With every new year comes change, and this year, Student Government is no different.
Not only do we have a new logo and new initiatives, but we have many new representatives who are eager to work with their constituents.
Loyola University New Orleans has one of the strongest governing bodies, yet students outside of Student Government don’t really know what we do. In this piece, I hope that I can clarify what’s going on right now in SGA and where we hope to see representation of Loyola students in the future.
One of the initiatives carrying on from last year is the Honor Code. This student-driven initiative was well received within the university since it complements our Jesuit Heritage and furthers our Jesuit Mission.
It received the Faculty Senate’s approval, and now with the help of Fr. Wildes and Dr. Kvet, we are looking for a way to implement it within the university. We are working to show it in a positive light, not as a punitive tool.
Another concern during elections was the safety of the campus. This summer, new cameras were installed in West Road Garage for students to feel safer walking to and from their cars.
In addition, more cameras were placed strategically on campus to heighten our university’s security.
Concerns about the retention rate were thought to be only an administrative problem. Retention efforts started from the administrative side, but now it’s time for efforts to come from the students. School spirit is something that brings all students together. 
Thus, Student Government has teamed up with Athletics and Residential Life increase school spirit.
This year we will hand out free Loyola Maroon Platoon Spirit Shirts and memorabilia to students who attend games. Students will be able to win prizes at games, as well as receive food discounts when wearing this shirt.
We hope to increase the number of students attending games as well as increase maroon and gold colors on campus to create a more cohesive Loyola community.
Student Government will also make sure to be fair to all organizations when allocating funds.
Vice President Maria Rossi and I have agreed that those organizations that attend the House of Representatives meetings will have a better chance for budget and space allocations.
Also, those organizations that are open to co-programming and interacting with the community during programs and events will have a better chance of receiving the amount of funds that they request.
Student Government wants to be known as a one-stop association for students. We offer the Richard Frank Grant to students who need funds for scholarly research.
We offer The Graduate Test Rebate for students with unmet financial need. This rebate helps to offset the costs associated with registering for the LSAT, MCAT, GRE, GMAT and other graduate level standardized tests.
In addition, we can help students start their own student organization at Loyola.
Do you have any questions, comments, or concerns about the issues happening on campus? Do you want to have a say in what major band performs at the Loyola Loup Garou spring concert? We want to hear it!
Come to Senate meetings or to the Executive Office in the Danna Center. Vice President Maria Rossi and I want to hear what you have to say.
We look forward to making the best out of 2009-2010!