a Help button immediately notifies dispatchers of the student’s location and need for immediate assistance.
More information can be found in this informational pdf. Questions can be directed towards Douglas Everson (everson@uchicago.edu).
A Leadership Conversation, University Community Engagement
Student Government and Campus and Student Life are excited to present the next Leadership Conversation focused on the topic of the University’s engagement with the community. The panel brings together people from the Office of Civic Engagement, The Urban Health Initiative, and the Urban Education Institute to discuss the roles the University has in our community. It will occur on Wednesday at 5pm in McCormick Tribune Lounge.
The forum will open with the panel giving an overview of the University’s efforts with its charter schools, improving south side health care, new developments on 53rd street, and more. Following the opening remarks, the floor will be opened up for questions.
The panel includes:
Derek Douglas: VP of the Office of Civic Engagement
Stacy Lindau, MD, MAPP: Associate Professor OB/GYN and Medicine and Urban Health Initiative and Director of the South Side Health and Vitality studies
Shayne Evans: Managing Director of the Urban Education Institute
We will also provide free snacks and refreshments for those in attendance.
