Time for a new edition of Notes...  I hope everyone is enjoying the warmer weather even if we’re getting a lot of rain these days.  I’m beginning to believe that joke about WCU standing for “we carry umbrellas” but I’m not complaining.  We need the rain to break the state-wide drought. 

So let me get to it...  I’ve got a couple of topics I want to share with everyone: student government elections and your WCU bills for fall semester.

Student Government Association elections are here!  One of the things I’ve noticed during my first year here at Western is that it seems like most students don’t really have a very high opinion of the SGA.  I think a lot of that has to do with not knowing all the stuff SGA does for students.  When I hear students say those things, I always tell them that the answer isn’t to ignore SGA, instead folks should get involved to help improve it.  SGA really does work for the benefit of all students.  Obviously it doesn’t make sense for everyone to run for an office, but at the very least, everyone can make a difference by taking the time to vote and let your voice be heard.  Voting starts on Tuesday at 12:01 am and closes Wednesday at Midnight on-line through Catamount Connections.  To vote you need to login (use your 920# as the password) and you’ll see a link for SGA Elections.  SGA is also sponsoring a Rock the Vote event Tuesday starting at 5:30pm on the UC Lawn.

One of the items you’ll see on the ballot is Constitutional Amendment 2701 - an initiative to restructure the SGA Senate.  This amendment will reformulate the SGA Senate so it can work more effectively for students!  Instead of senators being elected based on where they live, the new senate would include class-based positions for freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors, as well as issue-focused senate seats to improve SGA’s responses to issues students care about.  I think this is a great idea and would help SGA make an even bigger difference for students at Western!  So when you are filling out that ballot, make your vote count.  Vote “YES!” on Amendment 2701!

Moving on to the next subject...

The University has identified your Catamount email account as our official business communication tool.  In other words, when the University needs to communicate directly with you as a student we’re going to use the email account we’ve provided for you.  That email account matters!  And for the first time, this summer your tuition and fee bills will be emailed to your Catamount email account - there won’t be any paper bills sent in the regular mail.  This is huge people!  This summer, if you and your parents are looking for that bill in the mailbox at your house, well, y’all will be looking in the wrong place.  You’ve gotta remember to keep checking your official Catamount email all summer long!

Featured program for this note...

“The Century Project Exhibit” will be on display April 7-9th in the UC Multipurpose Room.  Another program from Women’s History Month.  This provocative photography exhibit shows females ranging from birth to nearly 100 years old, challenging our perceptions on body image.  Learn more at www.wcu.edu/6885.asp or at www.thecenturyproject.com

Finally...

Let me know what’s on your minds and what you’re thinking about, so send me an email: vc-notes@wcu.edu  Send me your emails, I’ll read ‘em.  In future notes, I’ll cut and paste some of the questions I receive along with the answers I find out.  I’ll also address any rumors or concerns or just odd questions that you might have on your mind.  If nothing else, I’m always looking for some good tunes for my iPod - let me know what’s on your playlist!

Thanks for reading and I hope y’all enjoy some of these nice spring days!  Finals are just a few weeks away...  Finish strong!

Take care and look out for each other!  - Sam