Dear Fellow Students,
As the end of the semester approaches, we want to update you about what BYUSA has been doing so far this year. With the help of our volunteers, we have served a total of more than 50,000 students at activities and other programs since April, more than 2,500 students have joined one of BYUSA’s 70 clubs, and, for the first time, BYU’s student organizations across campus met as a part of the University Student Council. As the result of one student’s suggestion, we held a memorial service Sept. 11. We welcome your suggestions for other programs and events for the upcoming semester.
In addition to all of our regular events that make campus more fun, we have been working to accomplish our election initiatives from last March. Over the summer, BYUSA’s Student Advisory Council surveyed students regarding improvements to library services. We presented the results to the Library Administrative Council, and as a result, the library has extended its Spring/Summer hours to midnight beginning this year. We also provided the library with student preferences regarding eating areas and alternate entrances to plan improvements for the future.
Together with BYU Athletics Marketing we held the first annual Rise and Shout Pep rally with President Cecil O. Samuelson, Athletic Director Tom Holmoe, Football coach Bronco Mendenhall, the football team, band and cheer squad. The climax of the rally was the promised reintroduction of the BYU Victory Bell, which has been rung many times since September. In addition to other spirit-related events during the semester, we most recently hosted a live broadcast of our stunning victory over Utah to over 300 students in the WSC Terrace. If you are heading down to Las Vegas for the Pioneer Bowl, keep an eye out for the BYUSA booth and what it has to offer.
In an effort to increase awareness among students about issues in Provo City, we have been monitoring city council meetings throughout the semester. A town hall meeting will be held with City Council Chairman George O. Stewart on Thursday, at 11 a.m. in the WSC Garden Court. Mayor Lewis Billings has also expressed interest in appearing at a similar event next semester.
You may have noticed new solitary print stations in locations around campus. BYUSA has teamed up with the Office of Information Technology to promote and place these stations. With the Open Access Printing Client program (available at oit.byu.edu), you can send print jobs from your home or laptop computer to printers anywhere on campus. We have also provided the Office of IT with your input for the expansion of wireless service across campus. Based on your feedback, we are currently looking into a possible plan to expand wireless to outdoor locations such as Brigham Square and other quads.
Progress began last year on providing students with more information regarding their classes prior to registration. After working on the project for a year and a half, many plans have been proposed. BYUSA is currently gathering course syllabi from selected classes and will be posting them on our Web site (byusa.byu.edu) beginning next semester. In addition, we have been working with the administration in their development of pre-determined learning outcomes for each course, program and major on campus. While still in the early stages, these objectives will eventually give students a clear picture of what to expect from their courses and programs.
We have been excited about all of these developments, and look forward to accomplishing more next semester. As finals and projects come to an end, we hope all of us as students will find ways, even with our busy schedules, to participate in the many meaningful service opportunities this season provides. We wish you a Merry Christmas; hope you will travel safely and return to campus with a renewed resolve to affect the lives of those around us.
– Chris Giovarelli, BYUSA President
– Tristan Leavitt, BYUSA Vice-President
