SGA president welcomes students to MUSC by Kelby Hutcheson MUSC SGA President On behalf of the MUSC Student Government Association (SGA), I welcome you and your families to MUSC as you pursue a career in the health field. Regardless of your program, you will quickly find yourself among friends. The SGA's goal is to help students get the most out of their experience at MUSC. We offer programs geared toward social interaction, cultural appreciation, and artistic enjoyment. This year we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Alhambra, our oldest and biggest event of the year. Mark April 8 on your calendar now and be there to help bring our most prestigious event into the new millennium. Keep an eye out for other upcoming events by checking your e-mail, asking your SGA representative, and reading Semester Highlights, Student Lifelines and The Catalyst. The SGA also strives to make the university a better place for students by conveying concerns about student welfare and academics to the administration. Each college has SGA representatives who serve as the vital link between students and the administration. Look for them to give you updates on upcoming events and campus happenings. If you think you would like this job, elections for new students will be held early in the fall. As you pursue the path of health professionals, I challenge you to make a difference both on campus and in the community.  Two excellent ways to do this are by getting involved in student organizations and volunteering through the MUSC Gives Back office in the Harper Student Center. I believe you will find these activities rewarding and enriching. Once again, welcome to MUSC. If you have any questions, contact me or stop by the Office of Student Programs in the Harper Student Center. Have a great year! Watch out for... Student Lifelines is the essential calendar of events for students. This campuswide connection is delivered to your mailbox twice a month. Keep it close by. SGA Info: The Student Government Association is comprised of representatives from all six colleges, several campus organizations and five executive officers. Together we meet twice a month to discuss students' issues and plan cool events. Our mission is to provide a crucial link between students and administration so that your concerns are heard and that important information reaches the students. To accomplish this we need your help. Please find out who your SGA representative is. Let them know what is on your mind and listen to their announcements. Committee Work... We are composed of four 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. honor code, library services, financial aid, PACE, etc.). Programs: Chaired by the vice president for programs, this committee plans and coordinates social, cultural, and recreational activities. (Check out this issue of Student Lifelines for what's going on right now). Service: Chaired by the treasurer, this committee works closely with MUSC Gives Back to promote and coordinate volunteer opportunities both on and off campus. How To Get Involved: Elections for new students will be held in the early fall. For more information, please contact your dean's office. Upper-class representatives and executive officers are elected in the spring. Again welcome and best wishes on a fantastic year. See you at our next event!