A new school year is upon us...

It's time to start thinking about your fall course loads, the insane costs of text books and getting that hub parking pass before they sell out.

So...what are you waiting for? Get moving.

When you get back, come visit me on my website: www.kristinaachey.com. I will be moving this blog there and will have lots of new fascinating tidbits of information to share with you.

See you on the flip side!

It's my favorite time of year at UCCS

Spring is absolutely my favorite time of year at UCCS. And, I'm not talking about the cold, icy wet Spring that comes and goes as it pleases here in Colorado, but the warm sunny days with cool breezes and cold nights. When the weather finally begins to turn as it is now, everything bursts to life. This is especially true at UCCS.

This time of year, the UCCS landscape blossoms with green grass, beautiful flowers and lots of lively activities. The first in a series of events that will be occurring on campus this spring is happening this Sunday, April 15th on the West Lawn: Family Day. This event meets the unique needs of nontraditional students. It has always been great fun. I hope to see you there!

--------------
BTW I am in love with the West Lawn.

Here is what it looked like when I first came to UCCS as an undergraduate:

And here it is in all it's beauty today:

It really is one of the best features of the UCCS campus. And, when I was an undergrad in English, it was one of my favorite spots to enjoy the warm spring weather and a good novel.

HR07 Update

The resolution passed in the House today with an 8-4 vote and 1 abstention. It was passed with the verbal, yet unwritten understanding that additional work is needed to recognize all other cultural and ethnic heritage months.

As it is not legally required by this resolution or any other guiding document and as good intentions are often forgotten over time, I suggested to Steve Collier, author of HR07 and President-Elect, that efforts be taken before the end of this semester to recognize all other cultural and ethnic heritage months.

If we don't want SGA to appear inconsistent and unfair, it is necessary to pass a resolution that lists all the cultural and ethnic heritage months.

Is Selective Recognition Discriminatory?

Below is a copy of a last minute resolution that was added to the April 6th UCCS SGA House of Representatives Agenda. This document is titled "SGA Formal Recognition of National Arab American Heritage Month." If approved, it has the Legislative Council declaring April 2012 as Arab American Heritage Month and officially recognizing the contribution of Arab American students, staff and faculty. While I believe that Arab Americans are more than worthy of such a month and of such recognition, I have a few problems with this resolution.

Take a read, then I'll fill you in. 

HR07 Arab American Month

Problem #1: It's superficial.

The first "WHEREAS" clearly states that "The University of Colorado Colorado Springs recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month." Additionally, the UCCS SGA Constitution Preamble reads "We, the students of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs (UCCS), according to the authority granted by the Board of Regents of the University of Colorado and the Office of the Chancellor of UCCS, in order to give the students an effective voice in the shared governance of the campus, to provide the students an enriching and fulfilling university experience and to promote the general welfare of the student body, do ordain and establish this constitution of the Student Government Association (SGA). We do so in accordance with the Student Bill of Rights, the Laws and Policies of the Regents of the University of Colorado and the Constitutions of the State of Colorado and the United States of America."

If the University has already declared and recognized April as National Arab American Heritage Month, the SGA, by the laws of their own Constitution, also recognizes April as National Arab American Heritage Month. This is yet another superficial document.

Problem #2: It's limiting

It limits the recognition to contributions in "science, academics, education, business and social justice." Although this does include a wide spectrum, it does exclude a large amount of the Arab American population at UCCS.

Problem #3: It could be considered discriminatory.

Below is a list of all the national history and heritage months I could find. There are 15, yet this is the only such resolution, recognizing a specific heritage and population, presented this academic year. As a result, passing such a resolution could call into question SGA's viewpoint neutrality and could be considered discriminatory by members of other populations at UCCS.

February:
African-American History Month

March:
Greek-American Heritage Month
Irish-American Heritage Month
Women's History Month

April:
Arab-American Heritage Month
Tartan (Scottish-American) Heritage Month

May:
Asian Pacific American Heritage Month
Haitian Heritage Month
Jewish American Heritage Month

July:
French-American Heritage Month

September:
German-American Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month

October:
Filipino American History Month
Italian-American Heritage Month

November:
American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month

I appreciate the effort by the author and sponsors of this resolution. However, when leading a large and diverse population, we need a dynamic viewpoint, a complete understanding of the laws that guide us and an overwhelming respect for grammar, syntax and the definitions

Reason #101 Why I Appreciate Our Chancellor

Okay, so the number is arbitrary, but the sentiment is true.

Last night, I spoke to Chancellor Shockley-Zalabak about the proposed "Long Bill" and the reduction in proposed cuts to higher education. I asked her what the passage of this "Long Bill" (as is) would mean for next year's proposed tuition increases. She told me that if the bill is approved as is that she would use that money that wasn't expected to be in the budget towards decreasing next year's tuition increase. She was very adamant that she wants to keep tuition increases as low as possible. Right now, we are sitting at a proposed tuition increase of 7%; however, if this "Long Bill" is approved (as is), she believes she might be able to lower it by a whole percentage point.

This good news for all of us in the CU system and for higher education institutions across the state.

The "Long Bill" is being heard in the House tomorrow. Check back soon for more updates.

Colorado Springs is smart!

The recently revealed new logo for Colorado Springs.

According to Good Magazine, the Lumina Foundation recently crunched the numbers to find out which cities in the United States have the most educated populations.

Colorado Springs measured up at #16! WTG!

"What's the Most Highly Educated City in America?" Good Magazine.

Post Spring Break: CO Budget Update

The CU flag flies outside the Colorado State Capitol building during the 2012 University of Colorado Advocacy Day in the Colorado State Capitol building. (Photo by Casey A. Cass/University of Colorado) 

Welcome back! I hope you had a great Spring Break. As you may have noticed, I took the week off from blogging to catch up on all those chores and fun times I've been putting off since January. Now, it's time to refocus and end the semester strong. 

Over Spring Break, some great news came out about the Colorado budget. More specifically, the cuts to higher education. The original proposed cuts to higher education funding was close to $30 million which would have meant $11.8 million in cuts to CU. Last week, the budget commission finalized the "Long Bill" with a proposed cut of only $6-7 million in higher education funding (CU Advocates reports $7 million in cuts while CBS Denver reports just under $6 million in cuts). This means a much lower cut for CU, $4.6 million. While it would be better to receive no cuts, the proposed "Long Bill" shows that Colorado is making some progress in coming out of the recession. For the first time in many years, the bill proposes no cuts to K-12 education funding. 

The "Long Bill" goes before the House on April 4th. Hopefully, if passed as is (or with even lower cuts to higher ed), we may finally see some relief in tuition increases. Either way, I'll be here keeping you informed.

Springs Nightlife

Earlier this week, I told you how to Avoid a Busted Spring Break, but only included daytime activities. Although a midnight hike would be beautiful, I wouldn't recommend it since this is wake up time for all those hibernating animals. Instead, check out one or more of my favorite nightlife spots below. 

Clubs & Bars:

The Mansion - This one comes first because it is  my absolute favorite club in town. There is a bar in nearly every corner of this club, so there are no long lines for drinks. They have a large dance floor on the main floor with a DJ that plays today's popular music, and upstairs, they have a Disco Room featuring music from the 70s, 80s and 90s (complete with light up dance floor) and a Karaoke Bar with a huge selection of music. Thursdays are Ladies Nights with Free Cover and Free Drinks from 10-12. If you have the cash to spend, or can pool some money together with your friends, I recommend bottle service which is 1/2 price on Thursdays. Beware they have standards, so dress to impress. 21 and Up only. 

Meadow Muffins - This bar in Old Colorado City has great music, karaoke, drinks and food. It is a more relaxed atmosphere and great for those nights that you want to hang with your friends and avoid the creepers at the club. They also have some regular unique events. 

Red Martini - This bar has a much more formal atmosphere, but has the best drink in town, the Berries N Cream Martini. It's $12, but worth it. I am not ashamed to admit that I often find myself cleaning the glass with my finger. Stop by for the drink, relax a bit then move on. Dress to impress. 21 and Up. 

Ritz Bar & Grill - You might have stopped by here for lunch or dinner during the day, but did you know that it turns into an extremely packed club at night? Be prepared because with all those bodies, it gets hot, hot, hot. 21 and Up. 

Honorable Mentions:

Blondies

The Thirsty Parrot Bar & Grill

The Black Sheep

Cowboys Night Club

Late Night Munchies:

Pita Pit - I don't know why, but it never tastes as good during the day as it does at 2:30 in the morning. 

King Chefs Diner - Named Tastiest Breakfast in Colorado by Food Network magazine. Great prices and everything comes large, so bring your friends and split. (Extra clean plates are $3). If you are really adventurous, try the full size "Thing" or the 5lb. "New Mexico Stomper." 

Don't Drink and Drive: Plan accordingly.

Designated Driver of Colorado Springs - Call ahead, visit one of their sponsors and they will drive you and your car home. Free service, but tips highly encouraged as this is a volunteer service.

Yellow Cab of Colorado Springs - Even though the number is super simple to remember, program it in your phone and plan ahead to save money for the ride. (719)777-7777

Have fun & drink responsibly!

An Abstract of My Time on SGA

Yesterday, after the House meeting, my friends from SGA and I were reminiscing about the past couple years. This inspired me to put all the pictures I could find in one place.
 [Music: Bella's Lullaby]- Picked because it's just wonderful to hear.

Update on SR06-11/12 Resolution

Senate Resolution 06-11/12 passed in the SGA House of Representatives in a 10-3 vote. The popular argument in favor of this resolution was the need to make a statement on behalf the students. While I completely agree, I still worry that the language is much too vague, and thereby, takes no official stance. Furthermore, it doesn't take any action nor does it ask for anything. Personally, as a student, I would like SGA to do more than make a weak statement, but thankfully, this is a democracy.

The good thing is that SGA appears to want to take action on behalf of the students. I'm hopeful that the information I shared with them today regarding Colorado's funding of higher education and the CU budget will inspire them into taking true action on behalf of the students. I'd be more happy to point them to the information, resources and contacts they need.

More info on SR06-11/12:
Chancellor's Response to SR06-11/12
Words, words, words.
Is Clyde hiding your tuition dollars?

Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012

I don't have a personal opinion on this yet, but I found a heated online discussion that is helping me get educated on the pros and cons.

Student Loan Forgiveness Act of 2012 on Reddit Politics.

What do you think?

Chancellor's Response to SR06-11/12

Chancellor Response to SGA Resolution 03 16 12

For more information, read my blog on SR06-11/12.

Avoid a Busted Spring Break

If you're like me (and most American college students), Spring Break is a welcome opportunity to catch your breath and have some fun after midterms. Unfortunately, in this economy, many of us are broke. So, if you can't afford to leave the Colorado Springs area, here are some ideas to have some fun close by and for very little money.

Garden of the Gods - The park is free to the public and is absolutely breathtaking. You can hike, bike, skate, board or just take a picnic and a camera. If you're the artist type, bring a sketch pad. 

Manitou - Manitou Springs is a quaint little town with lots of personality. Check out the penny arcade, eat at one of the many unique restaurants, check out the fun shops and just enjoy the beauty of the town. If you're really adventurous, hike up the Manitou Incline. 

North Cheyenne Canyon Park - Why pay to see Seven Falls when you can hike through North Cheyenne Canyon Park and see some falls for free? Wear good hiking shoes, take a camera and a picnic. It's a great spot to enjoy the beginning of spring. 

Go Biking - There are beautiful trails all over Colorado Springs. If you don't have a bike, you can rent one for FREE at the UCCS Bike Shop. Click here for a list of trails in the Colorado Springs area. 

Colorado Springs Pioneer Museum - If you're a history buff, or have children, this museum is a fun activity. Admission is FREE. Plus, you'll be downtown, so take a walk and explore the ins and outs of downtown Colorado Springs. The UCCS Gallery of Contemporary Art, downtown branch, is close by the museum and is FREE for students. 

Old Colorado City - This cute small town has a one street shopping strip with neat shops, restaurants and bars. It has a kind of old timey yet boho-chic feel to it. 

This is just a handful of the possible things you can do nearby for relatively low to no cost. 

It's going to be a beautiful week, so have fun!

More Links:

http://www.peakradar.com/ 

http://www.visitcos.com/ 

http://attractions.uptake.com/colorado/colorado_springs/cheap_vacations/217793803.html 

Words, words, words.

[source unknown]

Now that you've had some time to chew on the facts about how UCCS and CU report their budgets and are accountable, both to the state and themselves, as well as the depressing facts about the level of higher education funding in Colorado, can you tell me what the purpose is of this resolution?

Increase) Revised on 3.19

This document takes no action as everything stipulated in the document is already taking place. It does not make a particular stance as "concerns and reservations" are not defined. (And, I certainly don't need this document to tell me that I'm a student advocate. I'm a US citizen and can voice my concerns and reservations anytime I want, plus the SGA Constitution and Bylaws already tell me that as a SGA representative, I am expected to be an advocate for the students.)  This resolution is, in fact, just words.

While I was in Denver at the capitol working as a CU and higher education advocate, SGA leaders and leaders-elect stayed behind to present and pass these words at the SGA Senate. Besides Clyde, I was the only current UCCS student in attendance. However, I did meet many student government representatives and students from all the other CU campuses. Why is this impotent document so much more important than actually representing UCCS student needs to CU and government officials?

I don't know about you, but I think it actually takes doing something in order to get something done.

Raise Your Torches & Pitchforks for Tuition

Whenever tuition increases, we tend to get out our torches and pitchforks and aim them towards the university's administration and the CU Regents, but maybe it's time to aim those torches and pitchforks at the people that are really responsible.

In the past 20 years, Colorado has been cutting higher education at a drastic rate. Below are a couple graphs from a recent report called "Cuts to higher ed budget mean families will pay more" that was published by The Bell Policy Center.

In a national comparison, 

Unfortunately, as the State share continues to decline, tuition rates have to increase in order to bridge the gap. 

As The Bell Policy Center's Plain Talk brief explains, higher education continues to be cut in Colorado due to the limitations of the state General Fund of which much is committed legally to other areas of spending such as K-12 education, Medicaid and funding correctional facilities.

Eventually, if nothing changes, state funding for higher education may diminish altogether. 

Below are some graphic representations of how state cuts in higher education funding have impacted the CU system.

Let's start with CU's current budget. 

As you can see, the state currently funds only 5.7% of CU's budget. Here is a representation of how that % has changed over the past 10 years. 

The pie chart below explains how the revenue is split up. 

Here is more historical information about Colorado's cuts to higher education. 

Even through everything, CU has worked hard to keep costs low for students. 

While the state has been cutting funding and leaving students scrambling to find a way to pay for their education, CU has been working hard to take some of the burden off students by increasing institutional aid by over $80 million.

It looks to me like the university administration and the Regents have been working tirelessly for us. 

Let's turn our torches and pitchforks in the right direction. 

Share your story with local and state officials.

Spread the word about this major crisis in higher education funding. 

And, join hundreds of alumni and supporters by becoming a CU Advocate.

JBoard Replies

Last week, in a blog titled Protecting Rights, I wrote about a couple SGA Judicial Board Reviews I filed during my first week back as a Representative on SGA.

Here are the letters I received in response:

In regards to the transcription added to the minutes:

In regards to the Media Fee recall:

Thank you to the JBoard for all your hard work!

Follow Me on Twitter for CU Advocacy Day Updates

Follow @acheyk

I will be at CU Advocacy Day tomorrow at the Colorado State Capitol. I will be tweeting updates and information throughout the day.

5 [Not So Secret] Secrets at UCCS

5. Bike rentals are FREE at the Rec Center Bike Shop!

4. The third floor of Dwire has amazing views and comfy seating for studying.

3. Did you know that the University Center has a third floor? You can almost always count on it to be a quiet study area, and if you are lucky, there will be another student up there making beautiful music come from the old piano.

2. Theatreworks shows are FREE for students! And, so is the Gallery of Contemporary Art. Hello, can you say date night, or better yet, girls' night out?

1. If you bring a travel mug (any size) from home, you can get coffee for 0.99 cents at Jazzman's. [Mountain Lion Budget Latte - Try it with a shot of your favorite syrup, fill your cup 1/2 - 3/4 of the way with coffee and the rest of the way with half and half.] I prefer the cinnamon coffee.

Now, go tell everyone.

Protecting Rights

Many people think that the student government is just a resume builder, but for me, it's about protecting the rights of the students (ALL of them) and communicating their needs and wants. This means that you often have to focus on the underdog in a situation and make sure that decisions and actions made are fair and proper. This is why the SGA has a Constitution and Constitutional Bylaws. It is also why we abide by Robert's Rules of Orders during our meetings. They're all meant to protect the rights of the minority.

I've only been back on SGA for less than a week and have already filed two Judicial Reviews.

The first review was filed on Friday, the day I was appointed. Apparently, Dmitry Goncharov, a Representative at Large, had the Joint Session meeting where he was appointed transcribed by a third party. (We do have our own Graduate Assistant, or clerk, that does all of our minutes and records all of our meetings.) He submitted only a portion of this transcription to the clerk Thursday afternoon before the last Joint Session meeting on on March 9th and requested that it be added to the minutes. However, members of the body were not made aware of this addition until the day of the meeting and were only given 5 minutes to review this lengthy document. No receipt or certificate of authenticity was provided. Our rules clearly state that all new business be submitted to the clerk by noon the day before the meeting. Without even having read the transcription, I could immediately tell that something about this wasn't fair. In my opinion, the addendum violated the statute that requires all new business to be submitted to the clerk by noon the day before and put the body at risk because they were not given sufficient time to review the transcription. It violated their rights. And, in my opinion, it was an act of disrespect, but unfortunately, there aren't any legal rules against that. Therefore, I submitted a Judicial Review to the Judicial Board of the SGA.

I filed my second Judicial Review today. This review was regarding the Media Fee vote. The vote was split by only 9 votes, less than 1% of the entire votes collected. Therefore, I have asked the Judicial Board to review the Constitution in regards to recalling the vote or submitting the referendum for a special election that would be held before the end of this semester. Since there isn't any significant difference between the number that voted yes and the number that voted no, the results of the vote are very inconclusive. Most likely, it will require a petition and special election.

Being a public official often means having to put yourself and your friendships aside to protect the rights of those you represent. All too often, people get wrapped up in their own lives and forget those they represent. We see this all the time in the federal government, and it is just as true in your local Student Government Association. It's up to each individual to stand up for what's right and to question what they don't think is fair.

Is Clyde hiding your tuition dollars?

Due to tuition increases, there has been, and continues to be, a lot of talk in the UCCS Student Government Association about writing a resolution to the Regents in protest. One such proposal was actually approved on February 10th. This was initiated at an Inter-Campus Student Forum [ICSF] (a CU committee composed of the student government executives from all four CU campuses) meeting where the attending members decided to go back to their campuses and ask each student government body whether they would support the ICSF writing and sending a resolution against tuition increases at all four CU campuses to the CU Board of Regents. Even though we are only facing a possible 7% tuition increase in comparison to the proposed (yet now tabled) 15.7% increase at CU Boulder, UCCS was the only campus to tell ICSF yes on the resolution. (UCCS has historically had the lowest tuition increases in both the CU system and in the state.) As a group, ICSF decided not to write the resolution. 

Today, the news is all abuzz about the fact that the CU Boulder faculty are concerned about a recent analysis that revealed that nearly a third of last years 9.3% tuition increase went to faculty raises. (Colorado Springs Gazette). Thankfully, we aren't facing the same situation. In a recent article by The Scribe, Chancellor Shockley-Zalabak stated that only 1.38% of our tuition increases actually went to raises on the UCCS campus and such raises were dependent upon review. Yet, some members of the UCCS SGA still don't appear to be satisfied. 

Certain members are currently drafting a SGA resolution asking for more accountability and transparency in budget decisions that affect tuition. Maybe they don't understand the process. 

The University's Budget Advisory Council [UBAC] as well as all Regent meetings where budgets are voted on are open to the public. There are always at least 2 representatives from the SGA that serve and have a vote on this council, one always being the Director of Finance for the SGA. Currently, there are 3 representatives that attend these meetings: Evan Shelton, Director of Finance; Diana Timmerman, President of the Senate; and Jay Burton, current Representative at Large and 2012-13 Director of Finance-Elect. Additionally, university budget information is posted online both by UCCS and by the Regents. Additionally, President Benson has a Task Force on Efficiency that has helped to increase efficiency and accountability across the CU system. Moreover, the state reviews these budgets through the Colorado Commission for Higher Education. 

It seems like there is an overwhelming amount of accountability and transparency when it comes to CU and UCCS budgets. I feel pretty confident that my tuition and fee dollars are being spent carefully as well as responsibly. 

It's not like they're hiding a stockpile of cash somewhere in Clyde's habitat. 

CU Advocacy Day - LAST DAY TO REGISTER

I attended this event last year. It was a very eye opening experience and taught me a lot about how state funding works. Today is the last day to register.

Register Now

Here are some pictures from last year: 

Colorado State Capitol

President Benson addressing all the CU Advocates

Governor John Hickenlooper

Breakfast & Networking Time

On the floor of the Colorado House of Representatives.
(Left to Right) Regent Carrigan, me, Chancellor Zalabak-Shockley, Regent Hybl,  Mrs. Benson and President Benson

Inside the Capitol

Me on the Colorado State Capitol steps.

See you there!

President Benson Gets Real

President Benson addresses perceptions and realities in his March blog.

President Benson and the CU system have come under much scrutiny in the past few months due to announced tuition increases. CU has seen consistent tuition increases over the past few years which isn't surprising considering the fact that the state of Colorado has cut funding to higher education by $216 million since 2010. Even still, many people are criticizing President Benson, the Regents and the campus administrators for inefficiencies, wage raises and high fees.

In this message from President Benson, he addresses these concerns and offers some of the realities of the system. I especially like his statements regarding Regent meetings being open to the public. If you have concerns about tuition increases, check out a Regent meeting. Click here to see their meeting schedule. They are having a special board meeting this Wed., March 14th at 12:30 (or after an executive session, but not sooner than 12:30) in Denver at 1800 Grant Street, 5th Floor Conference Room.

Additionally, President Benson points out that nationally, Colorado is 48th in per resident student higher education funding. While I don't always agree with every budgetary decision, I think this lack of state support at a public institution really explains a lot about why tuition continues to increase. And, it isn't because professors are getting rich off our financial aid debt. For a few years at UCCS, our professors and staff didn't even receive cost of living wages while, at the same time, an unofficial moratorium was placed on new fees. Our own Chancellor has made sacrifices during this time of budgetary constraints. According to the 2009-10 UCCS Personnel Roster and Departmental Budget, the Chancellor was paid $261,876. The 2010-11 report actually reports a decrease in her salary to $248,783 (a decrease of $13K). The CU website for CU Compensation FY 2011-12 reports that our Chancellor is still being paid the same amount of $248,783 despite rumors that she was given a raise by the Regents. (The Chancellor actually turned down this rumored raise.) UCCS is a glowing example of fiscal responsibility, efficiency and most importantly, teamwork in the face of a continuously tightening state budget. Even still, tuition continues to increase as a result of the state's continued cuts to higher ed funding.

This next year, UCCS faces a 7% tuition increase while CU Boulder continues to struggle under much higher proposed tuition increases. In comparison to our peer institutions, students are getting a bargain, but the question is how long will that continue if the state continues to cut higher ed funding. On March 16th, CU will be hosting a CU Advocacy Day at the state capitol. If you're interested in advocating for higher education, please try to attend. Tomorrow is the registration deadline. Register now.

Thank you President Benson for addressing these concerns. I'm looking forward to hearing from the state leaders on March 16th.

Flash Back

This article was written by UCCS back in the summer of 2010
and was used as a recruitment advertisement. 

Every time I think I'm out...

I drag myself back in.

After 2 years on the SGA, 1 as House Treasurer and 1 as President of the Student Body, I was positive I'd had enough. I had graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English and had become a graduate student in Communications. In my experience, there had only been 2-3 graduate students that actually served on the student government. I figured it was time to move on.

What I didn't account for was how much I was going to miss working with and advocating for the students. I knew that it would be a hard transition from leader to student, but honestly, it wasn't. It was a great vacation...but that's all it was. After awhile, I began to get curious about what was going on. As a graduate student (with all night classes), you don't hear much. Thankfully, I still had (and have) good friends on SGA who kept me updated. Listening to them talk about SGA was like eating a small piece of dark chocolate. For those people who are lucky enough not to crave chocolate, it's like getting just enough to satisfy a fierce craving. (By the way, if you don't crave chocolate, I kind of hate you.) After awhile, the craving just wouldn't go away.

I still had the passion. I still had the knowledge. And, I had guilt.

No, no. I didn't do anything scandalous during my time on SGA. I had observer's guilt from not being active even though I had skills and resources that could be of help. All this lead up to me submitting an application to be appointed as a Representative at Large in the SGA House of Representatives. Friday, I went before the Appointments Committee then the Joint Session. [Joint Session is a meeting of the entire Legislative Council (House & Senate combined).]

Yep, I'm back.

I started this blog when I was President, but have tweaked it and will be using it to bring you the latest information on UCCS and the SGA.

Stick around. I always have a lot to say.