IUSA makes changes

The IU Student Association has changed its long-standing logo and two-year-old Web site design in an effort to increase accessibility and create a new image for the organization. These changes coincide with the new administration and its hopes of creating new lines of communication with the student body. \nIUSA president Casey Cox said he believes the advanced communication that results from the Internet is one of its key success factors. \n"The Internet is a communication must," Cox said. "We realized that in order to gain a better communication line with the students we represent, the Web site would need to be touched up and revamped into a new image."\nIUSA members anticipate that these modifications will inspire a more positive and active student body. In past years, the organization's chairs said they believe the problem might have been the lack of a forum in which students can communicate issues and problems on campus. \n"Students are the purpose and the performers for IU, but sometimes student interest gets ignored because administrators can't hear us," Student Body Vice President Grant McFann said.\nNow with a new and improved Web site, students will have a greater opportunity to be heard, as well as to be connected to IU's many events, issues and IUSA policy updates. The updated Web site will also provide information on the Student Body Executives, Congress and departmental officers. \nWith better communication as the major force behind the new Web site, IUSA urges students to give feedback on current and old projects, as well as goals they would like to see accomplished. \nThe desire of the current IUSA administration to create a new image also carries over to the search for a different logo. Similar to its reasons for improving the Web site, they said a new logo adds a fresh look to the IUSA and is a reflection of its effort to improve on many levels. \n"The new logo represents new, rejuvenated ideals for student government," McFann said. "We have worked hard to build respect in the administrative offices; the logo reinforces the new style, ideas and outlook in IUSA different from years past."\nThe administration said it anticipates that an improved logo will help IUSA stand out in the minds of students. It might also help the IUSA administration to be easily identifiable in the future. The logo contains the Indiana State outline as well as traditional IU colors. IUSA webmaster Matt Briede has been largely contributing to the logo's new design possibilities and helped determine the final logo decision. \nAn additional improvement IUSA is seeking to make is the creation of a more comfortable environment within its offices in order to encourage students to stop by and offer their opinions. They said this would serve to develop personal relationships between students and their student government leaders. \nThe revamped Web site and logo can be viewed at www.indiana.edu/~iusa.