At the end of spring semester, Vice President Chris McCarthy was promoted by popular vote to become President of Student Government, gaining not only an impressive resume builder, but also a list of initiatives to set in motion.
After helping to accomplish several programs last year, such as the introduction of the Blockbuster Rental Kiosk and additional commuter parking, McCarthy has successfully proven how to co-pilot a large operation.
The question remains, however, of how he fair at the helm of the biggest student organization on campus.
I recently asked him a series of questions about his goals for the upcoming year and how he plans to lead the student body forward.
The Minaret (M): How has the transition from Vice President to President been and what kinds of changes have you already made to the organization since last semester?
Chris McCarthy (CM): The transition has gone well so far. The Vice Presidency proved to be great training for my current position.
A change we have made within Student Government is to our committee structure.
In past years there was the Residential and Commuter Life committee, and the Campus and Community Life committee.
We realized that it would be more efficient to have them combine into one since they covered many of the same topics.
M: One of SG’s major goals last year was to gain an additional car for the Hertz Car Rental Program that began last year.
To my understanding this has been accomplished by the organization.
How has the feedback been from this program and are people really renting these vehicles?
CM: In order to receive a third vehicle, the ridership needs be maintained at a higher level than it is to date.
We hope to increase usage of the program by informing the students on campus about the benefits of this great program.
Last year the program was successful and we believe, with proper marketing, both new and continuing students will become more aware of the multiple programs sponsored by Student Government.
M: Before summer break, there were initiatives discussed and in progress when the session ended in May.
These included extending library hours, providing $5 t-shirts to purchase in the bookstore and exploring the possibility of having a long weekend break during the fall.
What is the status on any of these items? Were any completed over the summer?
C: We are currently hoping to explore the possibility of some of these initiatives.
Last semester we talked with some helpful individuals from the library about a Student Government funded program.
This program would extend the operating hours until 2:00 a.m. from Sunday to Wednesday during a two week period, and provide information about the number of students utilizing the library later at night.
We look forward to finding out more information about the possibility of this initiative.
Also, we are hoping to speak with university administrators about the ability to create a fall break during October.
We look forward to getting their opinions and input about the possibility of this happening as well.
M: Recently there has been a lot of student backlash about the new printing charges in the computer centers across campus and many believe that SG is behind the costs.
What is your reaction to this and can SG do anything to retro-act this new program?
CM: The new printing sustainability program implemented this semester has never been endorsed or approved by Student Government.
Our organization looks out for the best interests of the student body and we are aware that the new printing costs are an issue of concern.
We have been in contact with members of the Information Technology Department about setting up a meeting to discuss these student concerns.
We hope to find out more about the program and its sustainability initiative, and also how the program could be improved to meet students needs.
M: If you were to name three goals you wish to accomplish this year as President, what would they be and how do you expect to achieve them?
CM: Extend library hours, provide a healthy late night food option, sponsor a new program that would benefit the entire student body.
We did this last year with the Hertz Connect Rental program and the Blockbuster Express DVD rental machine and I would like to continue that again this year.
M: What are the best ways for freshman and new students to get involved with SG and have their voices heard?
CM: We meet every Tuesday night at 7 p.m. the Vaughn Center second floor for the general assembly committee meetings.
The meeting is open to all students, and we encourage any student to share their input or ideas that will help further improve the university.
There are also Student Government Senate, Committee Chair, and Judicial Advisory Board positions available.
Students who are interested can contact the Student Government at sg@ut.edu.