Find your place at WVU and embrace it

Many students come to West Virginia University and wonder what is student government? How do I get involved? What can SGA do for me as a student?

As your student government leaders, we're here to answer those questions for you and represent you daily.

For many years, the WVU Student Government Association has served as a direct link between students and the WVU administration and has been committed to speaking up on their behalf.

This year, we are about reform. We are setting out to create opportunity for students by empowering them to speak for themselves and facilitating their work with administrators.

SGA meets Wednesdays at 7:30 p.m. in Hatfields B of the Mountainlair.

There are two separate opportunities during our meetings, referred to as "Open Student Forums," when students can come voice their concerns about issues on campus and around Morgantown.

You don't have to be elected to become part of the
process – you simply have to be a student with a passion and concern for campus issues and a desire to leave WVU better than you found it.

Your student government is made up of President Chris Lewallen, Vice President Ron K. Cheng, an executive branch, a judicial branch and 15 members of the Board of Governors.

Student government members are your average students, ranging from freshmen to graduate students studying majors from every college.

No matter what your concern may be, we will be dedicated and diligent in speaking up on these issues that affect the lives of our students.

The best way to get involved in SGA is to come to a meeting and be engaged in the process. If you can't make a meeting, please feel free to e-mail us or stop by our offices in the Mountainlair.

It is very exciting to be one of your student leaders at this time. We have a president, James P. Clements, a visionary leader who is excited to get the students engaged.

In addition, we have a new provost, Michele Wheatly, and a new chancellor of Health Sciences, Christopher Colenda.

This year, we are particularly focused on Student Health, club sports and textbook prices.

We will be lobbying the state legislature for many other issues such as: towing, landlord laws, predatory practices from banks and taxi services.

However, there are many other issues on campus that we will continue to advocate. We are so glad you have decided to come to West Virginia University.

For us, we have been extremely fortunate to have opportunities to serve and call Morgantown our home. You will be part of this ongoing tradition as part of the 2010-11 freshman class. We hope you become involved, learn all of our Mountaineer traditions and embrace the Mountaineer spirit.

Even if you don't choose to become involved in student government, find something else that you love and get involved in it.

WVU has many student organizations in which you can be a part of.

Find your place at West Virginia University and embrace it.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at SGA@mail.wvu.edu Our office is located in the Student Organizations wing of the Mountainlair.

And remember, reform and opportunity: reforming our campus and bringing opportunity to everyone.