The Student Voice

Volume 1, Issue 1   January 2002
A Monthly Newsletter published by students, for students.  Published by The Undergraduate Student Government at The Ohio State University at Marion.  Please contact us with comments or concerns at the university or via e-mail at usgmarion@hotmail.com.

What Is USG?

Many of you are probably asking yourselves ëWhat is USG and why should I care?í Well, USG is Undergraduate Student Government and you probably should.  USG is a student run organization that helps to represent the cares and concerns of the student body to the staff and faculty of the university.  Are you concerned about the high prices of books?  So is USG!  Do you want more activities and better facilities for students? Do you want better printing services and easier access to faculty and staff?  So does USG!  If you have concerns or cares about Ohio State Marion, then USG wants to know about it!  We have many ways we can reach out to the student body.  The best way is e-mail USG at usgmarion@hotmail.com. If you really want to make a difference, please feel free to join by coming to our meetings on Mondays at Noon in the Student Center Room 112C. Thanks, and we hope to hear from everyone soon! 

Written by Brian McGlothlin,
USG President

USG Research on Campus Safety

In November, the Undergraduate Student Government conducted a survey that focused on campus safety.  Out of the 273 students who completed the survey 96% feel safe on campus and only 1% feel unsafe.  (All other percentages fall in between the two categories).   Although, the results of the survey show that students feel safe on campus, they do not feel their personal things such as books, purses, and cars are as safe on campus.  These figures range from 47-54% feel their personal property is safe.  Out of the four crimes the survey listed, students are most afraid that they will be a victim of having personal property stolen and vandalism.  The survey's also revealed better lighting on the walkways and parking lots are needed.  Students feel the walkways between the Library Center to the 3rd parking lot (17%) and between Morrill Hall to the Student Center (12%) need to have better lighting.  Along with the walkways, 25% of students feel there needs to be more lighting in the 3rd parking lot.  Improvements with lighting over the walkways and parking lots could ease the nervousness of some students, but it is obvious that the results show the majority of students feel safe on campus.  USG would like to thank all students who participated in this survey.  If you have any comments dealing with campus safety or the campus in general feel free to fill out a comment card at the USG Desk located inside the Student Center office.  

Written by Alicia Linden,
 USG Senator at Large 

*(Results were conducted over a 3 day period and included all students willing to complete a survey.  Results are based on students (male and female of all ages attending morning, afternoon, and evening classes) who attend The Ohio State University at Marion campus.)

Get Involved and Have Some Fun!!!


Yeah itís cold and you had to park in the last space in the last parking lot, but hey man, ainít it great to be back in school?  Winter quarter can be a long and frigid ten weeks spent inside with nothing to do but read your $99.95 textbook.  Why not break the monotony of winter by joining a student organization on the OSUM campus.  No matter your college major or personal areas of interest, there is a student group to fit your needs.    

Participating in student organizations will allow you to share your opinions and talents with other students.  While contributing to the group, you will learn communication and problem solving skills and organizational techniques.  These skills will aid you greatly in your life beyond college in the real world of employment.  Besides being fun, you can join for the standard reasonÖit looks great on a resume!

Contact Student Affairs Director Kim Ferguson for a complete list of student organizations as well as positions available for students to serve on University related committees.

Here are some tips to help you make Winter Quarter 2002 a total success.
ï  Get organized early.  Make sure you have your textbooks and materials purchased early in the quarter.
ï  Donít miss class. Try to ignore the cold weather and make it to all your classes this quarter.
ï  Get to know your professor.  All OSUM professors have office hours and encourage you to use them.
ï  Form a study group with other members of your class to help prepare for your exams.
ï  Make sure you have a reliable person you can share information with in the event of a missed class.
ï  Visit your Academic Advisor at least once this quarter.
ï  Get involved.  Join a campus group like USG!

Written by Shellie Shirk,
Vice-President, USG Marion

Student Opinion Section:
Are You Helping or Hurting Yourself?

Written by Alicia Linden 

Student involvement on the OSUM campus has always been something the staff and faculty strives for.  Lately to my knowledge, I have not seen as much involvement from the students.  There are two incidences that come to mind when I think of the lack of student involvement.  The first occurred when the University was searching for a new math tutor.  There were two qualified candidates, which met with the University in hope to be hired for the job.  The University thought it would be appropriate for the candidates to meet with students during an open forum who attend OSUM and get students' opinions on the two candidates.  There were distinctive days and times for the two candidates to meet with students and this information was publicized in advance.  So how many students showed up for the open forums to ask questions?  One.  It was me.  Does that make me special because I was the only one who attended?  No, of course not, it just makes me involved.  The other event that took place was the Academic Advising search.  The qualified candidates met with faculty, staff, and students on specified days and times, which was once again publicized in advance.  Out of the three candidates my schedule allowed me to meet with only one candidate and write questions on a piece of paper for another candidate.  So how many students showed up for these open forums?  A total of five.  This was wonderful for the one candidate that all these students showed up for.  But for the other two candidates not one student showed up. 

I guess what I am trying to say is that the faculty and staff have pushed for the students to be able to be involved on the search process for qualified candidates.  It is upsetting to think the University is putting together open forums for the students to attend and very few students actually do take the time to attend.  You, the students, can benefit from these forums by asking questions, sharing your opinions and ideas.  After the forums the staff and faculty ask the students to evaluate the candidates.  When doing this you can share your opinions and concerns with the University about the candidates.  By students helping to evaluate the candidates it helps the university pick the best-qualified person for the open position on campus.  I guess what I am trying to say is that the faculty and staff have pushed for the students to be able to be involved on the search process for qualified candidates and very few students take advantage of this opportunity.  You are helping yourself by attending open forums.  That way the best-qualified candidate hired will be able to help you in return.  Please take time to become involved on campus either through open forums or through groups on campus.

To submit an article or make a comment, please contact USG at usgmarion@hotmail.com or visit our USG Desk in the Student Center room 104C.


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