Miami University’s Associated Student Government (ASG) heard from members of the administration board during its weekly meeting on Oct. 1. admin members discussed the credit-hour cap, increasing mental health awareness, student accessibility resources and Miami’s future in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Senators also went through voter registration training.
Senator Katherine Allison asked the admin panel about Miami’s credit cap, which she said charges students $750 for every credit hour past 18. She said she would like to see Miami work around it.
Dean of Students BaShaun Smith said some degrees, specifically engineering, may require students to take more credits. He said they are trying to figure out a solution right now.
Assistant Vice President for Health and Wellness Steve Large said students should prioritize their mental well-being. He said he did not want to dismiss the credit cap concerns but challenge them.
“Taking additional credits in addition to being an engaged student outside of the classroom is setting yourself up for having a lot of balls in the air to juggle,” Large said. “I’m not saying it’s impossible, but you are certainly setting yourself up.”
Director of Athletics David Sayler discussed possible instability with Miami and the MAC. He said he believes that Miami will remain in the conference, and mentioned travel budget and student well-being as factors.
“Other conferences are jealous of the MAC because of our proximity,” Sayler said. “But we also have a lot less zeros in our budget.”
Vice President for Student Affairs Jayne Brownell said a new alternative to the degree audit system is coming in two years after Senator Ife Araba expressed his frustration with the current program.
Brownell also said she wants to talk to students as much as possible to recognize what problems they are having and asked what senators’ priorities are to bring back to President Gregory Crawford.
Senator Mary Nelson asked about improving student accessibility on campus. Smith encouraged students to visit the Miller Center. He said they can create custom plans for students in need, which can accommodate for temporary disabilities as well. Vice President for Institutional Diversity and Inclusion Cristina Alcalde said students should take advantage of courses surrounding accessibility and get involved with research.
Nelson also raised a concern about student advising, saying there is a lot of back and forth between advisors. The representative for Academic Affairs was not in attendance, but Brownell said she would relay the message.
“We know advising needs to be improved,” Brownell said.
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Parliamentarian Jackson Abram asked for directions to resources regarding struggling friends or roommates. Smith said if the student is in a dorm to check in with the resident assistant (RA). He also informed senators about the student concern form; the form is now open to those outside of faculty and staff.
Secretary for Governmental Relations Mollie Duffy presented voter registration training to senators. She encouraged them to double check their voter registration, pass information along to friends and to make a plan for election day.
Speaker of the Senate Shelby Alford extended the due date for the special elections packets to Oct. 11 at 3 p.m. She said there are currently not enough packets; these can be found on the ASG website.
ASG’s next meeting is at 6 p.m. on Oct. 8 in the Joslin Senate Chamber.
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