The Polytechnic campus is in a very interesting stage of development as it continues to grow and adapt to the required needs of its students and surrounding community.
Undergraduate Student Government has always played a special role in the transformation of the campus, and it would be daft to think that this relationship will not continue to expand as time goes on. With numerous changes occurring around students, from change in colleges to the construction of new buildings and new majors being offered, it is the duty of USG to inform all students that these changes are taking place.
What I expect to see from USG Polytechnic is a continued collaboration with all facets of the campus to provide better services and student life for the students so that their education comes at the highest quality. This year, we have made strides to get students in front of the directors and deans of the different departments.
However, what we occasionally struggle with is creating a relevant and pertinent connection between these services and the students. Simply, how do you convince a student that certain things are important to their success in college? Whether it is associated with them directly or indirectly, these decisions play a part in how it affects every single student.
The ASU Polytechnic location is unique in that you can receive a small campus feel within the larger grand scheme of the ASU umbrella. This benefit is also a challenge because things that would work on a larger level location like Tempe are not tactics that can be effectively executed on the Polytechnic location.
What we as USG Polytechnic need to do better is find unique ways to make issues surrounding education, such as advising, financial aid, career preparation, etc., a priority to our students' interests and let their voices be heard when issues arise.
Fortunately, we have been able to establish open communication lines and the relationship with faculty and staff is amazing. Because of it, we have been able to get a lot of great things accomplished this year for the students. For instance, working with Parking and Transit Services and the Bike Co-Op to install bike fix-it stations as well as students giving input on upcoming PTS packages and lot designations is a result of this work.
USG Polytechnic would also like to enhance our relationship with the current organizations on campus. We want for clubs and organizations to know what we can do for them outside of just funding their great events and initiatives. Overall, I see USG Polytechnic continuing its role as the voice of the students, because it is known that if there are any issues or concerns regarding a student’s education all they need to do is shoot us an email or stop by the office or stop us in the hall. We pride ourselves in representing students because we are students ourselves, and USG Polytechnic continues to demonstrate that pride at the next level toward university-wide initiatives as we work with our fellow Sun Devils at the other locations.
Reach the outgoing USGP president at Franz.Ferguson@asu.edu
Editor’s note: The opinion presented in this column is the author’s and does not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
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