Executive Council considers changes to information booth
The Utah State University Student Association Executive Council is discussing alternatives to the way officers interact with students at the information booth in the Taggart Student Center.
During recent executive council meetings, Student Advocate Vice President Samuel Jackson has proposed measures that would significantly cut down on the amount of time officers spend at the booth.
On Feb. 19, Jackson introduced Executive Council Bill 2019-02, legislation that would restructure information booth hours and make attendance for USUSA officers mandatory only during the first two weeks of each semester.
Jackson said cutting down on the amount of time officers spend at the booth for the majority of the school year would be beneficial and a more effective use of time by the officers.
Part of Jackson’s concern stems from what he perceives as a lack of focus on the booth’s purpose.
“I think the purpose of the info booth is not clearly stated. Are we there to answer questions? Are we there to be a face of USUSA? This is just something we are expected to do,” Jackson said. “It seems like this time could be used more efficiently.”
According to Linda Zimmerman, the director of student involvement and leadership center staff, members of the executive council are expected to fill certain requirements including spending 10 hours a week in their assigned office.
Members of the executive council are also currently expected to spend at least an hour each week manning the booth.
Students come to the booth with a variety of questions, often asking about different events and locations on campus.
Taylor Johansen, a member of the USUSA president’s cabinet, said “It would be hard to repurpose this or redistribute its purpose to the other surrounding vicinities. It’s either that or have tons of lost people wandering around the TSC.“
As a member of the president’s cabinet, Johansen is also expected to volunteer at least 30 minutes a week manning the booth. Johansen said that on average he expects to speak to five or six students during his half-hour shift.
“I think it’s well staffed and has good information,” Johansen said. “It’s a good resource.”
In a discussion following the first reading of the measure, Jackson said that the bill would not affect the amount of time spent at the booth by members of the president’s cabinet. However, Zimmerman noted that not all USUSA presidents have had a cabinet.
After the bill’s first reading on Feb. 19, the executive council decided to table the proposed legislation in order to review and make changes to the bill.
“All our bills have to go through two readings before it comes to life,” Zimmerman said.
According to Jackson, the bill is currently in progress as the council reviews the legislation.