Events & Accomplishments

At the USS Special Session on March 4, 2025, a debate was held for the position of Vice President for Issues and Policy. Three candidates participated, each presenting their platforms and responding to a series of questions posed by the USS President and former VP of Issues and Policy, Alex Efird. The candidates addressed various policy and governance issues, including student advocacy, campus policy changes, and strategies for engaging with university administration. Senators had the opportunity to ask follow-up questions, pressing the candidates on their experience, leadership approach, and vision for the role.  Following the debate, the Senate proceeded to a vote to determine who would serve as VP of Issues and Policy for the remainder of the academic year. After deliberation, the Senate elected Chloe Ebert to the position, entrusting her with the responsibility of overseeing policy initiatives and representing student concerns.

The Undergraduate Student Senate (USS) approved a $6,000 Major Projects Fund request to install solar-powered blinking crosswalk signs on Kent Street to improve pedestrian safety. The decision came after a debate over whether to prioritize Kent Street or West Campus Drive, both of which see heavy foot and vehicle traffic. In the end, the Senate chose Kent Street, recognizing its importance as a major student pathway to downtown. This project is the first to be funded through the Major Projects Fund, which is supported by Hokie Effect. To keep costs reasonable, the university will go through a competitive bidding process to find the best deal for installation. The new signs will be solar-powered and portable, meaning they can be moved to different locations in the future if safety data or student feedback suggests another area needs them more. By moving forward with this initiative, the Senate is taking a proactive step toward making campus safer for pedestrians. The project also sets the stage for future investments in student-driven improvements that make a real difference in everyday campus life.

The USS election debates took place on March 24 and 25, giving students the opportunity to hear directly from candidates about their platforms. On the 24th, the candidates running for President and Vice President for Finance took the stage, offering their ideas and plans for improving student life and campus governance. The following day, the debates continued with the candidates for the other positions, touching on a wide range of issues important to the student body. Throughout both days, the discussions were engaging and offered a lot of insight into each candidate's vision and leadership style. It was clear that everyone involved is passionate about making positive changes on campus, whether it’s addressing student concerns, improving services, or enhancing the overall student experience. The debates gave the student body a chance to better understand the candidates’ priorities and what they hope to accomplish if elected. As the election season picks up, it will be exciting to see how the newly elected officers work together to bring their ideas to life and make a difference in the student community. With so many strong candidates offering fresh perspectives, it’s sure to be an interesting year ahead!