With new faces in the administration of the Student Association, students can expect a different kind of relationship between SA and UB starting this semester.
"SA is really looking to reach out to the community this year and have more interaction with Buffalo," said Alison Merner, director of Club Services.
According to Leslie Meister, SA vice president, academics will be a primary focus for SA. One of their most immediate accomplishments has been extending Capen Library's hours to twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week.
"Students are here for academics first," Meister said.
Many students agreed with this sentiment.
"I think the main purpose of school should be to educate, not entertain," said freshman architecture major Kyle Smith.
The subject of academics was not just targeted for UB, though. Working in conjunction with the EOP, the Buffalo Board of Education and the Director of Recreation and Intramural Services, SA is striving to provide a program for Buffalo youth, according to SA president Viqar Hussain.
"We are targeting all inner city high school students to provide them with the tools to not only be successful in high school, but life skills that will benefit them in higher education and beyond," he said.
Currently, SA has made available enough tutors to help 100 children in the Buffalo area.
"It's about time that someone steps up and takes care of the problem," said Hussain.
Along with academics, unity and awareness of diversity is an important goal. Several members of SA this year have emphasized that UB is a very diverse community.
"Our biggest goal is to show UB how diverse it is," said Meister. "Our entertainment department is at the top of its game, and that department is key in incorporating diversity into student life."
Fall Fest, which will be a large contribution to diversity on campus, will feature reggae artist Sean Paul. Next semester will focus on rock-based music and artists at Spring Fest.
"We want to create an environment where people who wouldn't otherwise interact can," said Matt Mays, director of SA Entertainment.
Student clubs can also look forward greater financial support this year, as
SA has formed a new Corporate Relations Department to help clubs and SA increase fundraised revenue, according to Meister.
"SA definitely has money set aside right now to hand back to the clubs," said Peter Grollitsch, SA treasurer. "Obviously, we realize that fundraising can't raise everything."
The Student Association is also tentatively planning to open a new office on South Campus at 350 Harriman Hall by the end of the month in the hope that it will attract more people and activity to this second campus, according to Hussain.
In the immediate future, students can look forward to Xtreme Air on Sept. 7, which features a fan that simulates skydiving, according to Hussain. Also featured that day will be a block party and barbeque before the football game, followed by Fall Fest on Sept. 8. In October, SA Activities Manager Adriana Vivenette is planning a game of Laser Tag on the fourth, as well as Spirit Week and Homecoming.
"I want every student to know their voice will be heard," said Hussain. "And SA is where they should come to project it."
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
