By Michelle Lewis Aller
michellel@newsroom.byu.edu
BYUSA - a name heard and seen all around campus. So what is BYUSA?
'It's an organization of students that represent the student body,' said Chelsea Williams, 19, a sophomore from Orange, Calif., majoring in nursing.
Founded in 1988 by a collaborative effort of students, staff members and BYU President Jeffrey R. Holland, BYUSA is the acronym for Brigham Young University Student Service Association.
According to the BYUSA charter, BYUSA replaced the former student association ASBYU to 'phase out some of the conflicts and power struggles associated with conventional student governments.'
'BYUSA is the main student organization on campus. It provides the students that serve in BYUSA with opportunities to make a contribution to the campus while providing numerous activities, programs and club opportunities for the entire student body,' said BYUSA President Bill Brady.
Rachel Welton, 20, a junior from Stockton, Calif., majoring in English, is the vice president of public relations for BYUSA.
'BYUSA is an association that gives students an opportunity to serve and give back to BYU,' Welton said.
BYUSA is the backbone of most clubs and organizations on campus. The association also produces activities like the Fall Fling and provides service opportunities for students.
Wendi Conkey, 22, a junior from Bloomfield, Colo., majoring in art education, volunteers at BYUSA.
'I thought it would be a great way to get an experience and serve,' Conkey said.
Welton said any student can serve who wants to.
'There are thousands of opportunities to get involved. If someone wants to get involved, they can,' Welton said.
With students' hectic schedules, students with little time commitments can even serve.
'Whether people can volunteer one hour every other week or five hours a week, we can find somewhere they can serve,' Welton said.
A student body president and executive vice president lead BYUSA. There are seven vice presidents who are assigned over areas, and there are executive directors within those areas to assist the vice presidents.
The seven areas with vice presidnents are campus activities, campus organizations, community service, design and technology, public relations, student advisory council and the university student council.
David Lucero, assistant director of student leadership, supervises BYUSA and reports to the Dean of Students. The dean answers to the the Vice President of Student Life, Janet Scharmann, who reports to President Bateman.
'We exist to give students an opportunity to contribute to BYU and create talents,' Welton said.
Students interested in BYUSA can contact their office at 801-378-3901. The BYUSA office is at 3400 Wilkinson Student Center.