Welcome back, Hoosiers

Another summer is gone, and like many of you, I begin a year which will certainly go too fast. Gone are the cookouts, the beach and the summer flings. How many of us really had the opportunity to savor that ideal of a vacation is beyond me. Actually, I would guess what are really gone are the business attire internships, the lousy part-time jobs and the boredom of being stuck at home. So, heading back to school isn't the punishment it was during grade school. It's more of a relief to get back into the groove of college life.\nWelcome back to IU, no longer the No. 1 party school in America. To those of you who are new and those that might have forgotten, IUSA is your student government. Each one of you that takes at least one credit hour is a member of this organization. As you navigate your way to various classes your first week and throughout the semester, make it a point to let us know your concerns and feel free to stop in and let us know what you think. Our office is located on the third floor of the Indiana Memorial Union tower. We have coffee, couches, and television, so don't hesitate to stop in and talk or just hang out. This is your organization. I'd like to briefly share what we've been working on this past summer, and shaping for the future:\nSupport IU football. IUSA is announcing the start of the $500 football raffle scholarships. Simply look for the IUSA banner inside the gates, and any student attending the game will have a chance to enter and win $500 toward your academics. Also, IUSA will be hosting two free tailgates in order to hear from students, promote IU football and let you know what IUSA has planned next.\nNegotiations between IUSA and campus officials concerning the expansion of the midnight special "drunk bus" have been taking place all summer. Keep your eyes peeled the next few weeks for these additions to the late night bus. Our proposals, which can be viewed on our Web site, (www.indiana.edu/~iusa) are on target for this fall, so take advantage of this great service.\nIn the next few days, IUSA will officially announce the first comprehensive and student government endorsed online book exchange, marketplace, event calendar and online post site. For those interested, please check out the site at www.buyiu.com and feel free to browse the site and post accordingly. Anyone with an Indiana e-mail address can use the site for free.\nThank the Main Library for taking steps to ensure students a convenient book return service in the future. IUSA met with officials about a month ago to discuss the inconvenience of current return services and changes that need to be made whether in the form of a drop-box, multiple boxes or a permanent structure.\n Everyone at IU has a story. Learn as many as possible. College will only be class until you open up and soak in the opportunities and friendships. Take the opportunity to get involved in IUSA at some level. Whether filling a vacant congress seat, applying to be an assistant director or joining the IUSA Department of Student Rights, IUSA grows through the active involvement of students who believe IU can always be a better place. If you ever have any questions or concerns about IUSA, IU or would like to get involved, send me an e-mail at iusasbp@indiana.edu. I'd love to hear from you. Best of luck, and have a great year.