by Keith Sale President, Student Government Association

Keith Sale

On behalf of the MUSC Student Government Association, I would like to extend a warm welcome to both new and returning students. I hope all of you enjoyed your summer and are looking forward to a fun and exciting new school year. We already have our calendar packed with a tempting variety of activities and entertainment.

Before I explain the basics of SGA, I want to clue you into Student Lifelines, arguably the most important mail you will get this year. Published twice a month, Student Lifelines is a great way to tune in to student life. As our only campus-wide newsletter, Student Lifelines will provide you with up to date information on current and future events here at MUSC as well as in the Charleston community.

This year will be filled with opportunities, and I encourage each of you to get involved. I would like to open the lines of communication between us by letting you know that your questions, concerns, and yes, even criticisms are welcome. Please feel free to let me know how things are going either by e-mail (saleka@musc.edu) or by phone (577-4051).

Similarly, the administration is committed to making our experience here at MUSC worthwhile and therefore is always open to student concerns and feedback.

As MUSC continues to grow and expand we will work together as students to ensure that our opinions are heard and our needs are met. With that in mind, I invite each of you to take advantage of everything we have to offer here at MUSC and get involved.

The Basics about MUSC SGA

The MUSC SGA is comprised of elected representatives from each of the six colleges and several campus organizations in addition to five executive officers elected the previous spring semester. Together we work hard to make sure your interests, needs and opinions are heard throughout the university. We meet twice a month to discuss pertinent issues and plan upcoming events. Everything we discuss is then related back to you by your college or organization representatives through announcements, posters and other avenues of communication.

The Committees Student Welfare: Chaired by the SGA president, this committee works to improve student well-being on campus (i.e. parking, health services, student safety, etc.). Academic Affairs: Chaired by the vice president for academic affairs, this committee is involved with academic life (i.e. university honor code, financial aid, PACE evaluations, etc.).

Programs: Chaired by the vice president for programs, this committee plans and coordinates social, cultural and recreational activities. (Look inside Student Lifelines for all the information on upcoming SGA events!)

Service: Chaired by the treasurer, this committee works closely with the MUSC Gives Back to promote and coordinate volunteer opportunities both on and off campus.

Keep an eye on Student Lifelines for information about campus and MUSC SGA events. Once again, don’t hesitate to e-mail or call me with any concerns or ideas. Enjoy your year and I look forward to hearing from you!