The Observer, February 10, 2006
Volume XXXVIII, Issue 16
Concerns voiced at USG Forum
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The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) traded in its regular meeting in Adelbert Hall this week in order to hold an open forum discussion in Wade's Fireside Lounge. With a high attendance rate, the topics of the forum ranged from lost and found items to the meal plan.
The purpose of the open forum discussion was to bring the USG to the students and allow students to raise their concerns directly with the members of the student government.
The discussion began on the topic of lost and found items and the current system used to get them back to the original owner. Students discussed the idea of a website dedicated to posting lost and found items.
One student suggested that the website posts should be by the people who lost things, not the people who found them, in order to discourage students from looking up items that they might want, instead of those that had once belonged to them.
Other students added that Case security officers should take lost and found items and post some lost items on their webpage.
The meal plan was the next major issue discussed. Students were critical of the freshmen meal plan only offering 17 and 19 meals, as well as the general lack of options for all those on the plan. Students also suggested that the dining points available with the meal plan should be accepted at more places on campus.
USG President Brian Sauer also mentioned that on a recent trip to Grab-it, he found moldy oranges and completely brown bananas. Another student echoed his concern, expanding the issue to include the main dining facilities' fruit as well.
Kelvin Smith Library issues were also brought up. Students said that the motion sensor lights turned off while studying, and there was difficulty in opening computer attachments. Students also expressed some concern about the new printing system, which USG Parliamentarian Shaan Ghandi told students would cost money in the fall.
On the topic of RAs and their compensation, students raised concerns about the difference between Case RA compensation and compensation of RAs at other schools. Forum moderator Alex Hamberger told students that Case is currently planning on increasing the RA stipend to include enough money to pay for student boarding.
The newly launched Case Daily e-mails and getting students involved on campus, specifically at sporting events, dominated the rest of the time during the forum. Students expressed their dislike for getting a daily e-mail that many do not read. One student said that he set up the Case Daily to go directly to his trash folder.
Attendees then considered other options, such as adding the information to the MyCase portal or another part of the main website and the ability to customize Case Daily to personal interests.
In addition to general knowledge of events, students talked about the possible creation of a Pep Club to support the sports teams. A number of students felt that sports can be an important vehicle for social interaction and school spirit and thought that a Pep Club would increase energy and attendance at games.
The final topic of the night was the Case curriculum, especially the Seminar Approach to General Education and Scholarship (SAGES) program. A number of freshmen said that because of the ability to choose, they were enjoying their second semester SAGES courses much more than the first.
The timing of electives was also an issue, as students said that many of the electives they would like to take are offered only in three hour blocks one day a week. This prevents many students from taking the desired courses because it allows for different potential conflicts.
The next open forum discussion held by USG will be March 7 on Southside and the final one of the semester April 11 in Thwing.
