Tordsen: Take time to reflect on the past semester
It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming the Class of 2018 to campus. Can it already be the end of the semester? With the conclusion of 2014, you can be guaranteed three things:
1) Finals. You read that right – finals are here. We wish you great success on your finals this week. Just remember while you’re living in the library for the week, be sure to find time for some sleep, meals and a little relaxation. When you turn in that final paper, take that final test or give that final presentation, you’ll feel that weight lifting off your shoulders. You officially made it through the semester and 2014.
2) Hot chocolate and good friends. Perhaps your drink of choice is different. However, it’s undisputed that taking time to relax with those that you’ve shared the semester with is always rewarding. Cherish your time with your friends.
3) Reflection on the year. This is one of the most important things we do at the conclusion of every year. Those of us in SGA take this time to look back at our semester and see how far we’ve come. Since taking office last March, your student government has managed to foster change within the senate as well as sparking some debate about changes university-wide.
We all made history in celebrating the 100th Dakota Days – and what a celebration it was. Cheering on the ‘Yotes in the Dome is always one of the greatest parts of homecoming. Hosting the Onward Red Tie Gala on campus only added to the pride that every USD student and alumni has for this great school.
We’ve increased our executive team to consist of five members, the newest addition being an External Communications Manager. This position has allowed us to bring SGA closer to the students, specifically to the students that are harder to reach. A huge part of this was moving our office to the first floor of the MUC. Being right across from the Barnes and Noble Bookstore, we’ve created connections all over campus, which only increases the reach and efficiency that SGA has.
We’ve managed to eliminate almost all paper usage during meetings, moving toward usage of tablets and projecting the agenda for our gallery. We took pride in working with President Abbott himself and coming together to create the Presidents’ Joint Committee on Sustainability, all part of a sustainability initiative SGA has been pushing since the summer. Through these efforts, it is my hope that USD will become a premiere institution for sustainable practices in the region, continuing the flagship tradition that has inspired us since 1862.
All in all, we are proud of the progress SGA has made since we took our oaths, but there is much more work to be done. In the upcoming months you can bet SGA will not be checking out early. We are excited to see what the New Year will bring.
Until that time comes, we wish you all the best on your finals, safe travels over the holidays and have a relaxing break filled with friends and family.
– Tyler Tordsen, SGA president
