Despite mounting challenges, the Government of the Student Body plans to continue its efforts to meet students’ needs during the spring 2003 semester.

With a new year and one semester of service left, GSB President T.J. Schneider said he plans to continue to work for students’ best interests on the state, city and university levels.

Schneider, senior in management information systems, said he plans on speaking with the state legislature early in the semester to make education a priority for our state.

“Education in Iowa does need attention,” he said.

Joe Darr, GSB vice president, said he will be working with the City of Ames to find more entertainment for students under 21. He will either work to change existing city ordinances or to create new entertainment within the city, he said.

GSB also has plans for improving diversity on Iowa State’s campus. Schneider said diversity needs to be increased, students need to become aware of Iowa State’s current diversity and students also need to realize the importance of having a diverse campus.

Myron Batsa, GSB director of student diversity, has been working with President Gregory Geoffroy on a report to propose changes that would improve student diversity on campus, said Darr, senior in political science.

Schneider is working to hold true to one of his campaign promises — online course evaluations.

During the fall 2002 semester, data about courses in the ISU College of Business was collected at the same time as university-required course evaluations.

The information that was collected in the surveys was then compiled and presented in an accessible online format.

The next step is to create a university wide system, he said.

“[The online course evaluations] will allow students to pick a course based on ratings from other students,” said Rick Cordaro, GSB chief of staff.

Schneider said the upcoming semester will be interesting because of GSB executive elections.

Darr said although he and Schneider will not be running for office, they want to see a high number of students voting.

Schneider said his main goal is to meet students’ needs.

“If people are able to feel fulfillment [in college] they’ll prepare themselves better for when they move on,” he said.