Fellow Shockers,

I hope you’ve had a gentle transition from summer break to the fall semester. Syllabus week is over, which means cracking open the textbooks and putting pen to paper.

As your student body president this year, one of my goals is to keep you informed about the happenings of your elected student leaders. To achieve that, I plan to submit on occasion an update from student government to be published in the Sunflower.

You can also stay informed by reading the Sunflower’s coverage of our weekly senate meetings and by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter @WichitaStateStudentGovernment. Senate convenes every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in RSC 233 and is open to the public. We welcome all visitors to speak in public forum and observe your elected officials serving on your behalf.

During the election last spring, student body vice president Brandon Baltzell and I spoke of empowering your voice as students based on our campaign’s three pillars: service, advocacy and inclusion. We are as dedicated to that commitment as ever.

The following is an overview of a few big picture initiatives currently being explored by your student government. Since the beginning of summer, I have participated in a working group comprised of students, faculty and staff, as well as the Sedgwick County Health Department, to research and ultimately propose a tobacco-free policy for the university.

Our efforts include reaching out to each of the constituent senates on campus, including faculty, unclassified professional and university support staff, to express our interest in gaining their feedback and support.

The basis for this initiative is a university-administered survey conducted last spring by undergraduate students. The study found majority support from students, faculty and staff for such a policy.

We understand the implications a tobacco-free policy could impose on current tobacco users, and we welcome all perspectives in creating a solution that best serves the university in a health and environmentally conscious 21st century. Stay tuned for more news about the project as it develops throughout the year.

Last year’s SGA administration researched the possibility of creating an Interfaith Prayer Space on campus to accommodate our student body of diverse religious practices. Brandon and I will be working to follow up on that effort and are dedicated to creating a campus environment welcoming of all faith backgrounds.

We plan to hold meetings with the appropriate university officials, gain feedback from interest groups, such as religious student groups and community partners, to determine the needs and possible solutions. The goal is to find a facility on campus, possibly the Grace Memorial Chapel, which can be renovated and repurposed to accommodate the resources needed for a faith-neutral space.

Other projects include looking into the state of bicycle racks across campus and proposing upgrades if necessary, especially as the university moves toward President John Bardo’s goal of a more residential environment.

Also, how many of you would appreciate designated recycling areas in the Rhatigan Student Center?

Several students have expressed concern about the lack of recycling opportunities in the RSC, and we’re looking into the background of that issue. In addition, SGA will be supporting a student organization interested in placing a “peace pole” on campus, which would be a dedicated space to recognize our commitment to advocating for the persecuted and disadvantaged peoples of the world. Thank you to senior social work student Chandler Williams for spearheading that effort.

Those are just a few ideas being pursued by your student government this year. We are committed to serving your interests and advocating on your behalf. Please reach out to us online and visit our new office in RSC 219 to report an issue or shoot the breeze. I can be reached at [email protected] and 316.978.7060. Look out for more updates in the future.