Q: What are your opinions on last semester in general?A: For me, personally, it was a growing semester. I learned a lot last semester. For the University as a whole, it was a big planning semester. Last year we had the big diversity plan, and we were working on that. The University was making plans for the privatized housing project. We are also working on improving retention.
Q: Based on last semester’s survey, what changes, if any, will be implemented in the Student Government Association?
A: Hopefully, we will not be so controversial. Our plan last semester was to address the issues. This semester we are going to be more compassionate about the way we do it. Sometimes you easily get caught up when you are making decisions and forget that there are actually people involved in the process, but we are not shy with criticism. Everybody criticizes; there are people who just do not like what you do. You cannot stop that. We realize that people are involved in the policies and decisions we are trying to make and will always try to be fair. We have always had the students in mind; they are not just numbers.
Q: Are there any projects the SGA will be funding this semester?
A: Yes! We could not fund anything last semester, because we did not have as much funds as we have had in the past. We do have money available to fund things in the spring. We have a plan to get a diversity course requirement implemented in the University. We also are trying to have some kind of daycare services. That is in its planning stages and should happen in a year or so. We want to bring back our Colonel Express program, which is a transportation system for residence hall students.
Q: Will the SGA be collaborating with any campus organizations this semester?
A: Yes. That fell through as well last semester because we did not have any funds. We will have a Chief of Organizations who is going to work with campus organizations and make sure their needs are addressed. We hope to have meetings where all organizations can get together and talk about problems they are having.
Q: How do you react when people blame you for things you have no control over?
A: I get blamed for a lot! Last semester it was real hurtful, especially with the rec center stuff, but you learn from it. You realize that not everyone is going to like what you do. Some take it too personally or they blame me for stuff they just do not have the right information about. That is when I get upset. Now, I am aware of it. I guess if it happens this semester I can deal with it. But that goes back to the SGA treating people as people, rather than numbers.
Q: Many students oppose the rec center. How do you feel about this?
A: Everyone has opinions about the rec center whether good or bad. I think most people would agree it is a good idea. The problem is why are we paying for it when someone else can pay for it. I think it is a great idea, but I understand where people are coming from. We all have our own money problems, and other things take priority in our lives rather than paying for a rec center.
Q: As a leader, what advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
A: This is going to sound really clich’, but get involved. If you get involved it makes you feel like you have something to stake. It is like voting. If you do not participate, you do not have anything to stake in the whole system. Getting involved is extremely important.
Q: How can students contact you?
A: If you can find my office I am in the Student Union. Or you can call me at 448-4557 or e-mail me. I also have a website, nicholls.edu/sga.
