The Student Government Association held its first meeting of the spring semester on Tuesday. Many issues and changes were discussed that affect current UT students and those joining UT in the near future.

The newest Associate Dean of Students, Jeff Cathey, spoke to those present about his hopes for the coming year. Cathey arrived at UT Nov. 30 and is already very excited about working with student leaders.

Cathey wants to make sure that students are aware of SGA, and encourages interested students to run for office. "Contested elections add to the credibility" of those elected, he said, and Cathey does not want anyone to look back at a missed opportunity to join SGA thinking, "I really could have done that."

We have completed more than half our goals since we came into office. Student Body Vice President Cory Hipps

Student Body President Laura Nishida and Student Body Vice President Cory Hipps agree that SGA has been doing quite well this year, and they hope to keep things successfully rolling.

Nishida cited the move from T-mail to Google and Microsoft E-mail services, the return of dinner at Smokey's and sustainability efforts as proof of SGA's fall semester success.

"We have completed more than half our goals since we came into office," Hipps said.

He hopes to complete the rest of the goals by the end of this semester.

Nishida announced that after talking with Athletic Director Mike Hamilton, student football tickets for the 2011 season will be $10 each. The student section will be different, however. Section D has been removed and sections J and K have been added. The reason cited for this change is the swap of benches for the Volunteers and the visiting team. There is a rule that prevents student sections from being within 25 rows of the visiting team's bench between the 35-yard lines.

Senator Bianca King, co-director of the New Student Relations Committee, announced an interview workshop to prepare students for interviews they might encounter as they become involved with various campus organizations. 

This interview workshop will be held Feb. 3 in the University Center from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

The Academic Affairs Committee will be hosting the VolWalk of Life. The event is based on the game "Life" and is phrased as a "re-orientation" of organizations on campus. The event is designed to help students find their "path to success."

As Vice President, I want to support and help develop future leaders of the university and with Senate my focus is to support present student leaders. Student Body Vice President Cory Hipps

The VolWalk of Life will be held Feb. 16 in the UC from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Coaches Pat Summitt and Bruce Pearl will be in attendance at approximately 11:30 a.m.

Senate Chair Sarah Patterson announced seven senate seats that need to be filled and they are: commuter, communications, Andy Holt Apartments, Laurel Hall, Humes Hall, Massey Hall, and social work.

Patterson also referred to continuing Haiti relief efforts and hopes to open an account for all organizations to pool their money and donate one sum to the Red Cross from UT.

"I enjoyed the new Associate Dean speaking about his experiences here at UT and encouraging competition within SGA to keep it at its best," said Senator Maria Dill, assistant director of the Academic Affairs Committee.

Dill has been working on sustainability efforts and a bill that would replace the paper teacher evaluations with online versions.

"As Vice President, I want to support and help develop future leaders of the university and with Senate my focus is to support present student leaders," Hipps said.

Hipps talked about senators reaching out to their constituents more this semester to keep issues that are important to students at the forefront. A personal goal of Hipps's is the development of a database that tracks bills passed in SGA meetings and posts the results for students to see. 

The next SGA meeting will be held Feb. 9 in the UC Shiloh Room at 5:15 p.m.