Welcome to the December Oval Office!

Wow, what a month! In the past thirty days or so, the Student Government Association (SGA) has been successful with legislation to extend the library hours on Friday and Saturday, which will now close at 12:00 a.m. (it previously closed at 8:00 p.m.) beginning in the Spring 2012 semester. As a reminder, the hours will remain the same from Sunday to Thursday, with changes strictly to the Friday and Saturday schedules. I would like to send compliments and gratitude to Besa Balidemaj for chairing this proposal, Dean of the Library Dorothy Davidson, and Provost Lily McNair for helping to make this come to fruition.

Hurricane Sandy relief is still underway and will continue into 2013. The Wagner Community has so graciously raised over $12,000 hurricane relief through Wagner Cares. Additionally, a $10,000 grant was awarded to support the Wagner Cares initiatives and is expecting a $20,000 donation as a result of a fundraiser in NYC. Money raised is going directly to those effected by Hurricane Sandy and will also support our campus community’s volunteer efforts. Lastly, I’d like to thank our Wagner alumni at Clear Channel Outdoor who helped promote Wagner Cares on a billboard overlooking the Goethals Bridge.

Next semester SGA Senators plan to continue legislating for much needed coffee house renovations. Senators are also working with the shuttle drivers to ensure that driving routes are time efficient and want to adjust scheduling to warrant ample time for passengers to walk to and from the ferry without having to run. I encourage and welcome your input on these topics. Remember that without you, the student body, SGA is nothing. We are here for you and truly take your opinions and suggestions into consideration. Please contact me if you would like to contribute.

That’s all for now. Good luck on finals and may your winter break be relaxing!

Signing off,

Gregory J. Balaes

President, Student Government Association