Student government elections are here, with a three-way contest for the position of Student Body President. All are young, all have at least a semester of experience on the Student Senate, and all have ideas of the direction this university needs to head. Facing a new university President, a worsening financial situation, decreasing enrollment, the creation of a new core curriculum and the possible suspension of academic programs, next year's student leader will have a lot to think about.
In 2004, 862 freshmen enrolled at USM. Now four years later, it can be estimated that only between 80 and 130 of those students will graduate this May. By May '09, it's likely that only between 215 and 240 of the original 2004 cohort will have graduated. What happened to the other 600 students? About half of them, roughly 290 students, left USM before they could enter their sophomore year.
They may be brand new, but they're ready to go. Amnesty International, USM's newest student organization, is already busy planning a week-long series of discussions, music and films for Human Rights Week. Amnesty, which was officially recognized as a group by the Board of Student Organizations (BSO) at their meeting on March 7, seeks to inform and sensitize USM students, faculty, and the public to human rights issues.
1. Benjamin Taylor is a sophomore economics major. Current Activities: USM Student Senate, Vice Chair Greatest concern: A lack of student involvement. Without enough students involved, there's a lack of quality events being planned. Also, student voice is diminished and not taken seriously.
1. Robert W. Ellis is a junior political science major. Current Activities: Public relations chair of the Student Senate, Amnesty International, I am also a USM democrat that understands the importance of bi-partisan cooperation. Greatest concern: My greatest concerns are the opportunities available to you before and after graduation.
1. Julie F. Brewer is a junior biology and math double major. Current Activities: Hall council, student leader trainings, sailing club, chemistry club, biology club, STRIVE, New England Science Bowl, Change '08 Greatest concern: I feel the greatest concern to the USM student body is its lack of good communication and awareness of campus proceedings and activities.
A car of one's own Feb. 13- 4:48 p.m. Welfare check: Checking on occupant of vehicle. Subject was writing a term paper, all set. The phantom car of G-16 Feb. 24 - 11:55 p.m. Suspicious Incident: Vehicle flashing headlights in what appeared to be SOS pattern.
Monday March 17 Student Government Elections- Vote USM! Decide who will represent you on the Student Senate and as Student Body President./ Vote online: www.usm.maine.edu/studentlife/vote08/ All week/ For more information, stop by the Involvement and Activities Center in Woodbury Campus Center.
