Student Government: February Updates

Hello Mavericks,

It’s February, and the Spring semester is in full swing! Every February, our country observes Black History Month as a time to reflect and celebrate the history, culture, and accomplishments of African-Americans in the U.S. and the African diaspora.

This observance serves as a time to remember and celebrate the many amazing accomplishments of African-Americans and their importance to our country’s history. Make sure to follow the Office of Multicultural Affairs to stay up to date on all of the great events planned for this month!

We also want to take a moment to remind you that during this busy time it is important to stay diligent on school work and on staying healthy. Student Government is here to support you, and we continue to work to advance various initiatives on your behalf. See below for various updates of what your Student Government Representatives have been up to!

Jabin Moore

UNO Student Body President and Regent

Vanessa Chavez Jurado

UNO Student Body Vice President

UPDATES

Resolutions Passed Over the Last Month:

• SR 20/21-021: Student Government gives our strongest endorsement to FY 21-23 budget requests made by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents and urge Governor Ricketts and the Nebraska Legislature to make public higher education a top priority.

• SR 20/21-022: Student Government supports our student newspaper (The Gateway) by utilizing our reserve fund to absorb 55% (fifty-five percent) of their portion of the shortfall deficit.

• SR 20/21-023: Student Government will make continual efforts to support sustainable menstrual products on campus and advocate for increased access to these products for students.

• SR 20/21-024: Student Government condemns the incitement of violence and the actions of the insurrectionists on January 6, 2021 and state that these acts have no place in our democracy, peaceful transfer of power, nor our community or campus.

Student Senate Elections

Make a difference on campus and run for Senate, Vice President, or Student Body President. Applications will close on Thursday, Feb. 18. The Student Senate Elections will be held online March 12th through 14th. Apply Today!

Questions? Reach out to Chief Election Commissioner Josh Revia, josh.revia@gmail.com.

Celebrate Black History Month

Student Government is excited to join in the celebration of Black History Month. We encourage all students to join us in participating in the various events organized by the Office of Multicultural Affairs including the Film Screening of John Lewis: "Good Trouble" and the Heart of Omaha: Black History Month Food Tour.

FAFSA Workshop

Do you need help completing the FAFSA? Join Student Government at our FAFSA Workshop on Friday, Feb. 12, from noon to 1 P.M. over Zoom. Education Quest will be sharing a presentation to walk students through the FAFSA and answering questions. The Zoom meeting ID for this workshop is 958 5079 4434.

UNO's Strategic Investment: Social Justice, Inequality, Race and Class

We encourage everyone who hasn't yet had a chance to review the recent December Strategic Planning Forum on Diversity, Equity, Access and Inclusion, to do so and to contribute your ideas to UNO's ongoing strategic invementment in these important areas. The deadline for proposal submissions has been extended to March 1 and proposals should be submitted, via email, to strategic.planning@unomaha.edu.

Open Forum

Open Forum provides an opportunity for any individual in the UNO community to share comments, concerns, ideas, and questions with Student Government. Open Forum happens at the beginning of each Senate meeting. The next opportunity for Open Forum is Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 P.M. The Zoom link will be provided on the UNO Student Government Facebook for your convenience and accessibility the week of.

Online Student Suggestion Box

Do you have a comment, idea, question, or concern about UNO? Share it with Student Government through the online student suggestion box. If you are on campus, you are also able to drop off your suggestion at the physical suggestion box located in the entrance of Milo Bail Student Center. The suggestion box is anonymous, but you are welcomed to include your name and email if you want an answer regarding your suggestion.

Student Government is Here to Advocate on Your Behalf

The Student Government at the University of Nebraska Omaha values our campus community and takes issues that impact the community very seriously.

The Behavioral Review Team (BRT) focuses on prevention and early intervention in campus situations involving students experiencing distress or engaging in harmful or disruptive behaviors.

If you are experiencing an emergency:

On-campus, dial 402.554.2911 or 911.

To report concerning student behavior:

Report now or call the dedicated line at 402.290.3810 to consult with a BRT member.

Student Leaders Summit

Student Government will be hosting a Student Leaders Summit with the intent of initiating the converrsation on what collaboration among student organizations looks like at UNO. This event will take place on March 10 at 5 P.M. over Zoom. More information on event details and RSVP information are forthcoming.

Remember to Stay Well During This Busy Time of Year

With the colder weather, it is common for students and faculty alike to experience a change in their moods. Do not hesitate to reach out to UNO Counseling and Psychology if you are struggling. This resource is available to all students regardless of course schedule. Please call 402.554.2409 to schedule an appointment.

Remember that even if you aren't on campus, to stay physically distanced when in public, wear a face covering, and use the 1-Check UNO screener app to monitor your symptoms and get helpful testing resources.