Hi! As your LSA-Student Government Representative, I truly believe that my central role is to represent YOU! As a part of that, I plan to actively listen to your concerns and suggestions, present them to my colleagues and the administration, and effectively implement solutions.
Having been an active part of this university for almost three years now, I feel that I have a good deal of knowledge about, and experience with, UofM and our student body. While I've completely fallen in love with the University and all it has to offer, I have also stumbled upon things that could use improvement. The following are of some of my key goals for the next semester. Check them out and please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.
I will work to:
Encourage an integrative and diverse campus culture by,
- creating reasons for multi-cultural groups to interact through events and panels
- engaging majority culture with minority issues, events, concerns (and vice versa)
Our university has an impressive array of multi-cultural student groups, but there is not necessarily efficient communication and interaction between these groups. Through panels, events, and budget allocation, we can tap into the awesome potential of this collaboration. The students on this campus have a LOT to say, so let's provide them an avenue to get their voices heard!
Extend graduate school resources and programs for LSA undergrads by,
- extending course offerings and reserving slots in graduate classes for undergrads
- encouraging professors to teach at least one section of large lecture classes
- involving faculty to give extra-curricular lectures in conjunction with departmental clubs and theme semesters
We have amazing graduate programs here and I'd like to see undergraduates taking advantage of those resources more often. The schools of public policy, business school, etc. are all doing it...so let's get on board!
Improve the academic advising experience by,
- making freshman advising more pertinent and individualized
- providing feedback to departments regarding the quality and efficiency of concentration advising
- encouraging departmental advising consistency
- improving the registration process!
By holding meetings with the advising staff about strengths and weaknesses LSA-SG can initiate a conversation to voice our concerns and enact change. I am also interested in creating a mechanism for instant feedback from advising appointments through the implementation of a sign-in/sign-out system.
Promote and expand study abroad opportunities by,
- addressing issues of cost (utilizing both university and external resources)
- working with the OIP, international center, and funding sources to make study abroad more feasible with regard to housing, timing, and curriculum concerns
- encouraging teaching faculty to incorporate 'field trips' into the curriculum
An education from UofM should include preparation for the real world, and in today's world that includes being able to interact cross-culturally. I think study and work abroad is a key part of that preparation and is also a lot of fun! By working through the study abroad task force, I plan on helping to make study abroad feasible and appealing to all LSA undergrads.
Agitate within the administration for greater transparency by,
- pushing for more effective and consistent communication between students and the administration
- involving students for input EARLY and consistently in the process
- encouraging faculty to engage students outside the classroom
By inserting a student voice into important policy and personnel decisions I plan on being a part of avoiding mishaps like this semester's graduation fiasco. We can't wait for bad decisions to be made, we've got to demand a permanent seat at the table!
Work to create interdisciplinary majors/minors including,
- promoting and improving Individual Concentration Programs (ICPs)
As an ICP concentrator myself, I know the benefits of a tailored inter-disciplinary education and the challenges to achieving it through our college. Through curriculum committee, I am confident that we can improve the process and provide unique opportunities for LSA students.
Dramatically increase the number of arts opportunities for LSA students
- providing more class options, sections, and skill levels
- reserving slots in classes outside our college (e.g. School of Music, Theatre, and Dance) for LSA students and for lowerclassmen
- encouraging minicourses
- promoting arts through the upcoming Museum theme semester
- creating arts minors
- increasing awareness of extra- and co-curricular arts opportunities on campus
- utilizing resources within the RC
- promoting music lessons
- emphasizing the creative expression requirement
LSandA includes the 'A' for a reason! There is a talented and passionate student body in our college and I'd like to push for ways in which they can express this for credit. By working through these various avenues, it is possible to increase the breadth and number of arts outlets for LSA students, from ballet to museum studies.
Increase communication between campus student groups by,
- encouraging collaborative projects
- creating a campus board of representatives from all related student groups
This is a very simple project that could really improve campus life as it would allow student groups to combine events, network, and share ideas. The more communication there is, the better.
Above anything else, I feel my responsibility as a representative is to work with your interest in mind. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my platform and consider placing your vote for me. I hope it is clear that I love this University and am committed to enacting real change. As your LSA-Student Rep. I will work hard to make this an even better place for us to live, learn, and love!
Sincerely,
Megan Madison
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