USGD came into this year with plans intended to improve the lives of their 20,000+ constituents. Now at the halfway point of the academic year, Downtown Devil examines USGD’s progress, shortfalls and what’s to come.
1. Transportation Services
The first bill passed by USGD last semester allocated $36,150 to establish the Sun Devil Express. After two ridership reports, it was clear that the weekend shuttle route to Safeway was popular, averaging 102 riders and ranging from 64-160 riders at the mid-semester report. The effectiveness of the weekday routes, which averaged 12 riders daily, was questionable, according to USGD Vice President of Policy Ryan Boyd. In response to these findings, USGD will be reconsidering the weekday shuttle routes moving into the second semester.
Related: Report: While ASU inter-campus shuttle use low on weekends, Sun Devil Express use high
2. Involvement with Student Organizations
USGD saw mixed success in partnering with student organizations. Some groups found teaming up with USGD to be crucial for student outreach. One of these organizations was Students for Affordable Tuition. Jimmy Arwood, Executive Director, said that USGD’s ability to draw student’s attention to important issues was critical to the organizations mission.
“They are helping us to reach out to the students in a way we don’t have the manpower to do,” Arwood said. “Our goal is to use that communication to bridge the gap between student’s frustrations and actual action.”
On the other hand, some organizations had trouble making it to the multiple requisite meetings for the funding request process. To solve this problem, USGD plans to combine budget allocations committee meetings with Sun Devil Coalition meetings to make the process easier for student organizations.
3. Student Engagement
In the beginning of the fall semester, Savannah Harrelson took over the role of Director of Public Relations. She began a new blog intended to help individual members of USGD reach out to students. In the upcoming semester, she intends to further engagement and increase student interaction through social media.
Related: Newly-appointed USGD public relations director plans to revamp blog
“It’s important that we operate based on student interests and student views,” Harrelson said. “We just want to make sure that we represent students in the best way.”
USGD President Corina Tapscott said one of USGD’s main priorities for the next semester is to increase student engagement.
“Student government is still not as engaged with the students as much as it could be and, honestly, as much as it should be,” Tapscott said.
The organization hopes to implement a system this semester for staff members to hold follow-ups with every student who brings a concern to USGD.
4. Downtown Ticketing Booth
USGD spearheaded a push last semester to bring a distribution center for ASU football tickets to the downtown campus.
Related: ASU student leaders advocate for football ticket distribution downtown
This push has gotten what Tapscott described as “positive movement” in response, but there is still no discussed timeframe as to when the initiative would come to fruition. USGD’s goal in the upcoming semester is to solidify that schedule and keep students updated on the progress.
5. Student Wellness
This was the first year in which all USGD staff members underwent Sun Devil Support Network sexual violence prevention training. This was to adequately prepare staffers to assist students in need.
Another goal set by USGD is to establish a “reflection room” in the downtown library.
“(The space) will be a physical representation of a change in culture at ASU downtown that is supportive of holistic wellness of the students,” Tapscott said.
The space would be a place for yoga, rest, or prayer. Tapscott cited prayer rugs as a possible provision of the room.
“If we’re able to get it, it will be great”, Tapscott said. “It will help bring ASU’s library downtown into a more innovative stage.”
Contact the reporter at csmannin@asu.edu.
