Tuesday, October 23, 2012

YOU HAVE A VOICE, USE IT!

Hello All,


This week was the very first Mercyhurst Student Government forum of the 2012-2013 school year. MSG is responsible for holding three forums per year. This is typically broken down to one forum per term. In the past we have had forums which have addressed issues such as the new 4-1-4 calendar and the strategic plan for Mercyhurst University.

Our MSG senators coming to the students to see what they have to say!
The first forum of the year was titled "MSG, THE GOOD THE BAD THE UGLY". The idea behind this was borrowed from the pages of the Merciad, and their ever popular weekly feature. The MSG executive board opened ourselves up to questions from the student body regarding anything the student body wanted to address. This in itself was a very rare concept that had been applied to a Mercyhurst Student Government forum. Not going to lie it was slightly nerve wrecking exposing ourselves to the student body in such an open and public way.


Despite the event going viral on facebook and postings around campus, the student turn out on the day was hugely disappointing. Although, it was nice not to have any huge controversy I would much rather deal with that than nothing at all. The students who were in attendance raised some very interesting issues, all of which are now being looked into by MSG.

I know that students of Mercyhurst have many complaints, I just wish they would bring them to student government so we could address them. Instead it seems as though students complain and we are not receiving these complaints, therefore how are we supposed to act?

Another great way in which students can voice their concerns directly to the administration is to take the recent survey that Dr. Gamble e mailed out. This survey acts as an assessment of many different departments on campus and the results are taken very seriously by the administration. Again it comes down to the issue of whether or not Mercyhurst Students are willing to speak up for the changes they want to see happen around campus. I encourage you too. I'm not normally one for cliches but you can actually make a difference.


                                                      Take the survey, have your say
                                            http://surveys.mercyhurst.edu/USEFall2012

Getting Involved-At Mercyhurst University

Hello Everyone,

Me and some of my fellow Laker leaders

As always I hope that everyone is keeping well since my last post! To my fellow Lakers I hope that you are managing to survive the term, remember when all is said and done there is only three weeks left!:)

I know for the majority of students at Mercyhurst University these last couple of weeks tend be the busiest. For our new freshman class, if you have yet to figure this out I'm sure you will pretty quickly.
For me being involved with Mercyhurst University Ambassadors, Mercyhurst Student Government, Senior Annual and all the other various commitments I have are beginning to kick into full swing. Add to the mix, classes, trying to maintain a social life and generally trying to enjoy my senior year-things can get a little crazy. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

I am very passionate about all the clubs and organizations I'm a part of.  Not only are these clubs great ways to make friends and expand your social and professional circles but they act as great resume builders.
 Mercyhurst University has over 85 registered campus clubs and organizations, something for everyone.We have clubs including a Video Game Club, Outdoor Adventure Club, Habitat for Humanity and even a Fencing Club.  With that being said, If students find themselves disappointed with what Mercyhurst has to offer they can work very easily with Mercyhurst Student Government and the campus involvement center so establish a club they would like to see. Just last year we approved a club called "All I want for Christmas is this Club" we also approved an accounting and finance club. When it comes to approving clubs,  Mercyhurst Student Government has senators on the constitutional revisions committee vote for approval and establishment of that club. Typically all clubs are approved as long as they follow the right guidelines and we think that they would enhance the lives of students at Mercyhurst University.

Some of my fellow Mercyhurst Ambassadors and I
I know many people may read this and think, damn I'm not involved in any club or organization on campus. But it's never too late to get involved in a club or organization. Until mid way through my sophomore year I was not affiliated with any club or organization. Why the sudden change of mind you  may ask?Well I realized that like anything, college is an experience that you will get out of it what you are willing to put into it. At times yes I definitely feel as though I could be giving more to one club than another but at the end of the day you only have so much time to give so make your decisions wisely and join a club or organization that will enhance your Mercyhurst experience and hopefully offer some fun times along the way, as all my clubs have.

                               Check out all the fun clubs and organizations MU has to offer;
                                   http://www.mercyhurst.edu/student-life/organizations

Peace Out,

Richard Molloy
MSG President
msgpres@mercyhurst.edu