This address was presented by Government of the Student Body President T.J.

Schneider at the GSB Senate’s final meeting of the semester Dec. 4.

Good evening, Mr. Vice President, Mr. Speaker, senators and guests. I am

here tonight to talk with you concerning the state of the student body at

Iowa State University.

The fall semester of 2002 is coming to a close. This semester has brought

many changes to the ISU campus ? changes that will affect the way students

live and interact on campus for years to come. As the changes are

undertaken, we must ensure that we, as the leaders of the student body, are

guiding this institution on the right path.

The students of Iowa State have seen the second double-digit tuition

increase. The addition of this record increase will be hard to bear as

students see increased costs across campus. We must ensure though that the

quality of our institution is meeting the needs of the student population.

We must ensure that the degrees we graduate with are of the caliber of

excellence that we deserve.

ISU students have watched a record-setting football team as they defeated

Iowa for the fifth time in a row. Our team also broke into the top ten

rankings in the polls for the first time in school history. We now look

forward to Iowa State?s third bowl bid in a row, another record-setting

event.

The Memorial Union is beginning to make a historic transition to become a

complete part of the university. This transition will help to transform the

Union into a modernized building that will offer service to students,

faculty, staff, administration and alumni. The MU will be geared toward

students, have student influence on policy decisions and remain a hub for

student activity.

Joe [Darr, GSB Vice President] and I have worked hard to increase the

safety

of our campus. The hours of Moonlight Express have been expanded to help

ensure that every member of the Cyclone family makes it home safely. This

is

only one of the many steps that we must take in order to help the students

of ISU.

The executive cabinet has worked diligently this semester to accomplish

projects and programs for ISU. Director [Heather] Mitchell has worked on a

new evaluation method and is piloting a program in the business college

this

semester. Director [Andy] Walling has helped to maintain the campus?s

awareness of events and activities that are taking place around them.

Director [Kristy] Stallman organized and hosted an energetic and fun-filled

evening during this year?s Fall Gala. Director [Andrew] Hamilton is working

to ensure that Cy-Ride remains fare free for students and that students

feel

safe on campus. Director [Michael] Banasiak stood alongside Joe and I as we

met with the Board of Regents and has worked to increase student

involvement

in the election process.

The newly created Office of Student Diversity is working tirelessly to

develop a sense of community on campus. Director [Myron] Batsa has

dedicated

himself to the position and is making a difference on campus. It is evident

that his position in the executive cabinet has allowed him the opportunity

to develop programs, create awareness and work toward a common university

goal. GSB has strived for years to implement the programs and ideas that

director Basta has worked on.

As GSB moves into a new semester and a new year we must continue our work

to

ensure the needs of students are being met. We must work diligently with

the

administration, faculty, staff and students to develop a sense of community

on ISU?s campus. We must be certain to listen to all voices and hear all

thoughts, ideas, concerns and comments as we move forward in our endeavors.

The new year brings new opportunities as well as new struggles. GSB must

open the lines of communication with state representatives and state

senators. The battle for lower tuition increases begins at the golden dome

in Des Moines. We must create awareness at the State House of the position

of the students of ISU.

ISU students need to be certain that their representatives are creating a

path that they are willing to follow. Let us ensure that as we develop

programs and debate issues that we keep the concerns of students in mind.

I wish you all a happy holiday season and encourage you all to return from

winter break motivated and ready to continue your service to the students

of

Iowa State.