SAFB / Student Government

UH News

SAFB : Spring in Review

BY MICHELLE ZHENG

During this strange and difficult time, the hardworking staff at the Student Activity Fee Board provided a bunch of fun things over this past semester to bring some light to the students of UH West O’ahu. Let’s look back on some of the unique times and experiences they were able to provide for us.

We first started the semester with classic gifts everyone needed and loved. They gave out items such as notebooks, pens, planners, white-out, and post-it notes. Even though most classes were taken online, nothing beats taking notes the good ol’ pen and paper way.

The next event they hosted was the “Love You Lots” Valentine’s Day special so people could find ways to celebrate the holiday safely. No matter if someone was celebrating romantic love, platonic love, or self love, students received self-care kits to care for themselves on this special day. Kits included face masks, bath bombs, chapstick, chocolate, and a candle.

Spring Break arrived and disappeared faster than expected but the hard work students put in for midterms didn’t go uncelebrated. Right after Spring Break, SAFB hosted a virtual spirit week where students could dress up and submit photos to participate in the fun event and win prizes. They also hosted game nights where students could show off their trivia knowledge. Prizes given out for this event included a MacBook Air, an iPad bundle (iPad, Smart Keyboard, and Apple Pencil), and webcam+headset bundle (webcam w/mic and headset w/ mic).

Now the end of the semester was approaching fast and the stress levels would start rising. To combat this, SAFB made an Easter De-Stressor Kit filled with essential oils, kinetic sand, playdough,a stress ball, plus a glass painting kit. There’s nothing like painting to help relieve stress.

Last but not least, to celebrate Earth Day, SAFB gave out succulents, planting seeds, a reusable canvas tote bag, a mesh produce bag, and a reusable bamboo straw w/ a cleaner. We need to bring awareness to how we live and change the little things to create a cleaner safer home.

These are all the events the Student Activity Fee Board hosted this semester. A big thank you to all their hard work and remember to take advantage of what they offer. All of this is meant for the students so If you pay student fees, it’s also for you!

OpEd

Associated Students of the University of West O’ahu Updates

BY CATON LIANG, ASUHWO PRESIDENT

As we approach the end of the semester, ASUHWO remains persistent in our efforts to demonstrate value to all our beneficiaries. We recently appointed three new members to our student senate – a social sciences senator, math & sciences senator, and a DE Liaison from Hawai’I Island. These three appointees will fulfill key roles in representing students across a variety of disciplines and will also help to further our outreach to neighbor islands. Our senators have continued to serve on various committees, both within our organization and throughout the University.

• The Budget & Finance Committee recently created a scholarship fund for students experiencing hardships as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic. We’ve allocated $10,000 from our budget to fund this scholarship and we’ve received a number of applications. The committee will have a meeting in the near future where they will decide on whom to award as well as the award amounts for each scholarship. • Our Activities Committee has been hard at work finding new ways to connect with our constituents through the innovative use of technology. We’ve recently increased our efforts to target neighbor island students and students who identify as parents, and we await to see the results of our outreach. • Our Senators also serve on each of the PUEO Work Groups directed by Chancellor Benham, and we recently appointed two members to serve on the newly established HEERF Advisory Hui. Serving on these committees has been a valuable experience for the students involved, and we appreciate the inclusivity that’s been extended by the faculty & staff who make this institution a great one.

ASUHWO has been hard at work creating legislation to support students and student organizations. We recently passed two Bills (which have become Acts) and one Resolution:

1. SA 21-004 – Pueo Gaming (RISO) Club Member T-Shirt Expenses This Act will support a student-led organization, the Pueo Gaming RISO, through the appropriation of $1,000 to purchase t-shirts for their club members. 2. SA 21-005 – To Appropriate Funding for Commencement Spring 2021 This Act will support the Commencement Committee with $2,900 appropriated to provide memorable and quality experiences to our Spring 2021 Graduates. 3. SR 21-002 – Expanding Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) & College-Learning Examination Program (CLEP)

This Resolution is in support of expanding UHWO’s CLEP offerings. According to the College Board, CLEP students have higher GPAs and better course performance, higher graduation and retention rates, and all this at a significant cost savings for our students. Upon codification of this Senate Resolution, ASUHWO will send the document to the Faculty Senate, campus administration, and other University stakeholders as identified in our resolution.

ASUHWO senators will continue to pursue various initiatives to benefit our constituents, and will remain a strong arm of advocacy for UHWO students as we partner with them in attaining success.