by Keith Sale President, MUSC's SGA

I hope everyone is surviving the fall semester. As winter arrives and the academic year reaches the midway point, I thought it important to give you an update on what your MUSC Student Government Association has been up to this past semester. All our committees worked hard representing the student body in various capacities and planning events to ease the stress of school.

The Student Welfare Committee is striving to address issues that will have a direct effect on student life at MUSC. Some of the major issues currently being researched include: a covered seating area at the Hagood Parking Lot, increasing student recycling awareness, and improving crosswalk safety around campus. In addition, we have represented student needs and concerns in numerous university committees such as the University Planing Committee and the University Facilities Planning Committee.

Our Academic Affairs Committee has also been working to enhance your academic experience. From the practical, getting a library book drop at the Harper Student Center, to the administrative, revising the SGA constitution, helping review the PACE system (course evaluations), and laying the groundwork for a university-wide academic competition, we have been searching for ways to improve academic life at MUSC. Similarly, the Service Committee has been working closely with MUSC Gives Back to promote university philanthropic events like the Canned Food Drive for the Low Country Food Bank.

Last, but certainly not least, the Programming Committee, along with the Student Programs staff, put together a fantastic collection of events during the last semester. We started the year strongly with the Happy “Your Back” Hour and the Back to School Party. You've continued your support of our events with great attendance of Octoberfest, the Halloween Horror Cruise, and several St. Luke's Concerts. Unfortunately lunch in the horseshoe with the Charleston Symphony Orchestra was a little soggy, but for the most part Mother Nature has cooperated nicely with us.

I think we hit the ground running in the fall and we look to continue our efforts throughout the spring semester. We have a great spring calendar of events already planned and waiting your return. Some highlights include a South of the Border Happy Hour, the CON/SGA Oyster Roast, the return of Tom DeLuce (the hypnotist), Fat Tuesday in the Horseshoe, and everyone's favorite—Alhambra. Speaking of Alhambra, we plan on making a few adjustments to this year's festivities. Of course everything is top secret right now (in other words we are not exactly sure what those changes will be), but expect a new and improved version of Alhambra to arrive April 18.

Spring looks to be a busy semester so keep an eye out for the Semester Highlights, the semester-long calendar of extracurricular on-campus and off-campus events, which will be in your mailbox when you get back. In addition, check out Student Lifelines which will continue to come your way twice a month in an effort to keep you “in the know” regarding MUSC and Charleston events.

Please remember your ideas and comments are always welcome, so feel free to drop me a note at <saleka@musc.edu> any time. We look forward to seeing you back here in January, but until then have a safe and enjoyable winter break.