Initiatives proposed to unite USU
Director of Student Activities Tiffany Evans and the Activities office has proposed three initiatives to unite alumni leaders, students in Extension programs and current students on campus.
The first initiative, also known as the Capital Campaign Initiative, was proposed by Evans. The initiative will contact all alumni who held leadership positions to create a network of former leaders. The goal of the program is to persuade these former leaders to contribute to the university.
“We want former leaders to feel a connection and come home,” Evans said. “We want to communicate with this group of alumni on a regular basis.”
The goal of the Capital Campaign Initiative is to raise $1 million and to use the accrued interest of $50,000 to pay for scholarships, according to a packet handed out at the Associate Students of Utah State University meeting Tuesday.
“It is a good idea to keep relations with former student leaders and asking them to contribute back to the university. Anyone who had the opportunity to come here would want to continue to contribute,” said Celestial Starr Bybee, ASUSU executive vice president.
“It helps students save money in the long run and creates more money for activities,” ASUSU President Steve Palmer said.
Areas in which contributions would be used include enhancement and expansion of current leadership training, a fall leadership workshop, scholarships and awards. The initiative would also like to create a leadership honorary society which would recognize outstanding seniors for their leadership contributions, according to the packet.
The second initiative is to improve student representation and involvement in each USU Extension Region.
“This organizational structure will enhance the ability to address student needs, establish traditions, and create a sense of belonging to Utah State University,” according to the packet.
Tad Thornton, ASUSU Extension vice president said, “We want students to have a say and address specific needs of students in their area. We want to have stronger unity and to provide better customer service.”
The third initiative introduced is regarding a Campus Community Advisory Board. It would enable focused activities for students with families, graduate, multi-cultural, married and non-traditional students, according to the packet.
Evans said, “The focus would be intentionally narrow. It is not to exclude traditional students, but rather to include the other kinds of students. There is a need to enhance the program types for different populations; to increase learning and engagement.
“The new board would be a way to get all people sitting around a table in hopes to hear more opinions and thoughts on the most effective programs,” she said.
It would be a sounding board for original ideas and events, held responsible for demographics of programs, assessment of existing programs and surveys, according to the packet.
ASUSU Activities Vice President Andy Dilley will be the Chair of the Advisory Board – which will consist of ASUSU officers, the Resident Hall Student Association, student and family housing, Student Alumni Association, multi-cultural representatives and international students.
Dilley said, “Because I’m not married, it’s good to have a sounding board to know what’s going on. From a programmer’s point of view, it’s great.”