Student Senate is more successful than ever

Missouri Southern has a Student Senate. It may have been little-known outside registered student organizations in the past; however, this is quickly changing. I am absolutely confident when I say that this has been our most successful Student Senate in our history. Here is why I can make this bold claim.

At the beginning of last semester, it was decided that if were to act our part, we would dress for it. Senators now dress in formal attire and meet biweekly in the Board of Governors room. In our off week, Senators meet in one of our three major committees to address specific concerns related to that committee.

Public Relations committee was a new major committee. They developed the idea to put three comment boxes for student convenience on campus so that they could reach out and address people's concerns. Without student input, the Senate can struggle with events taking place on campus.

The Senate heard the students' input on the Lion Card fee of $25 and took steps to reduce that fee to $10. It was successful in doing so.

The Finance Committee has dedicated itself to being fiscally responsible by eliminating wasteful spending. By being responsible with its budget, Senate is poised to take on larger projects and issues in the years to come.

Student Senators also created a float this year and nominated two individuals for Homecoming. When winter approached, your Senate was in the Lions' Den handing out complimentary hot chocolate. During the break, three senators departed for their new intern jobs in Jefferson City, and another Senator went to the Governor's Leadership Conference. In January, most members participated with various campus organizations in our Martin Luther King, Jr. Day of Service to show how important it is to help our community.

The Senate started its first community service project. We hosted the St. Baldricks event, fundraising over $3,000 for childhood cancer research. Many heads were shaved, and hopefully many lives can be saved.

The Senate was granted a great opportunity to present issues to the Board of Governors. This was the first time in several decades our Senate was able to meet in that capacity. By establishing better communication with our administration, we have been able to address the smoking policy on campus, and make a move toward getting an electronic sign for our University. The Senate appropriated $10,000 for the electronic sign. The 2003 Senators proposed the sign idea, and eight years later the idea left the dusty table and become a reality thanks to the Student Senate Capitol Improvement Committee.

The Student Senate was also able to establish a new forum for organizations to meet, be heard and come with projects or issues they want the Student Senate to tackle. It is called the Student Innovation Council. The Council will strengthen communication between those we wish to represent.

Your Senate also, for the first time, established two new scholarship opportunities. What better thing to invest in than an education? That's our point exactly.

The Senate also revamped its image by creating its first logo.

We sent six Senators to Washburn for a leadership competition. With the experience gained, hopefully we can establish our own in the future. The Senate also requested a review of the campus smoking policy, deliberated on shared governance, and attended multiple University committees. Last, but certainly not least, we rewrote our Constitution. This was no small undertaking. By simplify, clarifying, and eliminating outdated clauses, the Senate is stronger and more efficient.

I am proud of the hard work our Senators put into continuing the tradition of making our University better. This was just one year. Next year will be equally great with your help. Senate no longer accepts apathy. We are here to stay and are at your service.