I am very aware of an emphasis on diversity issues here at UK.  I feel like there is a lack of diversity across campus from organizations like the Greek system     to the classroom. Organizations must be turned around to create a feeling that is open to everyone.  If people feel like there is a bias occurring in a group it must be voiced so the Student Government can show the student body what can and can’t be tolerated.  To increase diversity in the classroom, scholarships for bringing diversity to campus must be known by all students and assistance in finding and creating more incentives must take place.

Putting an end to sexual violence and promoting safety on campus is essential for the University to grow in a positive direction.  To help this situation, promotion of organizations like the Women’s Place and Safe Cats must be recognized by every student.  Lighting around campus should be increased and access to police must be within the reach of any student in need.

To help maintain affordable higher education it is the Student Government’s job to make sure every dollar spent is absolutely necessary.  Every organization must feel comfortable approaching the Student Government in needs of financial support, but the student body must be willing to sacrifice large funds to keep tuition down.  It is also essential to keep letting Frankfort know UK has a voice and working with politicians so our state knows that higher education is extremely important and funds can not be lowered.

It is essential that every student is able to make an educated vote both on and off campus.  Not only does it allow the right people to take office here at UK, students are having a part in changing the world in general elections.  Every voice must be heard and at the same time that voice needs to know who and what they are voting for.  Posters, seminars, and debates on campus spark interest in students so they must be continued and publicized to increase student turn out and essentially votes in every election.  Also new computer based voting on campus and insight from the Kernel should increase voter turn out. These tools must be publicized further to increase voter knowledge.   

The student body must show the city of Lexington and landlords respect to keep all of the off campus housing options open.  Students must support the city’s programs like the “party plan” with respect and realize that destroying property is against the law.  If respect is promoted and shown from both sides there will be no problems with the city.  Also incentives to stay in off campus houses for over one year will cause students to take care of the place better while securing a years rent for landlords.  This idea could cut down on the property damage that is caused by the students.

I am already very interested in learning about other cultures and ideas expressed by all groups of people.  After already completing an awesome course called African American Psychological Issues, and attending events dealing with culture, I will continue to explore, enjoy, and connect with other cultures though classes and different opportunities set up on campus.

Improving sustainability on campus is something I see as overlooked by many students.  Students need to see that there are many places to recycle on campus and they must be used.  Students should also be aware of the programs provided by the student government like rentable bikes on campus which all promote conserving the environment.  I also feel that competitions with other colleges should be promoted to create yet another reason for students to get involved in improving sustainability campus while implementing that feeling of competition with others.

I feel that logging UK-owned Robinson Forest is a terrible idea.  There is no need to destroy preserved land when it is not absolutely necessary.  As a representative of the student body it is always necessary for every voice to be heard whether I support or appose the issue.

Creating the ultimate experience here at UK must include the student body’s willingness to get involved and create a since of passion for the university.  Along with the issues discussed in this questionnaire, the greatest way to better the university would be to get everyone involved in some sort of organization that fits that person’s need and requirements.  Also every student must get their say in changing this university for the better.  Every student should feel like their ideas matter and should never avoid bringing ideas to the Student Government so they can be acted on.