LSA-SG plans to increase visibility

By Robert Gold
For The Daily

The various student governments on campus perform services ranging from sponsoring social events to appropriating money to campus organizations. But many students know very little about how the organizations work.

"I know they exist, but I don't know what they do," LSA senior Aimee Steele said.

In an effort to increase awareness among their constituents, the LSA-Student Government is planning to improve its visibility on campus.

"Outreach is a big thing for us this fall," said Andy Kasten, LSA-SG communications committee chair. He said he hopes by going out and talking with students, campus interest in LSA-SG will increase. Kasten said other methods of publicity will include posters, tables set up in Angell Hall and a newsletter scheduled to debut later this month.

Some of the group's activities include helping to formulate a minor program in the College of Literature, Science and the Arts.

The Rackham Student Government takes a slightly different approach in its dealings with constituents.

RSG President Anne Reeves said in a written statement, "We are a small, low-key organization, representing the 6,000 Rackham (graduate) students who are basically much to busy for student government."

Reeves said the fundamental role of the RSG is to provide funds for student and cultural events.

"We are, however, ready to go to bat for (graduate) students whenever the need arises - as it did last year when (the University's Information Technology Division) drastically reduced student services," said Reeves.

The College of Engineering's student government, the University of Michigan Engineering Council, performs similar duties.

"Student awareness of UMEC is on the upswing. In the past, the organization assumed a passive role, and didn't get involved in the daily activities of students," UMEC President Jon Malkovich said in a written statement.

All three organizations hold regular meetings and encourage students to attend. LSA-SG meets at 7:30 p.m. every Tuesday in the Haber Conference Room of the LSA Building. UMEC meetings are held at 7 p.m. every other Wednesday in the East Room of the Pierpont Commons. The next RSG meeting will be held from 7-9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 10, in the West Council Room of the Rackham Building.

02-04-99