SG President Joe Vidulich discussed vacancies in the SG, rising tuition costs and AU athletics at a question-and-answer session Thursday evening in Anderson Hall's honors lounge in an effort to inform interested students about the SG's current activities.
Vidulich and other SG officials spoke about topics ranging from the ways they are trying to improve student life to issues like the university's current handling of student judicial affairs.
One way the SG is working to improve student life is through the expansion of EagleBuck$. The program will expand to nearby establishments, including CVS and Booeymongers, Vidulich announced. He also hinted that negotiations with some other stores and restaurants are still in the works.
A question-and-answer session following Vidulich's opening remarks started off with questions on current vacancies within the SG and the resignation of former SG Secretary Alex Manzanares earlier this month but then turned to matters like the creation of a Student Bill of Rights.
Nick Yergey, a sophomore in the School of Public Affairs, brought up the idea of a Bill of Rights, which he says already exists at most colleges and universities.
"One is already in the works," Vidulich said, explaining it would likely be explored in further detail during the spring semester.
Some students who attended the event said they were also concerned with financial issues such as rising tuition costs, financial aid and AU's spending practices.
"Tuition is only going up for the next few years," Vidulich said.
He blamed high prices on a lack of funds in the university's endowment, although he also said the endowment fund exceeded operating costs this year - the first time it has occurred in the university's history.
Vidulich emphasized alternative living habits like finding housing off campus as well as encouraging students to apply for financial aid, an act he said only half of AU students do.
"I pay $450 a month to live in Friendship Heights, while it costs $1000 a month to live on campus," he said.
Some students asked why AU didn't spend more money on its athletic programs.
While many schools, other than institutions like Pennsylvania State University, lose money on athletics, a major title brings enrollment up and, therefore, more money in. Although many schools' football teams are the big moneymakers, a football team at AU is out of the question, Vidulich said. He does believe, however, that a baseball team is feasible.
Vidulich said he realized the importance of keeping students informed on and participating in SG activities and planned to hold more meetings in the future.
