September 2008

In order to have an open and honest student government on campus, the Student Government Association must post their agendas and meeting times at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The Texas Open Meetings Act’s purpose is to maintain an open government, where the public has knowledge on issues and pending legislation.

Even though it’s unclear if the TOMA applies to the SGA, meeting times and agendas are important to the student body for several reasons.

For University students, the SGA is the primary student organization that has the ear of President Rodney Mabry.

Despite its name, University officials say the Student Government Association isn’t a governmental body and doesn’t have to post an agenda as required by the Texas Open Meetings Act.

SGA officials aren’t sure if the law applies to them, and said they’re looking at other University of Texas system schools across the state for guidance.

University administrators are laying the groundwork for a $46 million technology and life sciences building on the southwest side of Harvey Lake next to the Robert R. Muntz Library, Gregg Lassen, vice president of business affairs said.

Lassen said he wants to build the new facility as an upgrade to current biology labs in the Hudnall Pirtle Roosth and Biology Education and Psychology buildings.

“The labs right now are sort of in the basement and they’re high school-quality,” Lassen said.

Dear Miley Cyrus,

I know you are young and hyper, but try and put your attention deficit disorder aside and listen up. I understand you are the coolest thing out there right now for kids and tweens. You have a Disney Channel show called “Hannah Montana” that so far has 54 episodes with more than another 30 in the works.

You also have a worldwide concert tour going on, which in itself is huge news.