University of Miami - Ibis Yearbook (Coral Gables, FL)

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The University of Miami Student Government is committed to pro- moting cooperation, fostering a sense Of community and improving student life through student aware mess, with the intent of supporting school spirit, student unity and diver- sity. Furthermore, Student Government shall act as the voice of the students and as a bridge to the administration while setting stan- dards in the best interest Of the stue dent body? 8E Mission Statement $35,000 from SAFAC for 1992-93. Though not in the job description, Raij and Diamond said that they feel it is their job to help to improve the University, and the image of the school. This year US. News and World Report ranked the University of Miami among the top 50 universities in the country. Raij and J.C. Ridley The SG Senate, shown in session above, is the legislative branch of UM's undergraduate Student Government. SG's current president, Dave Diamond, right, says he would like to be remembered as a presi- dent who fought for the students. Even if the administration doesntt want to hear what the students want, It tell them: Diamond said. Diamond had suggestions on how students could help to improve this rating. 9W6 all have a knack for putting down our school? Raij said. ttOne 0f the best ways for students to help in recruiting is to talk posi- tively about our school? Diamond felt that students need to work hard academically while here to help the reputation of UM. 9W6, as students, have to increase the reputation of the school? Diamond said. iiWC, as students, have to bite the bullet and work harder? The Year In Review 25

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smuem lite Out with the old According to Florida Leader magazine, UMCs Student Government is one of the best in the state because of its 1961016er110 By lYNETTE MALINGEB arliamentary procedure, Board of Trustees meetings, organizing cabinet members and senators These are just a few of the responsibili- ties of the Student Government president at the University of Miami. The commitment is huge, the hours are long. The benefits? Tuition remission, meeting and working with important people at the University and in the community, prestige and a chance to make a difference for the students. Irwin Raij, two-time SG President from 1990-92, and David Diamond, president from 1992-93, have both made this commit- ment to the University and to the students. What are the results of this com- mitment? What has SG done for stu- dents over the last three years? The Wellness Center, a multi-million dollar fitness center, will be built in 1994, partly due to the efforts of SG and Raij. He headed the committee to push for a mandato- ry student fee of $85 a semester, necessary to build the center. Also during his tenure, Raij helped bring Force Five, the convenience store, to cam- pus. Above all, though, Raij restored confi- dence in a group that had been hurt by sean- dal and poor leadership. Last year, UMis SG was voted iiBest Private School Student Government in Florida? by F lorida Leader magazine. Raij was also featured on the cover. Raij, who majored in finance and entre- 24 preneurship and is currently studying law at George Washington University in St. Louis, said he could not single out any one thing that he was most proud of. 111 have a hard time singling out one par- ticular thing. The simple cleaning up of SG, and turning it into a projectltask oriented group, and being up front about what we do was an achievement? Raij said. Diamond, a junior communication major, worked with Raij during both terms of his administration. Diamondis major goals for the 1992-93 year include a tuition cap and a parking fee cap. He said he wants to be remembered for his dedication to the students. de like to be remembered as a presi- dent who fights for the students - even if the administration doesn,t want to hear what the students want, I111 tell them? Diamond said. Tim a student advocate? Each year, everyone in SG decides on a mission statement, one that will express the goals of the organization. During Raijis administration the state- ment read: itThe University of Miami Student Government is committed to promoting cooperation, fostering a sense of community and improving student life through student The Year In HEViBW awareness, with the intent of supporting school spirit, student unity and diversity. Furthermore, Student Government shall act as the voice of the students and as a bridge to the administration while setting standards in the best interest of the student body? In office, Raij said he worked to let stu- dents voices be heard by the administration. Raij was the first SG president allowed to speak before the entire Board of Trustees. Diamond said he would like to expand the connection between the SG president and the Board of Trustees. Not only does he want to continue the speaking rights that Raij received, but Diamond said he would like to give stu- dents voting rights on the board. Currently, stu- dents have four seats on the Board of Trustee committees. They are non-voting seats, howeV- . er. Other than acting itas a bridge to the adminis- tration? Raij and Diamond said they are interested in increasing the voice of students in Florida's government. When budget cuts on capital hill seemed to favor public schools, Raij went north to defend private universities interests. Raij organized the private colleges in the state and began to lobby the Florida government in Tallahassee to keep tuition low by ensur- ing grants, and pressuring for private school interests. itPublic universities have a full-time lob- bying staff in Tallahassee, so I organized FISA TFlorida Independent Student Organizationl so private universities would not be forgotten? Raij said. All of these projects take money. SG is run by an allocation from the student activity fee. Student Government received nearly

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