Hello Hokies! 

As the fall semester comes to a close, I am  writing with some updates from the Undergraduate Student Senate (USS). 

Earlier this fall, we held elections for multiple USS positions — thank you to everyone who voted! We welcomed 17 senators-at-large, 28 college senators, 15 university-chartered student organization senators, and seven cabinet members to serve for the 2022-23 academic year. 

However, there are still a few positions open within the USS, and they are great opportunities for any student looking to get involved. We are currently taking applications for the following director positions:

  • The director and assistant director of Hokie Effect will work alongside Athletics and Advancement to bring to life the Effect games for football and basketball by designing next year's shirts for everyone.
  • The director of special programs will plan events for the USS and work collaboratively with other organizations and the university.

While taking on a leadership role within the USS is not for every student, we — as your student governance leaders — are continuously looking for ways to engage with the student body. Our office in 123 Squires Student Center is always open to any and all students who may just need a quiet place to study, a place to share ideas, or a space to converse with our leaders about how we can help make the student experience better for you. That is our main mission: We are advocates for YOU. 

After the elections earlier this semester, we hit the ground running. 

  • We are legislatively looking to pass the updated version of the Muslim Student Association constitution, advocating for more bus stops with Blacksburg Transit, and looking into monetary ways we can give back to the undergraduate community. 
  • We have expanded student representation on many university commissions and committees with our representatives. Jamal Ross, our undergraduate Board of Visitors representative, gave his report to the Board of Visitors. He brought up issues surrounding mental health, safety, and transportation. We also hosted James Madison University’s Board of Visitors representative and student government president for a joint conversation with the board. 
  • The senate is focusing on understanding financial literacy — really, a good life skill for all of us in college. We have begun going through our budget and the master budget, as this where appropriations and the Student Finance Allocation Board allocates money to all student organizations and funded programs.

Through everything that we do, we are mindful to keep an equitable and inclusive mindset and have some projects and workshops specifically in this department coming up in the new year! 

Now that we look forward to spring, the USS sees our future as bright and busy. When we get back next semester, we will be in full swing — advocacy events, time being spent with our state legislators, spring USS elections, and so on. 

We look forward to seeing everyone in 2023!

Best,

Caroline Lohr
President of the USS

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