Friday Five: Five Things You Might Not Know About Your Student Government Association

After publishing a certain Mountie Monday post last week, there were some speculations about any biases this blog might have and how that isn't fair. I would like to say that I try to remain as unbiased as possible while writing The Mountie Guide. Of course, sometimes biases peek through my writing but I would like to remind you all... I'm not writing for a newspaper. I'm encouraged to let my personality shine through my writing for this blog since it provides some authenticity. With that said, I would like to apologize for any misunderstandings in the past and continue to shine some light on the awesome students and organizations at MU.

After chatting with Colton Long (Parliamentarian) and Cole Black (Director of Public Relations) for a few weeks, I've come to discover that SGA does a lot more for the university than I imagined! It was really difficult trying to choose five "things" for this post but hopefully the five I've chosen will help enlighten you as well! For more information on SGA, feel free to visit their website, stop by during their office hours (listed on their website), or shoot them an email at sga@mansfield.edu.

(Photo credit: Joshua Gibson)

Office Hours: All executive board members of SGA are required to complete a certain amount of office hours per week. President, Vice President and Treasurer have to complete a total of ten hours per week. Secretary, Director of Public Relations, Parliamentarian, and Director of Information and Technology all have to complete a total of five hours per week. During these office hours, the executive board members are needed to answer any questions that students may have about certain situations or MU in general.

Meetings: The number of meetings that SGA has to attend blew my mind. The number of meetings they have to attend differs each week, but on average, they have to attend around seven meetings per week (for different causes), not including their weekly SGA meeting. Each week they are required to hold a regular meeting for SGA and two different committee meetings. All executive board members are also required to meet with Dr. Bridges, Dean of Students, once a week. Some examples of the other meetings they have to attend are committee meetings for the planning of 1890's, Family Weekend, and the Light It Up football game.

Retrenchment Rally: If you don't know about the retrenchment rally, check out this article from the Flashlight, HERE. SGA partnered with unions to plan the the rally in Harrisburg where MU students and the MU Choir went to voice their opinions about the cuts to our university. Not only does SGA care about their fellow students, but they also care about the faculty. How could you not when you go to MU, though? Without SGA, who knows if some of our faculty would've been saved from the cuts?

Safety: SGA has been on night walks with the campus police to help ensure the safety of our campus. During these walks, they point out anything that MU should help with in order to keep our campus the safest in Pennsylvania. For example, if a sidewalk is uneven and they feel it would be hazardous to students, they'll encourage MU to correct that flaw.

Sayre: Last, but definitely not least, is the formation of the Health Sciences Student Government Association (HSSGA). SGA helped the students studying in Sayre form their own SGA since they're not within a short distance of MU. With forming their own SGA, the quality of living in Sayre has started to greatly improve and a percentage of student activity fees are given to help them continue improving their facilities.

What's Happening Wednesday: The Perks of Being a COM Major

Hey, Mounties! This week I felt like there wasn't even an option of deciding what to feature for What's Happening Wednesday. Some students and faculty from the Department of Communication took a trip to NYC this week! I think it's fantastic that MU provides this opportunity for students studying communications and wish I was able to go with! Luckily, Sarah Ryan (model from last week's Friday Five) filled me in on what happened during their visit.

Day One:

The students and faculty left MU around 8:30 a.m. so they could make it to the city by the early afternoon. After dropping off their bags and settling into The Hotel Eddison NYC in Times Square, they took off to take a tour of CBS Studios.

(Photo credit: Prof. James Lohrey)

At CBS Studios, they toured several stations and even got to meet Mike Francesa! Mike Francesca brought in two lucky students (Sarah Ryan and Kyle Thompson) and interviewed them on his show. If you're not big into sports like I am, then you might not know who he is. But for all of the sports fans out there, you might recognize his name! While Sarah and Kyle were being interviewed, 1.5 million people were listening. Sarah and Kyle definitely got their 15 seconds (or more) of fame while they visited NYC.

(Photo credit: Kelsey Kaufmann)

After their tour of CBS Studios, the students and faculty were free to do whatever they'd like. Some went out on the town, others relaxed in the hotel room, and Sarah met up with Kelsey Kaufmann (from my first Mountie Monday post!), who is currently interning for VH1.

Day Two:

(Photo credit: Prof. James Lohrey)

For the second day in NYC, they had a pretty early start! They left their hotel around 5:45 a.m. so they could watch Good Morning America from the studio. There isn't usually an audience in the actual studio for GMA but they made sure to make room for MU.

(Photo credit: Julianna Card)

For all of the country fans out there, be jealous. The MU students and faculty got to see Dierks Bentley perform and were even seen on TV!

(Photo credit: Prof. James Lohrey)

After their exciting morning at GMA, they took a tour of ABC studios thanks to MU alum, Rob Weigand (and recent alum, Tony Fannick.) Other than sitting behind Diane Sawyer's desk, they were able to see all of the different departments of ABC that you don't see behind a TV screen (graphic design, marketing, sales). 

Day Three:

(Photo credit: Prof. James Lohrey)

On the third and last day, the group woke up early again to see The Bethenny Show. Some of the group had front row seats and walked away with some of Bethenny's Skinny Girl Nutrition Bars. 

After having a few very eventful days in NYC, Sarah Ryan told me her favorite part about the trip, "It was nice to bond with everyone in the COM department because we don't all get to hang out with each other outside of class. Also, it was interesting to see how broad the field really is and a great way to make connections."

I hope everyone had an amazing time and I encourage anyone in the COM department to take full advantage of this trip next year!

Mountie Monday: Gotta Catch Em' All!

(Borrowed from in.gov)

Hi, Mounties! Hope you all had a great Monday! For this week's Mountie Monday post, I interviewed someone that my adviser recommended. Lukas Fogel, junior, competed at a national level in Pokemon! This is so impressive because so many people (no matter the age) play Pokemon and to be able to compete at a national level is huge!

Lukas first became interested in Pokemon because of his brothers. In 1998 (when the games came out), Lukas' brother, Doug, bought the game. Lukas didn't know much about the game at first since he was only 6-years-old, but that would change pretty soon.

After battling his brothers (and winning), Lukas started to take on other challengers at school. Soon, he was beating everyone he knew. Lukas started figuring out the math and hidden mechanics behind the game, which is when the game really gets serious. 

After Lukas was exposed to the strategy behind playing Pokemon, he slowly progressed further and further until he competed at a national competition in high school.

Name: Lukas Fogel

Year: Junior

Hometown: Pen Argyl, PA

Organization: ASTA (American String Teachers Association); Nerf Club (co-founder, planning committee member)

What made you choose Mansfield?

Lukas: I chose Mansfield because of the music department. I had heard it was wonderful and wanted to check it out. I ended up falling in love with the campus and the people here.

Favorite professor or class and why?

Lukas: My favorite professor here has to be Dr. Jacobsen. Without him I probably wouldn't be here as he is not only an amazing teacher but also very willing to listen and help out whenever he can.

Favorite event at Mansfield and why?

Lukas: I really like the spring fling. It's really nice to see everyone on campus come out and have a great time. My freshman year the theme was the 90's and my friends must have spent hours playing with slap bracelets. It was also at that spring fling that I starting seeing my girl friend of 2 years. So I have a lot of memories associated with that event.

What's one of the most valuable lessons that you've taken away from Mansfield, so far?

Lukas: The most valuable thing I learned here at Mansfield is that after changing my major and and seeing groups of friends come and go, is that you can't be afraid to change. It happens all the time and if it is, than you can at least make it on your own terms.

Friday Five: Five Essential Items to Bring to MU with You

Happy Friday, Mounties! For this week's Friday Five, I figured I would provide you with some essential items to bring to college, if you don't already have them. Just from being a senior, I can attest to using all of these items multiple times and think a lot of you might as well!

Thanks to the lovely Sarah Ryan for being my model for this week's Friday Five post!

Business Casual: I can't tell you how much of an essential some business casual clothes are for not only Mansfield, but college in general. For presentations, most professors will expect you to dress professionally. This isn't high school anymore. Professors expect more out of you and dressing professionally, whether it be a pair of khakis and a nice shirt, or a well-tailored suit, will show your professors that you're serious about your college career.

Robe/Lounge Clothes: This essential may be obvious to some people, but I personally wear my robe almost every day. As soon as I get back from my classes, I change into comfy clothes so I can chill out and relax for a while as I do some homework. A robe is specifically helpful to me because even if I don't completely change my outfit, it instantly adds some comfort. Also, if you have a roommate and don't feel comfortable walking around with just a towel on after showering, a robe will be a great statement piece in your collection.

Mansfield Gear: If you go to Mansfield, then you have to have some Mountie pride. There are so many options at the Mansfield Bookstore for comfy, trendy Mountie gear and I highly suggest you grab some. Not only are the hoodies and sweatpants super comfy, they show others that you're a Mountie... which will instantly leave them with a great impression of you. 

Boots: If you're from PA, you know that when winter comes around the corner, streets tend to get kind of slushy and wet. I made the mistake during my freshman year to only bring some flats, sneakers, and heels, and I can't tell you how miserable I was walking across campus with soaked shoes/socks/feet. Even if you just pack a pair of rain boots, you'll be so happy you did.

Hats/Headwear: Hats aren't just essential for when it gets pretty chilly in PA, but they're so helpful when you have a bad hair day. Even if you're the type of student to wake up an hour before class to look nice, there will be moments when that hat saves your day. There will be moments when you're so tired from studying the night before that you hit the snooze button a few more times than you planned. Trust me on this one.

What's Happening Wednesday: Art and Math Education Students Take on Alaska

(Photo credit: Prof. Martha Whitehouse)

Around a week ago, a few Mounties came back from Alaska. Yes, Alaska. I had no idea that a trip was even made to Alaska until Dennis Miller, Public Relations Director of Mansfield University, enlightened me. I jumped at the opportunity to feature the Mounties and their trip for this week's What's Happening Wednesday.

(Photo credit: Prof. Martha Whitehouse)

Art Education and Math Education students have been (virtually) working with middle and high school students from Alaska to help them build a pinhole camera by writing a manuals. In the parts of Alaska (Nondalton and Newhaylen) that they traveled to, there isn't any art or music education so it was a great opportunity for our Mounties by helping to educate in any way they could. 

(Photo credit: Prof. Martha Whitehouse)

The reason that these Mounties went to Alaska was to finally help them out in person. After communicating with them virtually for quite a while, it was such a great opportunity for them to finally meet the students they were helping. While in Alaska, the Mounties set up a dark room for the students and also managed to bring some supplies that they wouldn't normally have. Since the schools are so isolated from bigger cities in Alaska, everything from food to school supplies has to be flown out by a plane.

(Photo credit: Prof. Martha Whitehouse)

When asked what her favorite part about the trip to Alaska was, Samantha McGraw answered, "It was great to have the chance to work with another culture. Even though Alaska is a part of the United States, the culture is so different and not at all like the stereotypical igloo and polar bear Alaska that we typically imagine." 

The Mounties are continuing collaboration with the students in Alaska and plan to keep in touch via Facebook and letters. 

Mountie Monday: In Whom We Trust

(Borrowed from GOMOUNTIES.COM)

Zane Swanger, Mansfield University's Student Trustee, found out about the position through his fraternity brother, Mark Phifer (past Student Trustee). After applying for the position, he was interviewed by a panel set up specifically by Mansfield University and also a panel set up by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. The next step was to have his proposal of being student trustee approved by the PA State Governor, Tom Corbett. After being appointed as Mansfield University's Student Trustee by the governor, Zane was given the oath of office to serve as a representative to a state-appointed position. Zane will hold the position of Student Trustee until his graduation when a different student will replace him.

Currently, Zane is reaching out to as many students and organizations possible while attending regular Student Government Association meetings. He finds pride in being "the voice of the student body" and continues to work hard to serve his fellow student body of the university he came to love and cherish.

Zane's most recent example of being "the voice of the student body" is his attempt to cut the payment of student activity fees to the executive board members of Student Government Association. Quoting page 3 of The Flashlight, Volume 102, Issue 3 "Why does a student need to collect money from other students?" "In my fraternity, we say to always be your brothers keeper, we do not seek anything in return for the care or work we give. Should the executive board of SGA be our brothers keeper as well?" Recently, Zane talked to students around campus and found out that there are a large number of students that don't agree with SGA executive members being paid by student activity fees.

Name: Zane Swanger

Year: Junior

Major(s) and Minor(s): Dual Major (Political Science / Criminal Justice Administration)

Hometown: Lewistown, PA

Organizations: Student Trustee to the Mansfield University Council of Trustees; President of Sigma Alpha Epsilon, Pennsylvania Beta Phi Chapter.

What made you choose Mansfield?

Zane: I wanted to go to school in my home state (PA), and wanted to experience a different surrounding. The small school was a huge factor, I am a name and not just a number. The small classes and also the ability to know my professors and advisers on a personal level makes it feel like I am at home.

Favorite professor or class and why?

Zane: Favorite professor and adviser would be Dr. Bosworth. He has provided me with powerful tools that I will be able to use throughout my life and future career. Dr. Bosworth has kicked my butt into gear at times that I may have been slacking, and that definitely helped me take my college work more seriously.

Favorite event at Mansfield and why?

Zane: Foam-alicious Foam Party that was sponsored by SAE and funded by Student Activity Fees. This event was a blast because I assisted in setting it up, and everyone seemed to have a great time and is looking for it to happen again in the near future! It was also my favorite because my fraternity was the organization that presented the idea and made it all happen with assistance from SGA for funding the event using Student Activity Fees.

Favorite memory from Mansfield:

Zane: My favorite memory from Mansfield would be the experience I had during my first semester. The transition into graduating from high school and coming to college. I was a resident of the well known BroCrest (Cedarcrest) and the bonding that occurred on that floor was by far the greatest experience I have had at this University. I also learned the most important and inexpensive item to bring to campus.. a door stop. Having my door open was the fastest way to meet new people and to become social. (Use this for what you may haha).

​What has been the best part of being student trustee, so far?

Zane: The best part of being the student trustee is that I serve as the eyes and ears of the entire student body. This comes with great responsibility, but at the same time I enjoy doing my part to serve the student body efficiently through any political and policy means that are relevant to my position. I am very approachable and enjoy hearing concerns from students so that I can bring awareness of their concerns to the council I serve on. I like to think of myself as a powerful resource for students, although my position is not very well known. I am working vigorously through social networks and one-on-one communications to increase the awareness of my position and show students just how much of an asset I can be to their concerns being heard and acted on.

Friday Five: Five Ways to Keep Off the Freshman Fifteen

(Borrowed from Buzzocracy)

Happy Friday, Mounties! Since Melissa's Mountie Monday was really popular, I figured I would ask her to help me out with this week's Friday Five post. 

No matter what college you attend, the Freshman 15 is definitely a possibility. You're living on your own, choosing what to eat and what not to eat and your parents are no where in sight. If we wanted to, we could literally eat ice cream for every single meal without our parents knowing. That kind of freedom comes with some responsibility if you don't want to gain the freshman 15, though. Here's some tips that Melissa and I came up with to help keep off the freshman 15.

1. Take one plate at a time and eat in moderation: 

When you're in Upper Manser, there's an endless supply of food for you. Chances are, you're grabbing more than one plate of food because you can. There's also those days where Manser has all of your favorite foods... all at once! I swear... I think they plan that. Anyway, it's totally okay to grab some of your favorite foods as long as you don't overdo it. You need to treat yourself once in a while!

2. Ditch the Mountie and walk to class:

On days like today, when it's wet and cold, I know how tempting it is to take the Mountie to class. Class seems so far away, especially if you live in Spruce, but taking that 10-15 minute walk to class really helps! With the hills and steps that you probably need to take in order to get to class, you shouldn't have much trouble keeping off those freshman 15.

3. Don't skip breakfast:

You've probably heard before that "breakfast is the most important meal of the day" and whether it is or not, it still has some awesome benefits. Eating breakfast gives your body the fuel it needs to continue on with the day. According to fitsugar.com, eating breakfast helps your metabolism start up for the day and keeps you from being extremely hungry to the point of making bad choices for lunch and dinner.

4. Play an intramural sport or attend a group fitness class:

I, personally, think nothing is more boring than being on the elliptical for an hour. If you enjoy it, then that's awesome but if you feel the same as I do, you should try out an intramural sport or group fitness class. There are so many options on campus for staying fit so why not have fun with it? Check out Kelchner Fitness Center's Facebook Page for more details.

5. Eat small snacks in between meals:

Melissa suggests eating small snacks in between classes like some baby carrots and hummus or a banana. These small snacks will keep you from overindulging during lunch and dinner and will keep your metabolism moving!

Do you have some tips to contribute to this topic? Leave a comment down below and share it!