One of the semester’s larger projects for Undergraduate Studies Council (UGSC), the official student organization for the School of Undergraduate Studies, involved passing legislation through the Senate of College Councils. As students adapted to online learning, UGSC found that many students valued the flexibility of virtual appointments and resources. The UGSC Legislative Committee drafted a piece of legislation advocating for the continuation of online office hours and student service appointments, even as the university transitions to more face-to-face classes this fall.
The committee wrote, “Students who work, take care of family, have any special circumstances, are involved in their community, etc. are able to use online hours/appointments to their advantage.” With the support of sponsors Alcess Nonot (Senate President), Echo Nattinger (Senate Policy Drafting Coordinator), and Jenny Ainsworth (Senate member), Senate passed the resolution this spring.
When they weren’t busy passing legislation, UGSC served as a community for students during a difficult year. Through virtual weekly meetings and monthly Zoom events, undeclared students talked about their shared experiences exploring interests, learned from university resources, and made new friends.
UGSC member and incoming President Johnny Klevenski says, “UGS Council has been my home away from home during this hectic transition to Zoom University—the sense of community truly helped me feel like I belonged to something bigger, all while being physically isolated from the rest of UT.”
In April, UGSC conducted elections for 2021-2022 executive officers. The 2021-2022 officers are:
- Johnny Klevenski, President
- Alyssa Titone, Vice President
- Andy Ma, Financial Director
- Andres Suniaga, Public Relations Director
Klevenski says, “I’m so excited to have the opportunity to lead UGSC next year in what we all can hope to be ‘normal’ circumstances, and I can’t wait to impact campus in a meaningful way.”
Congratulations to the incoming officers! Learn more about UGS Council.
