In the beginning of April, the newly-elected Student Government executives were sworn into office for the 2018-2019 year at USC. Since then, they have been working to ensure they accomplish what the students voted them in office to do for the fall and spring semesters.
Student Body President Taylor Wright has been working on establishing an executive cabinet to advise him in the coming year, and he chose over 20 people who he felt demonstrated passion and initiative within their area of the cabinet.
“They’re all so fired up and they all have these great ideas,” Wright said. “We’re kind of focusing on how to narrow in on the kind of objectives we want to complete this year.”
Wright has also started to transition into working with organizations within the university to speak about improving student life and the student experience.
“The main work has been building relationships with the administration, the board of trustees and the student body as a whole through the cabinet,” he said.
Student Government executives have already established mobile ticketing for athletic events, and are working on guest ticketing. Wright also wants to develop a healthier USC — both physically and mentally — and diversify campus as a whole in the fall semester through programs that help recruit minority students.
“Inclusion and equity is extremely important to me personally and I know the effect that can have,” Wright said.
Student Body Vice President Mills Hayes has been working on reinstating the USC Bucket List, developing a communications team and conducting research to figure out the best way to find out what students want. She hopes give them the chance to communicate their ideas.
“We’re just really trying to brainstorm a good communications method and pathway channel for our students to our Student Government,” she said.
Student Body Treasurer Emerson Odagis has been working with the senate finance committee and the other newly elected officials to establish off-campus resources for students not living in residence halls, and he looks forward to working with Student Government to improve student life in the future.
“I will be focusing on accomplishing my platform initiatives and helping student organizations get the funding they need,” Odagis said.
Speaker of the Senate Patrick Ellis hopes to engage students in the different projects of Student Government in the coming year. He had his first meeting with the Senate last week, and was encouraged by the outcome of the debate.
“It was fantastic to see the enthusiasm and civility the senators displayed and was an excellent example of the kind of critical analysis that should be a part of the legislative process,” he said. “I am hopeful that this will set a positive precedent for the rest of the term.”