The Student Government Association
Student State of the Campus
Thursday January 15, 2009
Mabee ballrooms B&C
5:00 PM
Good evening, students, faculty, staff, members of the Student Government Association and St. Edward’s Community. It is with great pride that I report to you the state of the campus is optimistic and prepared for the future!
Our positive campus environment exists in a world where it seems everyday a news source gives us more reasons to not be hopeful about the future. Yet St. Edward’s shines like a beacon on the hilltop allowing everyone to see that something good is occurring here.
Assisting in this process are the men and women of the Student Government Association. And it is in this organization that I have the privilege of being the President. My name is Austin Lytle. Senior and political science major and as the student body president it is my duty to report on the state of the campus.
Across this campus there is a great emotion, students are realizing that the world as we knew it when we first entered into these buildings has changed. The challenges we are facing are unprecedented in nature. More than ever students are making more personal and financial sacrifices. The coming months will prove to be difficult. Yet we will endure. The question we are all facing, will there be a job for me when I leave? Is not easy to answer.
But, what I can say is that you have all received a unique education, which has given you skills to use in whatever area you choose to enter, a type of unique education that will set you apart from the many other students asking themselves that same question. The St. Edward’s campus has a prevailing feeling of optimism and we must maintain this.
But what is unique that gives us reason to be optimistic?
This is a question that evokes a different response for every student in the room. Some will say it is because of our class size, surely it is a blessing to have small class. Some say we are unique because our professors make it their personal missions to create an academically rigorous and supportive environment, of course this is true. and many say we are unique because our education is one rich in the Holy Cross Traditions of educating young minds and hearts, naturally this is true. But I also say we are unique by the type of students that enter these hallways everyday. The 5,317 St. Edward’s students are each a unique reason that makes St. Edward's University great. Students that everyday live out the mission and intention of our founding father Basil Moreau.
Student success drives what we do here at St. Edward’s and our lives will be better because of our choice to be educated here.
Also making St. Edward's University unique are the events that occur throughout the academic year here. Anything from bizarre magic shows in Jones Auditorium to political panels following the national election that brought high profile politicians to campus in order to share their thoughts on what the outcome holds for the world.
One great event that drew international attention was “update the world” Initiated by the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance. This program was different than past events in that it brought twelve leading experts to campus all at one time. The experts provided updates on several hot topic issues concerning the world. In addition to over 75 classroom presentations, the group of experts made efforts to meeting students personally in order to share their knowledge. I am proud of the work the Kozmetsky Center has accomplished; it is events like these that also makes going to St. Edward’s unique.
A highlight of last semester were certainly the many events that surrounded the Presidential Election. One event that tied St. Edward’s with this national event was when Journalist Bob Schieffer, host of CBS’s Face the Nation and moderator of the third Presidential Debate paid a visit. It was a true honor and a privilege for all those who were able to attend that event.
Many SEU students were also on the front lines for all parties. From student James Armstrong who attended the Republican National Convention to Katy Johnson who traveled the country for President-elect Obama’s campaign, St. Edward students provided many reasons throughout campaign season to be proud of the school we attend.
I would also like to congratulate the students of St. Edward's University. Too often stories of political terrorism and disruptive actions were reported on many campuses throughout the United States. Yet our Students did not allow political identity to get the best of us. We should be proud for keeping our campus a safe environment were any political identity can be expressed without the fear of being harassed.
The Mary Moody Northen Theater has put on several events that should promote pride. Within the last semester they have received 17 award nominations making the total nominations for awards in the last two years at over 40. Congratulations to our amazing theatre students and faculty who keep brining in such high accolades. I encourage all students to attend upcoming shows this semester.
This coming semester promises many more exciting events that are note worthy. I am proud to make the first official announcement for the May commencement speaker. St. Edward’s graduates and their families will have the honor of hearing from Judge Thomas Burgenthal. A familiar name to many in the international community, he is the American judge on the 15 member International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court. Judge Burgenthal has been a member of the Court since 2000 and is also a member of the ethics committee for the international Olympics.
Our St. Edward’s Athletic program has given us many reasons to be proud to be a Hilltopper. Besides the Men’s basketball team who is off to a winning record and playing St. Mary’s tonight, within the last year over 82 St. Edward’s athletes have received NCAA division two or heartland conference awards for varying degrees of accomplishment. Including Angela Vorpahl who besides being an all-star member of the Volleyball team, earned the Valedictorian in last May’s commencement.
Athletes like All- American David Fuentes, who is a member of the St. Edward’s cross country team and a senior is another prime example. Fuentes represented St. Edward’s well by winning three-straight Heartland Conference Runner of the Year awards, three appearances in the NCAA Regional’s, and two appearances in the NCAA National Championship. In addition he is the first St. Edward’s Cross Country runner selected to be an All-American. Fuentes and Vorphol are just two examples of the wonderful legacy of success this campus can produce.
This year also marks the 35th anniversary of Women’s athletics here at St. Edward's University. In the coming weeks there will be several events celebrating this. It is hard to imagine a time when this campus was without all of the great female athletes who have done so well in their respective sports and I look forward to many more successful years.
The Student body is showing their pride as more students are attending games. Currently the average men’s basketball attendance is 487, which is 61 more students per game than last season. A true testament to the hard work of the student athletes, as well as the spirit organization the Hillraisers.
The St. Edward's University campus has seen many changes recently. New buildings and new faces are everywhere. Student Life recently added four assistant directors to handle the great responsibility of working with students, student organizations and initiatives around campus. St. Edward’s hired a new Police Chief, in Chief Randy Rendon; as well as several new officers. The campus also hired top notch administrators including Rhonda Cartwright, Vice President of Financial Affairs and Robert Manzer, to the new Vice President of academic affairs.
Moving outside of Personnel acquisitions, The physical landscape is changing. St. Edward’s is currently in talks with the city of Austin for a multi-million dollar deal to enhance the front of the campus along Congress, making our front entrance more beautiful and noticeable in the process. New Campus buildings and renovated one’s have also made their mark. Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel recently received a brand new exterior, windows and fresh coat of paint. The Recreation and Convocation center recently received a brand new welcoming entrance; Sorin hall is currently undergoing major renovations to make our experience their a better and safer one and construction has begun on the new home for the behavioral and social sciences, additional office space and classrooms that will replace the legacy hall of Doyle.
Of course, the most high-profile building is coming on-line. The New Residence village, which is now the largest building on campus, has students already moved in. Student Government Association members recently went on a tour of the new community and found it to indeed be the unique building we were promised. While construction on the building is not complete the new dining facility is planned to be opened on Saturday, February 14th. And the Grand opening for the Hunt, LeMans and Lady Bird Johnson halls will be Tuesday, February 17th following President Martin’s meeting.
Truly this new building presents many challenges to a growing campus, but it should be looked at with great opportunity.
Other campus facilities also saw some changes. The University Bookstore’s management changed hands. After completing an exhaustive search and bid process the Texas Book company was awarded the opportunity to operate the campus store. The Texas book company has major plans for the former natatorium, which has taken many forms over the last several decades.
Across the breezeway in the meadow’s coffee shop has undergone the third name change in as many years, to the locally owned Texenza. What is important to keep in mind throughout all of these many changes is that students were included in many of the initial discussions at unprecedented numbers. Yet, there is still much more that can be done. I urge that moving forward any significant change’s that will impact students must have student input. Our student’s posses skills that should be utilized. Projects and initiatives must have students involved. If we are to maintain this positive campus that I know exists, Students should be the first on administrators minds.
In trying to meet the new demands our larger campus has, the Student Government Association expanded many areas and has evolved to make a better organization for the students. I am proud to say that our entrance into academic school representation has gone well. The Student Government Association made a commitment to the belief that students have a need to be represented in their areas of academia. Therefore we eliminated several “traditional seats”, those reserved for class based representation and added two seats per academic school. The School representative elections coincided with the freshmen elections and drew a sizable amount of interest. Not surprisingly the behavioral and social Science seat alone saw five students running for two spots. As the School representatives continue meeting with their deans and listening to their respective student constituency, I am confident that these positions will continue to foster interest from those within certain majors and continue expanding, therefore bringing the much needed academic diversity to the association.
In addition to this change, the Student Government Association made a commitment to expand the area of Student Representation dramatically. Under the Direction of Vice President Bethany Carroll, the Student Representation committee has grown from two members to nine and taken on the very important role of placing students in the various campus committee’s, acting as the eyes and ears for Student Government and the student body. This committee provides an important loop that allows the student representatives within the committee to report back on those committees and in turn allow for Student Government to provide feedback. Last semester alone saw students being placed on over 35 university committees. Some include the Academic Council, Campus Safety & Police Affairs Committee, the City of Austin Mayor’s Council on Student Affairs and the Presidential Environmental Signing Committee.
In an ongoing effort with the University Police Department and the office of Student Affairs the Student Parking and Traffic Court has had a wonderful start to its second year. This year has seen a substantial increase in campus recognition and the court’s docket is on task to exceed over 200 cases by the end of the semester. A great thanks needs to be extended to the Justices and the support staff of the court.
Legislation has recently flooded the Senate chambers. These pieces of legislation range from making daily life here at St. Edward’s easier to issues that require advanced amount of research. Whatever the size and scope of the issue, let it be known that Student Government must pursue action. There is no issue too small or too expansive for us to handle.
There are many Senators working hard on legislation. I would like to highlight a few of them. Junior Executive Senator Bryce Bencivengo’s Athletic Banners resolution has demonstrated an effort to expand our athletic spirit. To increase awareness and bolster pride in the excellence of the St. Edward’s athletic community the Athletic Banners resolution proposes improving and updating the awards banners displayed in the Recreation and Convocation Center.
SGA is also currently researching the Reinstatement of the Pass/No Pass option that proposes at the very least Grandfathering in the new policy regarding Science in Perspective courses. There are several resolutions concerning the beautification and safety of our campus that aims to make our tenure here better. And of course the issue that is at the forefront of every student’s minds: tuition. This common concern has been addressed in Senate by Executive Academic School Senator Christopher Duke in his resolution S.E.U. A.C.T. N.O.W. This resolution is meant to provide research on possible alternatives to the current raises in tuition.
Going forward your Student Government Association will continue evolving under amazing student leadership in order to make the student experience here better. There are many issues around campus that are still left to be solved. Such as what to do with Capstone, how to make our campus more environmentally friendly, is plus/minus grading acceptable, and how will our campus move forward in the next five years? You as a Student have a responsibility to use your VOICE and let us know what we can do for you.
We are an organization that prides itself by being the body who looks out for student concerns and works with all areas of campus to ensure the highest quality of educational experience available. The Student Government Association members have spent countless hours and sacrificed many evenings either in meetings, working on legislation, or any other duty being a member of SGA requires. And should be proud.
In conclusion I want to thank all of you for taking time out from your busy first week to come here. I myself am missing class right now.
What I want you to take away from here is a few points. This campus is thriving. While other campuses are facing much harder economic times, our University has positioned itself well for the coming months. But that does not mean that sacrifices are not going to have to be made. We are certainly not immune from this turbulent time, but we are somewhat protected. Troubled roads are ahead and expectations are certainly not high.
Yet this campus is still optimistic. The Holy Cross traditions are still alive and fostering to the mission of the university. And that translates into an education that is meaningful. I assure you that every faculty and staff members here truly does want you to succeed.
And this campus is also prepared, prepared for the future because the students here are some of the best around. We are also a very young campus. Out of the 3,397 undergraduate students nearly 1,170 are classified as freshmen. So I have this to say to you freshmen and everyone else who attends. It is not too late to get involved. There are many opportunities around campus and Austin that are worth your time. Take advantage of every service there is to offer. Make the most out every moment you have. Remain optimistic that we will get through these tough times.
And always remember that you should never be afraid of the things you cannot control, but always afraid of things you can control and do not. For that is the reason you are on this campus, to control your future and change the world. I wish nothing but the best, and on behalf of the student Government Association have a great semester. Thank you and God bless.
Student State of the Campus
Thursday January 15, 2009
Mabee ballrooms B&C
5:00 PM
Good evening, students, faculty, staff, members of the Student Government Association and St. Edward’s Community. It is with great pride that I report to you the state of the campus is optimistic and prepared for the future!
Our positive campus environment exists in a world where it seems everyday a news source gives us more reasons to not be hopeful about the future. Yet St. Edward’s shines like a beacon on the hilltop allowing everyone to see that something good is occurring here.
Assisting in this process are the men and women of the Student Government Association. And it is in this organization that I have the privilege of being the President. My name is Austin Lytle. Senior and political science major and as the student body president it is my duty to report on the state of the campus.
Across this campus there is a great emotion, students are realizing that the world as we knew it when we first entered into these buildings has changed. The challenges we are facing are unprecedented in nature. More than ever students are making more personal and financial sacrifices. The coming months will prove to be difficult. Yet we will endure. The question we are all facing, will there be a job for me when I leave? Is not easy to answer.
But, what I can say is that you have all received a unique education, which has given you skills to use in whatever area you choose to enter, a type of unique education that will set you apart from the many other students asking themselves that same question. The St. Edward’s campus has a prevailing feeling of optimism and we must maintain this.
But what is unique that gives us reason to be optimistic?
This is a question that evokes a different response for every student in the room. Some will say it is because of our class size, surely it is a blessing to have small class. Some say we are unique because our professors make it their personal missions to create an academically rigorous and supportive environment, of course this is true. and many say we are unique because our education is one rich in the Holy Cross Traditions of educating young minds and hearts, naturally this is true. But I also say we are unique by the type of students that enter these hallways everyday. The 5,317 St. Edward’s students are each a unique reason that makes St. Edward's University great. Students that everyday live out the mission and intention of our founding father Basil Moreau.
Student success drives what we do here at St. Edward’s and our lives will be better because of our choice to be educated here.
Also making St. Edward's University unique are the events that occur throughout the academic year here. Anything from bizarre magic shows in Jones Auditorium to political panels following the national election that brought high profile politicians to campus in order to share their thoughts on what the outcome holds for the world.
One great event that drew international attention was “update the world” Initiated by the Kozmetsky Center of Excellence in Global Finance. This program was different than past events in that it brought twelve leading experts to campus all at one time. The experts provided updates on several hot topic issues concerning the world. In addition to over 75 classroom presentations, the group of experts made efforts to meeting students personally in order to share their knowledge. I am proud of the work the Kozmetsky Center has accomplished; it is events like these that also makes going to St. Edward’s unique.
A highlight of last semester were certainly the many events that surrounded the Presidential Election. One event that tied St. Edward’s with this national event was when Journalist Bob Schieffer, host of CBS’s Face the Nation and moderator of the third Presidential Debate paid a visit. It was a true honor and a privilege for all those who were able to attend that event.
Many SEU students were also on the front lines for all parties. From student James Armstrong who attended the Republican National Convention to Katy Johnson who traveled the country for President-elect Obama’s campaign, St. Edward students provided many reasons throughout campaign season to be proud of the school we attend.
I would also like to congratulate the students of St. Edward's University. Too often stories of political terrorism and disruptive actions were reported on many campuses throughout the United States. Yet our Students did not allow political identity to get the best of us. We should be proud for keeping our campus a safe environment were any political identity can be expressed without the fear of being harassed.
The Mary Moody Northen Theater has put on several events that should promote pride. Within the last semester they have received 17 award nominations making the total nominations for awards in the last two years at over 40. Congratulations to our amazing theatre students and faculty who keep brining in such high accolades. I encourage all students to attend upcoming shows this semester.
This coming semester promises many more exciting events that are note worthy. I am proud to make the first official announcement for the May commencement speaker. St. Edward’s graduates and their families will have the honor of hearing from Judge Thomas Burgenthal. A familiar name to many in the international community, he is the American judge on the 15 member International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court. Judge Burgenthal has been a member of the Court since 2000 and is also a member of the ethics committee for the international Olympics.
Our St. Edward’s Athletic program has given us many reasons to be proud to be a Hilltopper. Besides the Men’s basketball team who is off to a winning record and playing St. Mary’s tonight, within the last year over 82 St. Edward’s athletes have received NCAA division two or heartland conference awards for varying degrees of accomplishment. Including Angela Vorpahl who besides being an all-star member of the Volleyball team, earned the Valedictorian in last May’s commencement.
Athletes like All- American David Fuentes, who is a member of the St. Edward’s cross country team and a senior is another prime example. Fuentes represented St. Edward’s well by winning three-straight Heartland Conference Runner of the Year awards, three appearances in the NCAA Regional’s, and two appearances in the NCAA National Championship. In addition he is the first St. Edward’s Cross Country runner selected to be an All-American. Fuentes and Vorphol are just two examples of the wonderful legacy of success this campus can produce.
This year also marks the 35th anniversary of Women’s athletics here at St. Edward's University. In the coming weeks there will be several events celebrating this. It is hard to imagine a time when this campus was without all of the great female athletes who have done so well in their respective sports and I look forward to many more successful years.
The Student body is showing their pride as more students are attending games. Currently the average men’s basketball attendance is 487, which is 61 more students per game than last season. A true testament to the hard work of the student athletes, as well as the spirit organization the Hillraisers.
The St. Edward's University campus has seen many changes recently. New buildings and new faces are everywhere. Student Life recently added four assistant directors to handle the great responsibility of working with students, student organizations and initiatives around campus. St. Edward’s hired a new Police Chief, in Chief Randy Rendon; as well as several new officers. The campus also hired top notch administrators including Rhonda Cartwright, Vice President of Financial Affairs and Robert Manzer, to the new Vice President of academic affairs.
Moving outside of Personnel acquisitions, The physical landscape is changing. St. Edward’s is currently in talks with the city of Austin for a multi-million dollar deal to enhance the front of the campus along Congress, making our front entrance more beautiful and noticeable in the process. New Campus buildings and renovated one’s have also made their mark. Our Lady Queen of Peace Chapel recently received a brand new exterior, windows and fresh coat of paint. The Recreation and Convocation center recently received a brand new welcoming entrance; Sorin hall is currently undergoing major renovations to make our experience their a better and safer one and construction has begun on the new home for the behavioral and social sciences, additional office space and classrooms that will replace the legacy hall of Doyle.
Of course, the most high-profile building is coming on-line. The New Residence village, which is now the largest building on campus, has students already moved in. Student Government Association members recently went on a tour of the new community and found it to indeed be the unique building we were promised. While construction on the building is not complete the new dining facility is planned to be opened on Saturday, February 14th. And the Grand opening for the Hunt, LeMans and Lady Bird Johnson halls will be Tuesday, February 17th following President Martin’s meeting.
Truly this new building presents many challenges to a growing campus, but it should be looked at with great opportunity.
Other campus facilities also saw some changes. The University Bookstore’s management changed hands. After completing an exhaustive search and bid process the Texas Book company was awarded the opportunity to operate the campus store. The Texas book company has major plans for the former natatorium, which has taken many forms over the last several decades.
Across the breezeway in the meadow’s coffee shop has undergone the third name change in as many years, to the locally owned Texenza. What is important to keep in mind throughout all of these many changes is that students were included in many of the initial discussions at unprecedented numbers. Yet, there is still much more that can be done. I urge that moving forward any significant change’s that will impact students must have student input. Our student’s posses skills that should be utilized. Projects and initiatives must have students involved. If we are to maintain this positive campus that I know exists, Students should be the first on administrators minds.
In trying to meet the new demands our larger campus has, the Student Government Association expanded many areas and has evolved to make a better organization for the students. I am proud to say that our entrance into academic school representation has gone well. The Student Government Association made a commitment to the belief that students have a need to be represented in their areas of academia. Therefore we eliminated several “traditional seats”, those reserved for class based representation and added two seats per academic school. The School representative elections coincided with the freshmen elections and drew a sizable amount of interest. Not surprisingly the behavioral and social Science seat alone saw five students running for two spots. As the School representatives continue meeting with their deans and listening to their respective student constituency, I am confident that these positions will continue to foster interest from those within certain majors and continue expanding, therefore bringing the much needed academic diversity to the association.
In addition to this change, the Student Government Association made a commitment to expand the area of Student Representation dramatically. Under the Direction of Vice President Bethany Carroll, the Student Representation committee has grown from two members to nine and taken on the very important role of placing students in the various campus committee’s, acting as the eyes and ears for Student Government and the student body. This committee provides an important loop that allows the student representatives within the committee to report back on those committees and in turn allow for Student Government to provide feedback. Last semester alone saw students being placed on over 35 university committees. Some include the Academic Council, Campus Safety & Police Affairs Committee, the City of Austin Mayor’s Council on Student Affairs and the Presidential Environmental Signing Committee.
In an ongoing effort with the University Police Department and the office of Student Affairs the Student Parking and Traffic Court has had a wonderful start to its second year. This year has seen a substantial increase in campus recognition and the court’s docket is on task to exceed over 200 cases by the end of the semester. A great thanks needs to be extended to the Justices and the support staff of the court.
Legislation has recently flooded the Senate chambers. These pieces of legislation range from making daily life here at St. Edward’s easier to issues that require advanced amount of research. Whatever the size and scope of the issue, let it be known that Student Government must pursue action. There is no issue too small or too expansive for us to handle.
There are many Senators working hard on legislation. I would like to highlight a few of them. Junior Executive Senator Bryce Bencivengo’s Athletic Banners resolution has demonstrated an effort to expand our athletic spirit. To increase awareness and bolster pride in the excellence of the St. Edward’s athletic community the Athletic Banners resolution proposes improving and updating the awards banners displayed in the Recreation and Convocation Center.
SGA is also currently researching the Reinstatement of the Pass/No Pass option that proposes at the very least Grandfathering in the new policy regarding Science in Perspective courses. There are several resolutions concerning the beautification and safety of our campus that aims to make our tenure here better. And of course the issue that is at the forefront of every student’s minds: tuition. This common concern has been addressed in Senate by Executive Academic School Senator Christopher Duke in his resolution S.E.U. A.C.T. N.O.W. This resolution is meant to provide research on possible alternatives to the current raises in tuition.
Going forward your Student Government Association will continue evolving under amazing student leadership in order to make the student experience here better. There are many issues around campus that are still left to be solved. Such as what to do with Capstone, how to make our campus more environmentally friendly, is plus/minus grading acceptable, and how will our campus move forward in the next five years? You as a Student have a responsibility to use your VOICE and let us know what we can do for you.
We are an organization that prides itself by being the body who looks out for student concerns and works with all areas of campus to ensure the highest quality of educational experience available. The Student Government Association members have spent countless hours and sacrificed many evenings either in meetings, working on legislation, or any other duty being a member of SGA requires. And should be proud.
In conclusion I want to thank all of you for taking time out from your busy first week to come here. I myself am missing class right now.
What I want you to take away from here is a few points. This campus is thriving. While other campuses are facing much harder economic times, our University has positioned itself well for the coming months. But that does not mean that sacrifices are not going to have to be made. We are certainly not immune from this turbulent time, but we are somewhat protected. Troubled roads are ahead and expectations are certainly not high.
Yet this campus is still optimistic. The Holy Cross traditions are still alive and fostering to the mission of the university. And that translates into an education that is meaningful. I assure you that every faculty and staff members here truly does want you to succeed.
And this campus is also prepared, prepared for the future because the students here are some of the best around. We are also a very young campus. Out of the 3,397 undergraduate students nearly 1,170 are classified as freshmen. So I have this to say to you freshmen and everyone else who attends. It is not too late to get involved. There are many opportunities around campus and Austin that are worth your time. Take advantage of every service there is to offer. Make the most out every moment you have. Remain optimistic that we will get through these tough times.
And always remember that you should never be afraid of the things you cannot control, but always afraid of things you can control and do not. For that is the reason you are on this campus, to control your future and change the world. I wish nothing but the best, and on behalf of the student Government Association have a great semester. Thank you and God bless.
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