As students and faculty gear up for the final stretch of school this semester, the Student Association is also preparing for the last of the season's activities and taking pride in its success thus far.
Leaders of SA say they have made an impact on the student body through efforts such as bringing free events for undergraduates, buying more SA vans for club use and extending the hours of operation in both Capen and Health Science libraries.
"If SA didn't exist, most people would recognize that it didn't exist," said Viqar Hussain, SA president.
To close out the semester, SA is presenting Jeffery Ross in their 6th Annual Comedy Series on Nov. 9. They also plan to have an emcee contest and are coordinating other various activities for December including the Gala, which takes place before finals week.
As for achievements, Hussain cited the attendance for Fall Fest a major success this year, with approximately 9,000 in attendance.
"Fall Fest was the biggest event in some nine, ten years," Hussain said. "It's always been a sell out show, but because we made it outside, there was a greater capacity to have more people."
He expects an equally good turnout for Spring Fest, with more rock and alternative themed music. While the line-up is undecided, students can make band suggestions on a forum on the SA Web site.
Hussain is particularly proud of establishing extended hours in Capen and Health Science libraries. Instead of closing on Friday and Saturday nights, the libraries are now open 24 hours, seven days a week.
"It was a stereotype that all undergraduate students go and party on the weekend, so they closed the library," he said. "It's a pilot program, but I don't think it's going to change because I recently walked through on a Friday night and there were a good hundred students around."
Krissy Godios, a senior history major, said it was beneficial to have libraries open later at night.
"I love it! It's great that they have it open longer on weekends," she said. "It's so nice to have somewhere to go on weekend nights to study and use the Cybrary."
Hussain said he would have liked to see an SA satellite office on South Campus, but was unable due to space conflicts with the medical school.
"The second option is going over to Clark Hall," he said. "The main purpose of the office is to have a hub down there."
Since most of the activity is on North Campus, this would give the residents and students on South Campus an opportunity to partake in the fun that SA plans during the semester.
Hussain is also overseeing the UB presidents' council, which will be sponsored by SA and moderated by the diversity council. It will consist of the University Students Alumni Board and other councils on campus.
He hopes that uniting theses organizations will allow for inter-collaboration, and by opening an information channel, all the councils will be able to freely interact with each other and unite all students.
Hussain said this is still in the process of being formed, but soon all students will be united under the committee.
Students are also welcomed to attend SA Senate meetings, which covers financial and other aspects of SA, including the creations of clubs and the distribution of money within clubs. Held in 378 Student Union twice a month, anyone can attend.
"Again, if anyone has any concerns or issues with anything in the clubs or student activities, they can feel free to contact me or come to the meetings", said SA Senate Chair Hassan Shibly. "We are there for their best interest and we are the go-between between the students and the SA, and also the University Administration."
"We're cruising," Hussain said. "As far as little glitches here and there, there is always going to be that, but it comes with the job."
Photo: Courtesy of Mitchell Kish
