The Government of the Student Body has been working on many projects this semester and last that often get done “behind the scenes” and might be overlooked by students. This is especially true for cabinet projects, since much of the media focus this year has been on the senate. However, the hard work done by cabinet members should not be ignored, and I would like to take this opportunity to outline the projects of my position.

As the director of information technology, my job is to update the GSB Web site with news and information to help students. This year, a new Web site was created with more information and interactivity than ever before, and new features are being added every week. You can read all about your senators and how to contact them, vote in the weekly poll, read upcoming legislation, read the finance FAQ, find out how to get involved and more. It is our goal to use the Web site as a tool to communicate with students, and also allow students to give feedback to us. If you haven’t checked it out yet, go to www.gsb.iastate.edu and let me know what you think.

In addition to the Web site, this semester we have hired two deputy IT directors to help in creating two large-scale Web sites which will benefit all ISU students. They are the ride share board, which will be an online form of the board that once existed in the Memorial Union and will help coordinate long-distance rides and carpools, and the student housing guide, which will be a one-stop place for information on all types of housing and will contain a searchable database of off-campus apartments to make finding affordable housing easier. Both of these projects will be unveiled in early April and ready for students to use.

GSB will continue to work hard this semester to represent and help students. Information on all 18 current projects can be found on the GSB Web site. Please do your part by giving us feedback, either through the Web site or by e-mailing your senators and Cabinet members.

Thanks, and go Cyclones!

Debra Lauterbach

Director of information technology

Government of the Student Body