Dear Students,
Welcome back to campus for the spring semester! I am so excited to get back into the swing of things. As we say goodbye to our December graduates, friends who are studying abroad and those doing semester internships, we are saying hello to another four months of memories, learning and growth.
Over winter break, many of us gathered together with family and friends to celebrate holidays and the beginning of a new year. The new year is a chance to set goals, whether they be academic, physical or social. I want to encourage you to use this semester as a new beginning — a clean slate with new schedules, new classes and new adventures to be had. Soak in every moment of this semester as it will pass by in the blink of an eye.
There are so many things to look forward to this semester. In 2022, our women’s basketball team won the NCAA National Championship. We are hoping to keep the momentum going for another championship this season! Along with women’s basketball, check out the men’s basketball games, other athletics sporting events and/or performing arts affairs that will be taking place. These events are a great way to join in community with other Gamecocks to support our beloved university.
I wanted to draw your attention to two important events that will take place these first few weeks back.
First, in Student Government, we will be holding a student body referendum. The entire student body will have an opportunity to vote on the reestablishment of the position of student body treasurer and the addition of a student senate delegation for CarolinaLIFE. A “Yes” vote will bring back student body treasurer and allow for student senate to add the programmatic students of CarolinaLIFE to the student senate. A “No” vote will not bring back the position of student body treasurer, and this position will remain the secretary of finance as well as not allowing for the creation of a new senate delegation for CarolinaLIFE students.
This vote will take place on sc.edu/elections on Jan. 17, starting at at 9 a.m. and will close on the 18 at 5 p.m. For more information, please refer to student senate legislation SBL 114-42 here, which can also be found in the Student Government Public Information Folder.
Second, we will install President Amiridis as the 30th president of the University of South Carolina with the president’s Investiture. It is our hope that every student will join us in celebration of this momentous occasion. On Saturday, Jan. 21 at 3:30 p.m., the men’s basketball team plays Auburn at home in the Colonial Life Arena. Students at this game will receive signature presidential swag items (which are only available at this game!), an opportunity to win a discount on your meal plan and housing as well as that and an opportunity to cheer on the Gamecocks with the president in the student section. The first several hundred students there will also receive a voucher for free concessions at the game! Make sure to request your ticket and join in on the celebration!
In reflecting back on 2022, I am feeling so grateful and so enthusiastic to be going into this spring semester. In Student Government, we made significant strides in our work that are outlined in our strategic plan, and I look forward to having the opportunity to continue that work in the next few weeks of our term.
As the new semester begins, please let me know if I can be of help to you. I can be reached by email at sasgpres@mailbox.sc.edu or in person at the Student Government Office located in Room 227 of the Russell House.
Welcome back to campus Gamecocks!
Forever to thee,
Reedy Newton