Friday, February 29, 2008
Classic Kevin Borseth
I kind of miss his emotion up here. Classic rant.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
One last fall semester
I think I'm getting too old for college. This morning I had my first of three courses for the semester, Intro to Humanies II. Let's just say if it wasn't for the instructor, I would have been the oldest person in the class.
This whole college thing is starting to get weird. I am taking nothing but general education classes this semester. These are classes filled with freshmen and sophomores that are told to take this classes right away. I did just the opposite and they should be a breeze by now due to the fact I know how to work the system.
This semester is strange in another way. I don't know too many people in my department anymore (Public and Environmental Affairs). Seems like everyone has graduated, or is on their way out (like myself). There are no more classses to be taken, no more insightful debate and commentary, and more importantly, no more facinating topics like political theory and public policy.
But while today has been strange, the parking situation is not. Last year I bitched about the parking and this year I will do the same. I was coming back from lunch to campus and not only was the Studio Lots parking lot full, so was the Phoenix Sports Center lot and most of the Lab Sciences parking lot. Let's just say I was pissed off about that.
If our campus is serious about expanding to 7,500 students, they are going to have to do something with the parking. There is no reason why I have to park on the other side of campus and then walk clear across it for class. Now, imagine it is dark and a female student would have to walk across campus at night. Is it safe for her to walk across campus at night?
I didn't think so.
It's just flat out irritating.
Labels: UWGB
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
The end of another semester
While my last final was last night, the end of the 2007 spring semester officially ended today. It completes another page in the history of UW-Green Bay--it's been a strange year.
I've already given my comments on the year in review of the UWGB Student Government Association, so I won't need to do that here. However, a lot of things happened this year that makes you proud to be a Phoenix, and others that makes you cringe.
UWGB women advances to NCAA second round, give Huskies a run for their money
It shouldn't have be a surprise that the UWGB Lady Phoenix were perfect in Horizon League play, was undefeated against Big Ten teams, and routinely beat opponents by 20 or more. The surprise was how much ease they did it. Head coach Kevin Borseth could go deep into his bench regularly to keep the starting five fresh. However, after leading at halftime against No. 1 seeded UConn, the Phoenix ran out of gas in the second round of the NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament. Even with the loss, it caps an amazing season for UWGB and kept us on the national women's basketball map.
With the loss of only two starting seniors, UWGB could be poised to do it all again. However, it may be difficult due to the loss of Borseth. He left UWGB to take a dream job at Michigan, where he will rebuild a program that has been abysmal in recent years. The Phoenix will have their own issues to deal with. The first being new head coach Matt Bolland who has never coached at the NCAA level. While I displayed my displeasure over his hire, it is clear that he will have big shoes to fill--just like Borseth did when he replaced Carole Hammerle.
Mid-term elections heat up campus debate
I'll admit it, I am not a fan of students voting. They typically vote for liberals and liberal causes. I believe they are ignorant at best and insane at worse. If you look at the demographics of UWGB, you will find that we are a predominately a regional campus. Our region is very socially conservative. However, these students took the bait given to them by Fair Wisconsin hook, line and sinker.
Fair Wisconsin, as well as the Democratic Party, portrays Republicans and conservatives as uncompassionate, cruel people that only care about our money, our guns and our religion of hate--a.k.a. Christianity. It is shocking that if you sit down and talk with Joe Student at UWGB, you would find out that s/he would typically align themselves with the Republican Party.
However, if you try to sell tax cuts, eliminiating social programs and lessining the burden that is governemnt, it directly conflicts with the B.S. you get in your typical feel-good general education humanities class. So who are you going to believe? The professor or the college kid that is rallying outside of a congressional debate.
And speaking of debates, the debate between John Gard and Dr. Millioniare Steve Kagen was priceless. Even with the biased questions, the audience full of the Fair Wisconsin and left-wing nut type, John clearly stood his grown and didn't stumble over the questions like Dr. Millionaire did. And even after that debate, John clearly knew what he was talking about when he was getting question after question by the hate-America first crowd after that debate.
As an activist, debates are fun. You get to sit in the back with your Palm Treo in hand and take notes of all the idiotic things that are said, and then you go to a bar after a suck a beer down with good company, cracking jokes at some of the stupidity.
It is some of the best experiences of the campaign.
University Union gets worked on, makes navigating campus a whole lot more difficult
It only took five years of planning, but work on the University Union begun this past semester. Today, walking through it, there is only one section of it operable, the rest is all closed off. Now, there is no reason to ever step foot in the Union--at least until the fall when something should be open.
For $6 million, students are getting hosed on this project. Instead of tearing the old one down and rebuilding for the same price, we are getting a rather small addition to a building that needs to be burned down. Anyone who has stepped foot in it knows. It is impossible to walk around it and not get lost. Now, architects are going to make it worse.
The best thing about our campus is that all of the academic buildings are connected. This means on a rainy day, you don't have to walk outside and get wet going to class. Since the beginning of this project, they have thrown this concept out of the window as the Union no longer connects to any of the buildings. So when I park in the studio arts parking lot, I enter in Studio Arts, cut through the Union and get to Mary Ann Cofrin Hall for my classes. I can't do that anymore and I'm pissed.
That leads to another similar discussion about the Union--naming rights. UWGB must not have any clout with the state Legislature because we have to sell naming rights to our rooms. The Nicolet Room is now the Cloud Commons named after big-time donor Leona Cloud. She already has the Cloud Lounge in Mary Ann Cofrin Hall. I still want the Jon Hayden Memorial Men's Lavatory. When I have a lot of money some day, maybe I will make that contribution. Maybe my wife and I would purchase the naming rights for the women's one next to it.
Chancellor, Vice Chancellor look for jobs elsewhere
Both UWGB Chancellor Bruce Shepard and Vice Chancellor and Provost Sue Hammersmith were looking for new gigs this year. Both decided to stay at UWGB, much to the dismay of level-headed students everywhere.
Shepard was a finalist for presidency at Western Michigan University. He backed out on April 9 to remain at UWGB. Hammersmith tried to become Eastern Illinois next president, but was passed over in favor of Texas A&M's William Perry. She also applied to become the chancellor at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and president at Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. She didn't get either job, so we are stuck with her.
Having Shepard leave could be disasterous for our campus in the community. He is a well-liked guy who knew how to work people for money. Having Hammersmith leave would be a godsend as, just maybe, we can see some general education reform and actually have a decent academic program for once...and actually have some critical thinking.
Thank yous...for putting up with this madman
It's been one of those strange years, and I couldn't have survived it without some people. The guys from Liebl 109--Tyler, Zach, Brendan, and Chad. Without our debates and discussion, I wouldn't have stayed sharp and on target with my arguements. I'd like to thank the Gard Team for allowing me to be part of a special family and have the greatest two months of my campaign life. And finally, the last person I would like to thank is Melissa. This is a girl who had to deal with me with class projects for much of the last academic year. I don't know how she did it, but we both got a lesson in working with people from across the aisle.
It's been a fun school year. I can't wait for my final semester this fall. Stay tuned, its going to be a wild ride.
Friday, May 11, 2007
Congratulations Scott Furlong!
One of my all-time favorite professors got promoted today. Scott Furlong, Professor of Public and Environmental Affairs, was named the new Dean of Liberal Arts and Sciences at UW-Green Bay.
Scott Furlong, a member of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay faculty since 1993 and chair of the University's Public and Environmental Affairs academic unit, has been named UW-Green Bay's dean of liberal arts and sciences.
Furlong will begin his duties as dean July 1.
Sue K. Hammersmith, UW-Green Bay provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs, said the University is fortunate to have someone with Furlong's experience, talent and enthusiasm to lead Liberal Arts and Sciences.
“His academic background, administrative experience and familiarity with the university make him a great fit for the dean's position,” Hammersmith said. “I look forward to working with him in this new role.”
The dean of liberal arts and sciences is one of two academic deans at UW-Green Bay. The other is the dean of professional and graduate studies.
The dean of liberal arts and sciences has administrative and leadership responsibility for programs in humanities, fine and performing arts, natural and applied sciences, and social sciences.
“I'm extremely honored and humbled to be selected for the dean's position and look forward to the challenges and opportunities this position provides,” Furlong said. “I have been very fortunate to work with great people here at UW-Green Bay and am looking forward to continuing these relationships and working together to ensure our students get the best that UW-Green Bay has to offer.”
Future students are going to miss out on the 15 page paper researching the Federal Register and his insight into the bureaucratic regulatory agencies. Without his Regulatory Policy and Administration, I wouldn't have a clue how to navigate the public policy subsystems.
Labels: UWGB
Monday, May 07, 2007
The worst hire since Mike Heideman
UW-Green Bay decided to hire a NAIA coach to replace the legendary Kevin Borseth. Have you ever heard of Matt Bolland...or Bryan College? I haven't. (I had to look it up, its in Tennesee.)
"Matt is a perfect fit for UW-Green Bay," said Bothof. "He has proven recruiting success in the Midwest from his time as a Division I assistant coach, and his record as a head coach speaks for itself. We are excited to have Matt and his family as part of our program."
"We have the right person to lead the UW-Green Bay women's basketball program," said UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard. "Coach Bollant was the consensus choice of our players as well as campus and community members who helped in the coaching search. He has demonstrated enthusiasm and passion for our women's basketball program and University. I am confident that the program, which has such an outstanding tradition on the court and in the classroom, will have an even brighter future under Coach Bollant."
"I am thrilled for the opportunity to be the head coach here at UW-Green Bay," said Bollant. "I hope to continue the high level of excellence the team has had here, and I can't wait to get started building for the future." Bollant begins his NCAA head coaching career in Green Bay following five seasons at Bryan (Tenn.) College. In his five seasons as the program's mentor, Bollant posted a 134-38 record (.779 winning percentage) with the Lady Lions at the NAIA level.
I really want to know what kind of Kool Aid these guys are drinking. First, UWGB was a NAIA team. They aren't one anymore. Secondly, what was wrong with John Barnes, the current head coach at Michigan Tech. He knows the area. He recruited the same players as Kevin did. He comes from the school where Kevin coached prior to UWGB.
My university is run by morons. That's right, complete morons. When Dick Bennett left to coach at Madison, they kept Mike Heideman around as the head coach. Sure, he went to the NCAA tournament in his first year, but it was straight to the bottom of the MCC from there. He destroyed UW-Green Bay men's basketball.
My hatred for Tod Kowalczyk will greatly diminish this year because of this hire. He's a great recruiter, awful coach. But he isn't the worst basketball coach on our campus anymore.
What a craptacular way of opening up the new Phoenix Sports Center.
Friday, May 04, 2007
UWGB Student Government Year in Review
The UW-Green Bay Student Government Association starts off the year with a bang...its first meeting is shut down due to violations of open meetings laws.
And then....
Two dumbasses get elected due to a brilliant campaign strategy. And then....
They do a brat fry at Festival Foods to raise money. Geez, I thought that is what segregated fees were for.
And more nothing...
Honestly, student government is a joke. It needs to be abolished. It is a bunch of people that talk tough around election time, but fail to deliver when its time to do something. Take a good look at the people I helped elected. They turned their back on everyone who helped them get elected. They appoint their oppponents to key positions and they dismiss logic and reason from people too intelligent, like my good friend Chad Kleist.
Let me tell you a story. Michael Seleskie and Sara Duginske, the new SGA President/Vice President, are not qualified to lead the students at UWGB. Take a good look at the president, Seleskie. He is from Minnesota. He his tuition is paid for by the university due to his athletic scholarship. He likes debate so much, he'd rather debate than do anything. (Sounds like the worthless U.S. Senate of the last decade.) When it comes to policy, he is clueless.
Now lets take a good look at Sara Duginske. She is one of those left-wing nuts that makes Michael Moore look moderate. I rembember one night she said the most outragous statement I would ever hear in my lifetime. She said she would like to get pregnant so she could abort it.
Now, if that doesn't raise a red flag, I don't know what will.
I stand by my statement. Student government needs to be abolished. Only then, will students get a decent education at a decent price.
Labels: UWGB
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Shep to head up campus security study
Sometimes I wonder why Gov. Jim Doyle even bothers trying to find solutions in the UW System. Now he is taking a stab at campus security, and he picks a chancellor from a school in the middle of the woods and a police chief from a city in the woods. UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard and River Falls Police Chief Roger Leque will lead the study.
The AP had this reported:
The group of 10 to 15 students, parents, law enforcement agents, university officials and mental health experts will look at all options — including whether campus security officers should carry guns, Doyle said.
“I don’t want anything off the table with the task force,” he said.
So does that mean concealed carry is on the table? How about repealing System code that prohibits firearms and other weapons on UW campuses?
Doyle said some campuses have sworn officers who carry guns, while others have the equivalent of security guards. The decision on whether campus security
should carry guns may be a local issue, he said.“It may just be cheaper and safer and better for the university in a smaller community to rely on a police department,” he said.
Of course it is. At UW-Green Bay, our police department is utterly useless. Some question why we have one, and to this date the only conclusion is that we need on is to write speeding tickets, or to intimidate students.
For example, last night as I was meeting someone in campus housing a UWGB Public Safety car flew by Liebl Hall. It stopped in front with the other squad car. Something was going on. Probably drinking, partying, or something similar. That was around 9 p.m. Those cars were still there at 10:30 p.m. What were they doing for that long?
I have always questioned the need for a police department at UWGB. First, we are surrounded by the woods, detached from society. We are surrounded by residential developments on all sides that are patrolled by the Green Bay Police Department. Secondly, we are right down the road (Bay Settlement/Huron Rd.) from a Green Bay Fire Department for emergency response. Our Public Safety department doesn't have EMS or fire squads. So why just police officers?
Secondly, the first thing to go on campuses in the last few budget cycles are police officers. They are too pricey to keep around. When I first started college at UWGB in 2002, one of the first stories I wrote for the campus paper was about the need for the department to cut an officer because it was too expensive. UWGB residents now pay more for housing to have an extra real police officer patrol at night.
I really question what the goal of the UWGB Public Safety is that can't be duplicated by the Green Bay Police Department. Are the speeding tickets really worth that much to keep the department open? Sure, there is the arguement that they know campus better, blah, blah, blah, but I think students would be better served by real police officers by the City of Green Bay. Are people driving that dangerously on East Circle Drive to warrant a cop sitting there?
The clear solution at UWGB is to have security officials--not full fledged police officers. If you want to give them a gun, go for it. UWGB does not need the bureaucratic overhead for a full-fledged police department. It has proved in the past that it is one of the first budgetary cuts. Take a look at the last security report to see for yourself.
Campuses like Madison, Milwaukee do need real police departments. They are in the middle of large cities with real crime--not the fake rapes that happen here because a girl is homesick or mentally ill.
I hope that Chancellor Shepard realizes this. He's a pretty level-headed guy, so maybe he'll see the need for reform.
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Thanks. But no thanks.
UW-Green Bay is still looking for a coach to replace the legendary Kevin Borseth. It really makes me wonder what is so bad at our program to cause someone to change their mind about UWGB.
GREEN BAY, Wis. - The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will immediately resume its search for a women's basketball head coach following the resignation of Aaron Johnston, UW-Green Bay Director of Athletics Ken Bothof announced today. Johnston, who had accepted the head coaching position for the women's basketball team Tuesday, has decided to return to South Dakota State University, where he has been the head coach for the past seven seasons.
"Although we are disappointed in Aaron's decision, we are moving forward," said Bothof. "The opportunity to be a part of a program as strong as our women's basketball team continues to make this position a desirable one. I am as confident as ever that we will find a high-quality coach that will lead this team to success both on and off the court."
"I didn't realize until today the strong emotional ties I had to South Dakota State University and the community of Brookings," said Johnston. "I want to apologize to Chancellor Bruce Shepard, Athletics Director Ken Bothof, the search and screen committee and the community of Green Bay and its University for the sudden change of heart."
Friday, January 26, 2007
This is why student government needs to be abolished
I am so glad I got out of this racket a while ago. Turns out a member of the executive committee of the UW-Green Bay Student Government Association spends his days going through IRS documents to justify a rational discussion amongst the students about membership into the United Council of UW Students. First, off a disclaimer, I was heavily involved with United Council in the 2005-06 school year, so I may be biased.
With that, these are the e-mails that are circulating around the SGA listservs. This is the first e-mail from Erik Mims, the former student senate speaker. Nevermind the gramatical errors, the majority of it is a blantant lie and cannot be taken seriously.
An open letter to the Student Senate,
At ORGSMORG today our Student President expressed concern with United Council regarding their efforts to seek UW-Green Bay as a member campus through referendum in the spring elections. Last year, UWGB was a member campus; however when SGA asked for their assistance in the budget process, their self-proclaimed “student rallying voice” was silent. Upon expressing this concern our President was told she needed to “get over it”.
Is this the type of behavior appropriate for a professional organization that receives its operating income from students? (2005 reported $589,131).
Indeed, it is time to move on from United Council, what said business sense is it for us to pay $23,200/yearly (estimated 5,800 students @ $2 per student per semester) for an organization unaware and unwilling to support the very cause they claim they exist for? Furthermore, when making a decision to spend that kind of student money, it seems prudent to question their high turnover of executive directors’ and the number of other campuses that have dropped their membership.
Finally, what does it say of an organization that who’s operation depends on student money when two requests for copies of financial statements made in April 2006 by SGA, which they are compelled by law to provide, go ignored? (Complaint recently forwarded to the IRS). Should the student government not provide some oversight on behalf of UWGB students?
United Council has been unwilling to hold its programs or its employees accountable for achieving the very goals they have identified.
The Board of Regents currently does not evaluate the fiscal responsibility of United Council on a yearly basis; this increases the risk to the student, much more so in the case when student government does not provide adequate oversight.
This trend of United Council sustainability unchecked by the constantly changing of student government and our lack of a system that collects and shares institutional knowledge in regards to membership in United Council. This condition, which is further aggravated by their decision to ignore the request for financials, causes limited visibility which increases risks to students.
You might ask, but what would we do without United Council? A reasonable question. The answer is, look what we were able to accomplish without them. Last year, the Student President and I took on the budget fight, meeting with elected officials which include both state and federal representatives. Furthermore, we took a trip to Madison and made our case to the System President… and at that point we didn’t selfishly share the concern of just our campus, but of all the campuses who were suffering the same issue as confirmed by the AP news article.
This year we have one of the best Legislative Affairs Secretaries than I have seen yet, she has accomplished much more than what United Council has in the last few years while we were a member campus. It is true that it is demanding of the position, however, wouldn’t an elevation of compensation similar to perhaps the same as the SUFAC Secretary be more prudent than paying $23,200 a year to an
organization that has failed us, and by their own admission & actions are unwilling to engage in discussion or provide transparency of their organization?
Almost surely the Student Senate will address this matter at the next session; I encourage senators to come prepared to discuss this matter seriously as it is a big decision that will impact the student body. Already we have received ambiguous data when asked by Secretary Roder, how much goes towards pay and how much goes towards lobbying?
I do not have to give a ballpark figure; the documents speak for themselves,
2005 tax documents - salary compensation - $242,114 + additional employee benefits $26,370, totaling = $268,484.
Lobbying - $4,250, representing 1.5% of the employee compensation, and .007 % of the revenue.
Senators, please do not treat this matter casually, ask questions such as I suggest below, consult with Secretary Winden when in doubt about the numbers – he is there to answer your questions.
Ask –
Why, despite UWGB students paying thousands of dollars in membership fees to United Council has the Board of Regents and Student Senate not compiled data or developed performance measures to evaluate the job they are doing?
Is the decision by the Board of Regents and Student Senate supporting UC referenda engaging in a practice that fails to hold United Council accountable for achieving its organizational purpose undermining the rationale to support them in the first place?
Are we making a sound business arrangement decision? Has the Student Senate inquired with the Legislative Affairs Secretary to other possible state, national organizations, both profit and non-profit alternatives?
Are we ready to become members of United Council again? Do we have evaluation procedures in places? Have we verified that they do? Have they shown improvement in their organization including a desirable program result that would benefit UW-Green Bay?
Is it professional of an organization that proclaims their staff is professional to wear a Bluetooth Headset while presenting to a potential member campus?
Finally, why have we gone this long, this year without a Faculty Representative?
Thanks for your time,
Erik Mims
Former Speaker of the Student Senate
(2005-2006)
Then, Michael Heller, the SGA Student Senate Speaker responded with this e-mail, which actually makes sense--without the hours spent on the IRS Web site.
Senators,
I would like to take a moment to respond to the negative e-mails that were sent to the Senate in regards to United Council. My personal opinion aside, I'm writing this e-mail so that each Senator can make their own informed opinion knowing the full circle of facts. It is also important to note that if legislation comes before the Student Senate it would be to add UC to the ballot for our spring elections. We wouldn't be deciding on whether or not to join the organization but would instead be allowing the student body to make that choice. We do, in fact, work in a democratic fashion and it would be selfish and irresponsible on our part to deny students the ability to make this choice. Now I'll talk about the valid concerns mentioned in other e-mails to the Senate.
Oversight was brought up as one of the major concerns. The oversight of United Council is, in fact, quite extensive. The students of each member campus must approve the United Council budget before it is enacted each year and if any changes need to be made such as entering into a new contract or hiring a new staff member, those changes must be first be approved by the UC board. This process is similar to the way additional budget requests at UWGB go before the SUFAC committee of Senate. Furthermore, if UWGB becomes a member campus, our students are welcome to run for office within UC, providing even more extensive oversight for our campus.
Another concern with United Council was the organizations spending habits when it comes to lobbying. UC performs its lobbying by meeting with legislators to talk about student issues and encourage them to prioritize those issues. I'd like to remind everyone (especially those writing uninformed e-mails) that because United Council is a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) classified organization, it is legally required to remain nonpartisan. It is important to note that lobbying has to be done in a different manner when an organization has this special tax status. Groups such as the Sierra club lost this status decades ago because they funnel money, time, and resources into specific partisan campaigns so that these candidates will support their agenda. It would be illegal for UC to use these tactics. UC lobbying is done not through endorsing candidates and campaign donations, but rather through the lobbying staff members of UC who are paid compensation. This compensation is included in the salary section (as opposed to the lobbying section) of the UC budget. Finally, numerous elections were swayed with the student vote during the past election with the help of UC student voting campaigns. If this trend continues, legislators will begin to take students much more seriously. This student voice is needed to curtail rising tuition; UC can't accomplish it on its own.
One last concern was the poor representation afforded to UWGB by UC. I'll ask you now, how can an organization represent a school that does not participate in that organization? This is similar to how legislators historically haven't listened to students because they don't vote. UWGB lacked a voting voice on the UC board of directors for half of the 2005-2006 academic year because our student body president fired and failed to replace this representation. In addition, UWGB either lacked full representation or had no representation at every UC General Assembly, a time when the direction of UC campaigns is formulated and voted upon by member
delegations. As I stated at our last Senate meeting, we make up United Council. If we fail to participate and vote in the organization it seems obvious that the organization will not address our specific needs and will instead concentrate on the needs of the voting members. The same goes for any organization that takes its direction from its voting members.
Maybe we can fight tuition increases and financial aid decreases on our own instead of joining the super-majority of UW institutions. It is possible that we could be successful but usually strength comes in numbers, as the saying goes. I challenge you all to form your own opinion on this issue now that you see both sides of the story. Don't take my word for it, and don't take the word of anyone else. Review the facts and decide for yourselves how you feel about United Council but please remember that your opinion may not be the opinion of the students you represent.
And then, shortly thereafter, Mims responded with this:
If to ask questions, openly correspond with those that represent me, and ask that before a $23,200 decision is set forth and certified by the Student Senate to be worthy of the student body’s determination that alternatives be identified (whether any exist or do not exist), evaluation standards be considered to include a data exchange between new student administrations, constitutes as a negative email,
Then so be it, I sent a “negative” email, or is it perhaps a different view than what the Speaker suggests followed?
I simply am asking Student Senators to apply critical thinking skills to this question, and not make a decision to put the senate’s certification upon a potentially costly venture.
Are there alternatives (has anyone asked the Legislative Affairs Secretary to research alternatives to include national, regional, both profit and non-profit)? How are the alternative records compared to United Council? Does United Council indeed have the monopoly on this type of representation?
Are the financial oversights sufficient? Have you looked at their fiscal policy?
I can assure you there is no mention of an independent auditor who reports to the UC Board, this document you can find on their website.
What is their track record and performance? How many advertisements have they put in newspapers to share student issues with the community? Were they the only ones that effected student election swings?
What explains their high turnover of Executive Directors?
I believe the efforts of our Legislative Affairs Secretary and her committee, along with the will of the student “voting voice” had one of the highest off-presidential election turnouts seen for UWGB yet.
The Speaker mentions their special tax exemption of 501 (c) (3) status; it is true they have to abide by certain laws, including sending financials requested by any public entity. SGA sent two separate requests in April of 2006; neither was responded to, compelling a complaint to be filed with the IRS.
United States T.D. 8818 makes it clear that –Responsible persons of a tax-exempt organization who fail to provide the documents as required may be subject to a penalty of $20 per day for as long as the failure continues. There is a maximum penalty of $10,000 for each failure to provide a copy of an annual information return. There is no maximum penalty for the failure to provide a copy of an exemption application.
I again ask, what does it say of a “professional” organization that they proclaim to be who responds to our Student President who tries to discuss a significant concern she has, that she needs to “get over it”? Regardless if you support the Student President or not, she received more votes than any other candidate did for anything… she was elected by the students, thus, should any external influence be telling our President this? What if a State Representative or Senator attempts to discuss a concern they have, will United Council professional staff tell the lawmaker that they need to “get over it”?
That, ladies and gentlemen, is what I find unacceptable and unprofessional of an organization whose professional staff has quarter of a million dollars tied up in wages and fringe benefits.
Finally, I ask you not to confuse my request to critically evaluate legislative action
regarding United Council as an opinion that the organization’s purpose is not a good idea, quite the contrary. I just believe that there are alternatives available. Last year when we lobbied to save the budget cut of yet another police officer, an important issue given that 150 beds had been added on campus along with significant physical assets such as MAC Hall and the Kress Center, the representatives we met with, which included U.S. Rep. Mark Green, stated that they prefer to hear from the UWGB student body rather than United Council.
Four elected representatives shared this with us. Given that, what is their effectiveness?
I only ask that a critical evaluation be afforded this decision, as should be applied to every voting decision asked of senate. Ask questions, talk to senior Senators such as Senator Czypinski, Navin, or Seleskie, ask them what they think, what kind of questions they would ask. Talk to Secretary Winden, ask him to go over what the numbers in the documents previously forwarded indicate.
Thanks for your time,
Erik Mims
So what does it all mean? It means that most people in student government are worthless. The executive branch of student government is worthless. And that all they care about is their own vested self-interests.
While no action is completely selfless, I do believe that Mr. Heller has a point--that working together, instead of seperately, works better in the halls of the Capitol and in Van Hise Hall.
There are universal issues that students are extremely concerned about. I consider it a three-ring circus. Tution is one of them. Financial aid is another. State funding is a third. The rest, for the lack of a better term, are on the fringes and are side shows. We can pick and choose what side shows we want to view and be a part of, but you can't dismiss the main event in the center of the big top.
I have had my difference with many of the issues and campaigns of United Council. I have a major problem with the UW System admissions policy and their push for more affirmative action. However, I can choose not to participate in that push. When it comes time for tuition hikes, financial aid or other system-wide impacts, we join together for the fight.
One of the most amazing experiences was to see that more than 50 students from a majority of the UW campuses attend the July 2005 UW Regents meeting where they voiced their opposition to the tuition hikes. It worked. For the first time ever, a Regent other than the student Regent, voted against the tuition hikes. Five regular regents, along with the student regent, voted agaist the 7 percent tuition hike. Interesting, eh?
This internal discussion amongst the student government in my eyes is a joke. While I admit there are accountability issues with United Council, especially with the funding of it, the isolationism that UWGB students are getting is not going to work for them in the long run.
Just a thought or two.
EDIT: At the request of my insider from within student governance statewide (who lurks in the shadows and is long since retired like myself ), I have removed some of my more poignant comments about a certain specific person. I have received some calls and some e-mails as to wondering who I received this from. As someone trained in journalism, I respect the fact of anonymity at the request of the source. I can assure you that it is not someone at UW-Green Bay or has ever been associated with UWGB.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
UWGB student wins $122,000 on game show
It's good to see someone from UW-Green Bay is winning these days. Now let's hope our men's basketball team can catch the winning fever.
It was “Wheel of Fortune” indeed for Kari Merchant — two trips and $122,650.
That’s what she won on the popular syndicated TV game show that aired tonight on WLUK, Channel 11.
“I did the typical scream, jump up and down, hug Pat,” Merchant said today. Pat Sajak is the game show host.
The 22-year-old University of Wisconsin-Green Bay student from Sturgeon Bay still doesn’t quite know how to grasp her winnings. She will take the trips, one to the Maui Film Festival in Hawaii and one to Greece. But she hasn’t figured out how to time them yet.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do that, but, I mean, I’ve got to — Greece,” she said.
Then there’s the money. Federal and state taxes will take big bites, but what’s left will be more than pocket change.
“I guess I’m going to have to invest it because I don’t need that much money right now,” Merchant said.
“I think I might get a new car, though. Maybe. Give my brother my old one. Give my sister and my mom a little bit of money.”
The experience has been a drawn-out one for Merchant. She tried out in October 2005 at ShopKo Hall in Ashwaubenon. At the time, she was supposed to be on bed rest after a scare with spinal meningitis put her in the hospital and forced her to withdraw from UWGB for a semester.
A year passed after the audition. Merchant was disappointed. Then she got the call to show up for a taping in Culver City, Calif., in the middle of October.
“I was happy before I even went to the bonus round,” Merchant said. “They were trying to coach me in between the final round and the bonus round: ‘Don’t be nervous.’ ‘Nervous? I don’t care if I win the bonus round. I just got $20,000. I’m fine now. I can go home.’”
When her bonus of $100,000 was revealed by Sajak, Merchant screamed.
“I couldn’t believe that that just happened,” she said.
Excitement exploded as confetti fell and friends ran onto the stage.
Merchant wasn’t allowed to tell anyone what she won, so she is relieved the secret is out.
“I held it in for a month and a half,” she said.
Labels: UWGB
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Isn't that a bit of a stretch?
My wonderfully crappy university has decided to name the primary dining hall after a big-money donor in a building that the students are mostly paying for?
GREEN BAY - In recognition of a longtime supporter and distinguished graduate, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay will name the main dining area in the University Union the Leona Cloud Commons.
UW-Green Bay is honoring Leona Cloud for her involvement with the University and community and for her generous financial support of the Kress Events Center.
The dining area will be named and dedicated at a ceremony at 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 27.UW-Green Bay Chancellor Bruce Shepard thanked Mrs. Cloud for her generosity and support of the University, particularly of the Kress Events Center.
"Leona Cloud has been a great friend and supporter of Green Bay's University of Wisconsin," Shepard said. "We are proud that her name will be connected with one of our campus's most popular spots."
Mrs. Cloud and her husband, the late Walter R. Cloud, joined the UW-Green Bay Founders Association in 1975 and were members for many years. They also supported the Weidner Center for the Performing Arts and the University's first capital campaign.
More recently, her gift for UW-Green Bay's newest classroom building, Mary Ann Cofrin Hall, furnished the Cloud Lounge, a gathering place for students. She also was an early and generous supporter of the Kress Events Center, the renovated and expanded Phoenix Sports Center. The sports and events center will open in fall 2007.
Mrs. Cloud is an alumna of UW-Green Bay, having graduated in 1980 after returning to school as an adult student. She earned a degree in Human Development with high honors.
I’m glad to see that naming rights to just about anything can be purchased at UW-Green Bay. In fact, if I had a few million dollars lying around, I suppose there could be a Jon Hayden Memorial Men’s Lavatory, right across from the Christie Theatre.
Since 2002, I have paid $1,900 for the CL21—Campus Life for the 21st Century—projects. Hundreds of thousands of dollars have been paid by UW-Green Bay students already for the University Union Expansion as the students are the primary source of funding for the project.
I find it highly offensive that only one student in the tens of thousands that have attended this fine university and only one of them gets the chance to have a named room after them. Forget about the fact that UWGB culture will suffer because “the Nic” is no longer—rather “the Cloud.”
The student union is a place for all students to use. We fund it, we’re the primary client and we are the primary workforce of it. No one student is more important than the other. No one student contributes more to fund the operations of it And no one student is in charge of it. That’s the beauty of the student union.
I can understand the naming Christie Theatre—Richard Christie was a fantastic Union director—but I cannot comprehend how university administration can sell the naming rights to a room like the Nic. Since Mrs. Cloud graciously contributed to the Kress Events Center, why not the Leona Cloud Fitness Center, or the Leona Cloud [insert athletics related room here]?
As a student I appreciate what Cloud family has provided the university, but as a student who has also contributed to the funding of the University Union and its expansion I wonder where we draw the line that all of the UWGB students since 1969 have financially contributed.
After all, do you really think you’d want a Jon Hayden Memorial Men’s Lavatory?
I didn’t think so.
Labels: UWGB
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Lack of updates
Sorry for the lack of new posts. We've been extremely busy being college students and campaigners.
Labels: UWGB
Monday, September 18, 2006
The trainwreck has left the station
The 2006-07 student senate has officially begun with absolutely no real issues or anything to vote on, except for appointments.
As I expected, there are only at most four members on each of the importance -- SUFAC and Shared Governance.
The meeting was also not in compliance with Wisconsin Open Meetings Law. Shall I file a complaint?
But I won't have to...there won't be a meeting. No votes...no confirmations.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
And I Thought Financial Aid Was Cut?
It's the first day of classes here at UW-Green Bay and 15 minutes into my day, I have some strange thoughts already.
More refunds, less payments
First, the lines to pick up refund checks from the unversity were longer than than lines to pay tuition. Same with parking. I got a refund check because my federal loans were more than the cost of tuition and fees. Looks like I wasn't the only one. I'm sure by Friday there won't be any checks to pick up, but it does make you wonder what people were crying about all these years about not enough financial aid.
Parking is a nightmare at best
When went to campus last night to watch Monday Night Raw with some friends, the Studio Arts Parking Lot was full all the to the road to the University Union. In a normal year, it is about half of that. Today, arriving on campus at 8:45, 45 minutes after the first classes, I parked at the back of the lot, and more towards the golf course.
In short, this is nuts. I shouldn't have to walk two miles to get to class. Once the snow hits and the roads/sidewalks get icy, it will be a tough walk each and every morning. No wonder UW-Green Bay has some of the worst retention rates in the UW System. If I had the choice between killing myself to get to class or just not going...I think you see where I'm going.
John Gard signs everywhere
At least I had something to do with this. There are signs everywhere, on bulletin boards, in display cases and pretty much anywhere else you can think of. Tyler was out this morning handing out lit to the on-campus students. (While I was fixing my car.) It's good to know that we're the only ones active on campus...yet.
The Feminist movement is dead
While in line for a half hour, I had a lot of time to people watch. One of the things I noticed is that all of the girls looked normal. They looked like typical feminine students. No butch haircuts, no hippies. I know it was a small sample, but maybe the feminist movement is dead...at least here at UW-Green Bay.
Off to my first class of the semester...Introduction to Human Bio, then Astronomy, Political Theory, Public Policy Analysis and rounding out the day with Introduction to Public Administration.
I may be live blogging during one of the political science classes.
Tuesday, August 01, 2006
What's this all about?
Sitting at my desk this summer I thought to myself, how can I take my vast knowledge of the state and federal legislatures and do something productive with it. I could do research for a paper, independent study, internships and so on and so forth. But instead I have chose to take what's going on in Madison, Washington and around the world and break it down for what it means to the average college students.
Every morning I have a ritual -- go get the Green Bay Press-Gazette from my newspaper box, get a pot of coffee and read the Press-Gazette, read the Journal Sentinel online, possibly the Wisconsin State Journal and The Wheeler Report and various blogs from around the state. Add in some talk radio, and by mid-day I can tell you everything that is going on in Wisconsin Poltiics -- who's in what meetings, what's on the agenda in the next few weeks and everything else under the sun.
What this means is simple. I will put the news of the day here and give some sort of analysis. You may like it, you may not. But what I can tell you now is that is is always going to be clear and concise. If you have comments, send them my way: executive@fightingphoenix.com.
Labels: Election 2006, General, UWGB
Monday, April 18, 2005
A changing of the guard
There is only one constant in life: you are going to get old.
And while you are getting older, there are going to be those kids that are going to try and take your place.
And I am one of those dinosaurs trying to thwart extinction.
Case in point. Two weeks ago, I sat on the debate panel for UW-Green Bay's student government elections. I've been around this place since September 2002 and have seen probably almost everything...I think.
I've seen many projects come and go here, like the Learning Experience. The slashing of CL21 funding. Two System budgets and now three of these here SGA elections. Plus, being a news editor writing about these long-winded issues, I have been at the forefront of the things that matter here at UWGB.
Then I go into this debate with all sort of good questions regarding a lot of the recent history at UWGB. I ask the questions, which still matter today. And I get blank stares and "umm, umm," and no real answers.
It took the round of questioning for the SGA President/Veep race to get some answers to my questions...and less blank stares. Then again, I should have expected it all along.
There is a generational gap within the student organizations here at UWGB. There's the old guard, which consists of class that entered UWGB in 2002 and those still lurking around that came here earlier.
It's this gap that concerns me, considering that most of the executive boards of the student government are currently freshmen. These freshmen don't understand major issues surrounding the campus community.
Some issues include: --Parking in housing --University administration --Paying 5-7 percent tuition hikes, but its OK, because they haven't paid more than $800 in new tuition and seg fee increases over the last three years.
But then again, when you have a leader saying: "We don't see parking as a major problem here at UWGB."
It's a bit concerning because two years ago, it took me forever to find a parking space. When I did, it was a hike back to my apartment.
Am I just cracking up, or just getting older?
Please tell me its the latter. I haven't gone that insane yet....or so I hope..
Labels: UWGB
