First and foremost, students have heard about ‘diversity problems’ at UK Ad nauseam. Cultural and racial diversity, as well as a diversity of ideas, backgrounds and personalities are not problems, and I think we can all agree that diversity in this sense is a good thing. The problem is that we just do not have enough of that here yet. The solution is in two parts: bring more diversity to the student body and take proactive steps to illuminate the diversity we have on campus so that students can see firsthand the importance of such an effort. The University has demonstrated its commitment to the first part through the hiring of Dr. Judy Jackson, who can provide leadership on making the University of Kentucky a more appealing place for minority students to come live and learn. For the second part, we want to foster opportunities for groups to take innovative and exciting approaches to presenting the different stories and lifestyles of UK students living in our community. We understand the importance of rewarding and encouraging these efforts and using Student Government as a vehicle to enact actual change, not just to offer rhetoric. We plan to continue to advocate for multi-cultural events, diversity dialogues and other events that celebrate and educate others about the diversity of different students on campus. When we fully recognize that UK is great because of the contributions of the many, then we as students, along with the staff and faculty, will be even more united in our common goals and even more proud to be a part of the University of Kentucky.

Although we have worked extensively over the past few years with the VIP Center, including attending multiple SEEDS training sessions, we understand there is a whole lot we don’t know. This being said, the student body is much better off if the experts are allowed do their jobs and offer the correct solutions and programs that will actually make a difference in the lives of students, rather than Student Government putting out something that just sounds good. Programs like: A Face and A Voice (formerly Take Back the Night) and the SEEDS Program should be celebrated and embraced by the student body for their value and contribution of making our campus a safer place to live and learn.  The last student government administration worked hard to acquire a golf cart to help SAFECATS transport students to their final destinations on campus, and we plan to continue that service in order to make our campus safer.  During K-WEEK, we want to push for students to sign up for the UKALERT system.  We feel that if every incoming freshman is signed up for this service, then UK can quickly and effectively reach every student by a phone call and an e-mail when an emergency situation arises.  UKPD has done a great job in the past, as well in offering self defense courses and we want to continue to educate students, especially those incoming freshman about that service. 

Students across the state are at the mercy of lawmakers in Frankfort when it comes to the general operating costs of public universities. When state government fulfills its commitment to higher education and continues to meet the requests of the institutions, tuition decisions will remain at the university level. However, when the general assembly fails in that commitment, universities are forced to choose between raising tuition to meet the rising demands of offering a first class education or failing to move forward. The former is a financial strain on the working families and individuals trying to pay for an education, and the latter is a disservice to not only the students in attendance, but have damaging results on the surrounding communities where these students should be returning to and leading. Student Government must continue to create opportunities for UK students to meet with these Frankfort decision makers and give higher education, and more specifically, the University of Kentucky student body, a face and a voice. SG has the opportunity to create and introduce legislation to these lawmakers that will make positive differences in the lives of not only the students on our community, but in future UK communities.  We plan to have continued presence in Frankfort and make sure the University of Kentucky’s students voices are heard by those making decisions in Frankfort.

SG, along with other political student organizations, has an obligation to offer the students in our UK community with the proper information and resources so that all students can make a responsible decision. Once again, this must be a team effort and further, an opportunity for SG to lead by allowing the students who can offer the most practical solutions and best ideas to bring those to fruition. This next year creates a unique opportunity for students to embrace not only local or on-campus issues, but politics at a national level, and you can bet SG will be at the forefront.

UK students who live in off campus neighborhoods typically take responsible roles in their neighborhood communities; however, some choose to ignore neighborhood association rules and policies, painting the picture that UK students are bad neighbors. Student Government, in its role as a representative of all students, must ensure that the Town and Gown Committee, as well as all other university and Lexington community leaders, understand the needs and priorities of off-campus students. However, SG must be equally as diligent in informing off-campus residents what the rules and regulations are so that all UK students have the opportunity to have an enjoyable off-campus experience. 

The closer we have worked with students, who come from diverse backgrounds and share different lifestyles, the more we have learned about not only their values and traditions, but their different ways of life. However, in light of events that occurred this past year, we understand there must be a strong commitment on behalf of all Student Government leaders to become familiar with these issues. We are committed to participating in a sensitivity training at the suggestion of the university administration, and are committed to holding the Student Senate leadership and members to the same standards.

The Student Government Association can use its influence with the UK administration to push for renewable energy sources and other areas where the University can demonstrate ways we can be more sustainable in the day to day activities of the University. SG must allow students who fully understand the issues to be at the table when decisions and proposals are made concerning policy surrounding green issues.

The Board of Trustees, the governing body of this institution, made a call concerning one of the resources owned and controlled by the University. The Board made a decision that put students first, even in spite of harsh criticisms and protests. Although the decision was a difficult one and did not come without its consequences, Board members and student leaders alike must continually reflect on their decisions and always maintain students at the center of those choices, even when those choices are difficult.

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