Former Michigan Student Assembly President Fiona Rose brought a bit of classroom academia to her second semiannual MSA address to the University Board of Regents.
Rose used Latin root words to help recap her year as student body president while emphasizing the challenges that lie ahead at a changing university.
"They talk about how much they appreciate academics, so I decided to bring a taste of academia to them," Rose said, referring to the regents.
Current MSA President Mike Nagrant followed Rose's final report with his first presentation to the regents. Nagrant said the regents were receptive to hearing about student issues.
"They seem to have their ears to the ground on students' concerns," Nagrant said.
Both Rose and Nagrant spoke about the pressing issue of tuition increases, and how the continual rise of cost to attend the University could hinder students' access to education.
"Clearly (the rise) has hurt poor students' ability to get an education," Rose said. "And if this trend is not curtailed, the problem will just be worsened."
The student representatives said tuition costs are related to a student's overall experience at the University.
"I lay down on the table that we need to keep the rate of tuition at the rate of inflation," Nagrant said.
As part of their campaign promises, Nagrant and MSA Vice President Olga Savic said they would present to the regents a plan for keeping tuition increases at the rate of inflation.
Rose said she has enjoyed working with the regents, even though the interests of the regents and the students sometimes differed. However, Rose said the board has always been receptive to her opinions.
"They are very concerned with the students and they love Michigan," Rose said. "These two factors make them effective leaders."
Regent Andrea Fischer Newman (R-Ann Arbor) said the relationship between the student body leaders and the regents has been "very good."
"I, for one, had tremendous respect for (Rose and former MSA President Flint Wainess) and look forward to working with the new president," Newman said.
Nagrant also spoke about the importance of maintaining a strong relationship between students and the regents.
"We must continue this partnership to promote effective dialogue," Nagrant said.
He also stressed the significance of a student regent position and the preservation of a culturally diverse campus atmosphere.