USG talks new social initiative to promote local businesses

Representatives from the Office of the Dean of Undergraduate Students (ODUS) presented on a possible new initiative aiming to connect student groups on campus with local businesses at this week's meeting of the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) Senate.

Tigers in Town, the ODUS initiative, would allow student groups to host events in partnership with local businesses at which attendees could receive one free item.

The program overview outlined three main goals: “to provide financial support for local businesses impacted by the pandemic; to create opportunities for students to engage in a social activity that allows for safe in-person interaction, wellness, and connection; [and] to make vendors’ offerings accessible to students regardless of financial status.”

Student groups sponsored by ODUS would be able to host events and use the online registration page to personalize settings related to them, such as the number of participants, schedules, and visuals.

Tigers in Town is not yet available for student groups, and no expected start date was announced.

During the meeting, the Senate also unanimously approved the appointment of several new members to various committees. Committee members were appointed by an application process that was open to all undergraduate students.

Projects Board Chair Nelson Dimpter ’22 submitted a written funding request from the Asian American Students Association (AASA).

The request, which was unanimously approved, was for $1,500 to be used to host Ien Chi — the former creative director at Jubilee Media — at an event focused on “building a multimedia network with global influence,” according to the event proposal. Chi has done significant work with YouTube shows such as Odd Man Out, Middle Ground, and Spectrum.

The event will be held virtually via Zoom on April 8.

Senate meetings — open to all members of the undergraduate student body — occur via Zoom at 8:30 p.m. ET each Sunday. The link can be found in the weekly USG newsletter, which is sent to all undergraduate students.