For the first time, the University of the West Student Association (UWSA) is operating with a fully constituted student government. As UWSA President, that makes me want to jump up and down and yell "Hooray!" regardless of dignity. All six executive officer seats are filled and we have six general members. Moreover, the UWSA representatives come from all departments, majors, and six different countries, so they fully represent the diversity of the student body.

On March 6, 2011, the UWSA representatives had a picnic at Elysian Park in order to get to know one another so that we can work together as a team towards our goals.As you can see from the photo, we are quite a diverse (and humorous) bunch!

Since being inaugurated on February 11, 2011, the UWSA has created a new Community Enrichment Grant available to all students, faculty, and staff, passed the Spring 2011 Budget allocating funds for Clubs and events, gone around to classrooms to introduce ourselves to the student body (and pass our chocolate!), presented a resolution requesting President Wu sign on to the American College and University Presidents' Climate Commitment, created a brand new UWSA website full of more than you ever wanted to know about student government, hosted a Student Forum on March 17, and begun planning a Spring Event and other Student Forum for April. Other issues discussed in the weekly UWSA meetings include campus security, the quality of cafeteria food, recycling on campus, and financial procedures. In addition to UWSA committees, representatives of the UWSA also serve as the student voice on other Administration committees. General Member Holly Hisamoto serves on the Recruitment and Retention Committee and President Monica Sanford and Secretary Ven. Kiet Vo serve on the Identity Committee. That's a lot to keep track of, so as the president, I am glad I have so many wonderful people to help me.

This year, I see my critical role as building the institution of the UWSA into something that can survive and serve the student body for years (decades, centuries!) to come. In order to do this, we have to increase awareness of what the UWSA is and what we do within the student body and engender an environment of participation. Students need to want to serve on student government!It is up to us to ensure they have the opportunity to do so.