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New and Improved

Written by Julie Ann Sanchez

Friday, 22 August 2008 02:44 PM

Innovations are in store this fall that some campus groups may notice as they make their way back to school. Organization members will find new initiatives from the Student Governance and Organizations office that includes a risk management requirement and an online program called MavSync, which allows campus groups to maintain a Web site and the use of online voting for campus elections. A new policy requires organizations to participate in a risk management program mandated by a Texas House Bill that took effect Sept. 2007, said Carter Bedford, Student Governance and Organizations associate director. Those sessions will include an in-person presentation or online module. Additional criteria include any organization that has been cited in the past for a violation. Bedford said the program lacks final approval from the appropriate channels but expects it to be in place by fall. “It’s going to be approved. We’ll be good to go by that time,” he said. Organizations will also have the opportunity to participate in an online system that gives Web space to student groups. The system is expected to be available by Sept. and will offer campus groups networking capability similar to that of Facebook, custom-designed Web sites, news feeds, mass text messaging and member directories. “This is a way to involve everyone — not every group can afford a Webmaster,” Bedford said. The service costs nothing for active campus organizations, with costs covered by the Student Initiative Fund for Technology. Discussion of incorporating online voting for fall and spring elections is also on Student Governance and Organizations agenda. Research on finding an appropriate online voting program has been in the works for a year and a half and the university is in discussion with a company. “We want something secure with a fixed IP address,” he said. “ ... and keep the integrity of an election. We want you to still do your civic duty and still go to a polling station.” Besides all the new additions and regulations concerning campus groups, students should remember that many groups cater to each individual, said Jamie Williams, Student Governance and Organizations director. “I would encourage students to get involved,” she said. “There are lots of opportunities — especially leadership opportunities.” Jenny Blankenship, along with Tamma Jones and Teresa Lehew, founded their own organization, the Not Exactly Traditional students, in Nov. 2007. More than a year later, the group has 50 members. Blankenship said the Student Affairs office told her NexT’s membership numbers were impressive compared to other established campus organizations. The organization caters to students who have been to college before, already have a degree or began college before age 18. The group offers study buddies, carpooling services and a new program in the works called Childcare Partners. “It’s far and spread, the way to graduation,” Blankenship said of the group’s members. “Nontraditional students deal with a lot of responsibility.” Views: 1080 | E-mail   Be first to comment this article Powered by AkoComment Tweaked Special Edition v.1.4.6 AkoComment © Copyright 2004 by Arthur Konze - www.mamboportal.com All right reserved

Last Updated ( Wednesday, 24 September 2008 03:24 PM )

 

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