University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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President Fiona Rose and Probir Mehta listen intently as a speaker presents an issue. The two officers were the keystone of the organiza- tion which dealt with student di- rsity issues. LSA Representative Dan Scrota displays his aggression during one of the meeting ' s more pensive mo- ments. Intense MSA moments made the experience interesting and unpredictable. 204 + Organizations

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UHS Peer Education The University Peer Advising groups, which were a part of the Health Promotions and Community Relations Department, promoted awareness of various issues facing students. The Safer Sex group, one of the peer advising groups, was committed to promoting awareness of the different types of sexually transmitted diseases. Amy Romano, a senior women ' s health and economics major, as well as a member of this group said, Because stu- dents come to Michigan with a very limited knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases, we hosted seminars in which students could talk about their feelings as well as gain knowledge. The Body Image and Eating Disorders group tried to battle negative stereotypes that students faced. The group held seminars in residence halls and sororities. The Alcohol Awareness group focused its efforts on making students conscious of how alcohol could affect their lives, and how stu- dents could make safe and thoughtful decisions about alcohol use and abuse. Although the three groups had different agendas, they all agreed that using students to promote awareness was key in making other students more cognizant of problems that they might be facing. + Walt Nekrosius At the first officers meeting. Adam Smooke talks to the group about his US AC experiences. Members organized e ents lor National Cancer Awareness Month to help students understand the causes and effects of cancer. photo courtesy of USAC University Students Against Cancer Through its vast array of educational ser- vices and fund-raising events, University Students Against Cancer (USAC) made an im- pact at the University. Traditionally successful programs were improved upon by enthusiastic members. Participants visited Mott Children ' s Hospital on a monthly basis to host parties for the young patients. At the Great American Smoke-Out, members encouraged students passing through the Diag to quit smoking. Can- cer Awareness Week kicked-off National Can- cer Awareness Month with a number of activi- ties designed to raise money for the American Cancer Society and educate the public on issues such as breast cancer. 4 Dan Newman U-M Heoftfi System Volunteer Services Volunteers at the University of Michigan Hospital came from a range of diverse backgrounds. Many of the volunteers were premedical students exploring careers in health care. The volunteer experience assisted them in making decisions concerning their futures. They had the opportunity to meet professionals in all areas of the hospital. Others gave their time because they found it a rewarding experi- ence in which they could contribute something to the community. Regardless of their reasons, volunteers made considerable contributions to the hospital, appreciated not only by the profes- sional staff but by patients as well. Dan Newman Pcler Nklsen IS Peer Education Safer Sex Group: Front row: Mandy Hallberg, Lauren Krasny, Rachel munn. Sarah Daugherty. Kirsten Jennings Row 2: Catherine Saxton. Lisa Aldrin, Amy mano. Tasleem Padamsee-Garrett. Laura Ghiron, Jeremy S. Meyer UHS Peer Education Body Image- Front row: Sehnita Joshua. Kim Thomashow. Morgan Elliott, Liz Budnitz. Kiabe Supuwood Row 1: Lou Ecken. Jason Lang, Ruth Buckmaster. Laurie Fortlage, Andrea Magiera Not Pictured: Rachel Cooper, Ann Smith Organizations 203

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Peter NieK Michigan Student Assembly The Michigan Student Assembly (MSA) served as a liaison between the students and the University ' s administration. Raising funds for student parents was one of MSA ' s main objectives in 1996. MSA hoped this would encourage young men and women with children to enroll at the University. In the spring of 1996, student voters approved a $1 increase in student fees to help aid student parents. This should be a big issue for students who are concerned with their rights and liberties on this campus, said MSA President, junior Fiona Rose. MSA passed a proposal to join in a coalition with other colleges and universities. This coalition worked to reform how universi- ties were ranked in the U.S. News and World Report. In the past, the magazine used informa- tion and data that had little to do with the quality of universities, like the percentage of alumni donating money each year. MSA also worked to encourage students to vote in the MSA presi- dential election. A record of 6,500 students registered. To cut down on massive campaign- ing efforts, MSA worked on election reforms. According to sophomore Erin Carey, the costs of running a campaign were high and discour- aged people from running. The extensive num- ber of fliers and posters also put a heavy burden on the cleaning crew. Representatives continued to work on University commissions which were estab- lished by MSA. The Academic Affairs Com- mission examined improving the retention rate for minority students. The commission aimed to increase the number of minority students who graduate. The External Relations Commission lobbied on the state level to increase funds for the University. The Budget Priorities Commis- sion continued to distribute funds to student groups. We were here to serve as a liaison between the students and the administration, Rose said. I attended Regents ' meetings and other arenas where the student voice may have been forgotten. We tried to remind these people that the purpose of this University was to edu- cate its students. Dawn Spechler MSA - Front Row: Erin Carey. Andy Schor. Elizabeth Hoffman, Anjali Rajpal, Ryan D. Friedrichs. Tracy Wolfson. Ryan LaLonde Row 2: Barry Rosenberg. Srinu Vourganti. Gurbeen Bhasin. Rajeshri Gandhi. Amer Zahr. Probir J. Mehta, John C. Lopez. Melinda Anderson Row 3: Michael Pniewski, Anil Ralhan, Michael J. Nagrant. Brad Finkbeiner. Catherine Hong, Raymond Robb. Katrina Konopinski. David Burden Row 4: Dan Serota. Yejide Peters. Karie Morgan, Sarah Cole. Jon Winnick, Sean Byrne. Mark Dub Ryan Friedrichs argues his stance with valid points and support. Friedrichs was one of the many students who brought concepts of change to MSA chambers hoping to enhance the University environ- Peter Nielsen Organizations + 205