Bills

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Treasurer Michael Klimek, Director Ashley Huang, Graphic Designer Salma Abdelhady, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jaqueza Thomas, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, Representative Aya Belhandouz, and Representative Jason Whitehair

Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) recognizes the importance of enhancing
students’ professional development and career readiness; and

WHEREAS, the Student Success Committee seeks to create an engaging and impactful event for
students to prepare for the Fall Internship and Career Fair; and

WHEREAS, the Student Success Committee will host the “Spark Your Success” event in collaboration
with UIC Career Services on Wednesday, January 22nd, 2025 at 11:00 a.m.– 3:00 p.m., SCE, Illinois
Room Complex, offering professional headshots, resume reviews, and elevator pitch practice, allowing
students to interact with recruiters and career services staff for the purpose of practice; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG volunteers will assist in managing and supporting the event to
ensure a smooth experience for all participants.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will actively promote the “Spark Your Success” event
through social media advertising, email campaigns, and other marketing strategies, with the USG logo
featured prominently on all materials to highlight the collaboration and support.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the USG’s role in the event will focus on providing volunteers
and promotional efforts to enhance student participation and engagement.

Introduced 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Treasurer Klimek, Director Huang, Representative Peredruk, Representative Cruz, Representative Salem, Representative Khatri, Representative Patel

Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Vice-President Dilay Heybeli, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, USG traditionally hosts events intended to encourage social connection and student
involvement at UIC; and

WHEREAS, the beginning of the semester is an often hard and stressful time for students as they
transition from winter break back into courses while facing cold and dark weather; and

WHEREAS, winter at UIC often has less social events compared to other times of the school year,

LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Undergraduate Student Government shall host a movie night in either
the Illinois Room, Cardinal Room, or a different location with light refreshments including beverages
and snacks,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED the movie will be chosen by a vote between several options by the
USGHouse of Representatives,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the Undergraduate Student Government shall allocate up to
$1,500 to fund catering services for coffee, hot cocoa, tea, popcorn, chips, and cookies and to cover any
room/projector costs for the event.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds after the last general body meeting shall be
returned to the budget.
______________________

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Trish Georgiou, Representative Aria Brown, Representative Sajal Shukla, Representative Moe Jumah, Representative Angeline Azroui, Representative Anvi Shevade,
Representative Teja Lebaka

Co-Sponsor(s): Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, President Haider “Asa” Asad

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) aims to create a welcoming and open
campus environment; and

WHEREAS, the USG seeks to give students a platform and outlet for open expression both politically
and emotionally; and

WHEREAS, the past year was filled will intense political polarization and intense rhetoric, as well as,
conversations about open expression; and

WHEREAS, art can be utilized as form of self expression and mental health relief; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the UIC Undergraduate Student Government will host a mural painting
identity mental health event on January 29th from 12 to 2pm.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that a total of $150 shall be allocated for the materials necessary to
host the mural painting event.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Public Affairs Director Huang, Representative Almendras, Representative Caballes,
Representative Rothenbaum, Representative Borozdin

Co-Sponsor(s): President Asad, Chief of Staff Progri, Vice President Heybeli, Treasurer Klimek

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) aims to represent students and advocate on
behalf of their needs; and

WHEREAS, the Public Affairs Committee is tasked with the job of communicating information about
USG events and activities to students; and

WHEREAS, the Public Affairs Committee aims to accomplish said tasks through regular tabling sessions to facilitate conversations with students, as established through BILL 2024-F5-3001 “Public
Affairs Tabling”; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that $500 will be allocated for catering services and other costs to encourage
students to interact with USG members during tabling.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the USG budget.

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director of Public Affairs Huang, Representative Almendras, Representative Caballes,
Representative Rothenbaum, Representative Borozdin

Co-Sponsor(s): President Asad, Chief of Staff Progri, Treasurer Klimek

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) aims to represent, support, and advocate for the undergraduate student body; and

WHEREAS, students must be properly informed about USG to attend events, utilize resources, and provide feedback; and

WHEREAS, informational pamphlets would educate students about the purpose and activities of USG would facilitate communication with students to increase transparency and student engagement; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that $210 will be allocated for the printing of 250 pamphlets from Staples to be given out at tabling sessions, USG events, and wherever else deemed beneficial.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the USG budget.

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Treasurer Michael Klimek, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jaqueza Thomas, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, Representative Aya Belhandouz, and Representative Jason Whitehair

Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) recognizes the importance of strengthening alumni engagement to unlock new opportunities for students; and

WHEREAS, alumni-student engagement initiatives like UIC Connected provide a platform for fostering mentorship, career networking, and access to unblocked professional opportunities; and

WHEREAS, the Office of the Student Trustee and the Undergraduate Student Government Student Success Committee are collaborating with UIC’s Alumni Board to gather feedback and enhance the UIC Connected application to better serve both students and alumni; and

WHEREAS, engaging with alumni through such initiatives promotes the long-term professional and personal development of UIC students; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG will prioritize the promotion and support of the UIC Connected initiative to ensure meaningful alumni-student interactions.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that allocate up to $600 for catering to provide lunch for participants during a feedback session on UIC Connected, demonstrating appreciation for their time and contributions.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that during these feedback sessions, led by Student Trustee Basta, and Director Thokkudubiyyapu, both will be asking for feedback on what student’s desire in regards to career readiness in order to develop a one-pager as requested by and for the Alumni Board.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG, in collaboration with the Office of the Student Trustee and UIC’s Alumni Board, will collect feedback on the UIC Connected platform through a structured survey and other outreach strategies to improve its features and effectiveness.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will actively promote UIC Connected through social media, email campaigns, and other marketing strategies to enhance student and alumni engagement, with the USG logo prominently featured to highlight its support and involvement.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Office of the Student Member of the Board of Trustees played an integral role in the creation of this initiative. They will continue to be key partners as this initiative progresses.

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jaqueza Thomas, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, Representative Aya Belhandouz, and Representative Jason Whitehair
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to ensuring an affordable and accessible education for all students at the University of Illinois Chicago; and

WHEREAS, the rising costs of textbooks and other course materials create a significant financial burden for students, often impacting their academic success; and

WHEREAS, Open Educational Resources (OER) have been proven to provide a cost-effective
alternative to traditional textbooks, improving affordability while maintaining academic quality; and

WHEREAS, the Open Textbook Faculty Incentive Program demonstrated significant success in saving students money, with $30,000 of funding yielding $260,000 in collective savings for students in 2021; and

WHEREAS, the a dedicated subcommittee within USG will allow for more advocacy and expansion of OER at UIC with the USG OER Faculty Leadership Award and OER workshops for UIC faculty led by Professor Sandra De Groote, Professor & Head – Assessment and Scholarly Communications and Secretary of the Senate, and Director Thokkudubiyyapu; and

WHEREAS, re-establishing a USG OER Subcommittee will provide a centralized body to focus on OER initiatives, including advocacy, collaboration with faculty and administrators, and monitoring progress; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government re-establish the USG OER Subcommittee to oversee and advocate for the implementation and adoption of Open Educational Resources at UIC.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the USG OER Subcommittee will:
● Collaborate with UIC faculty, administrators, and relevant departments to promote OER
adoption.
● Advocate for the re-establishment and funding of the Open Textbook Faculty Incentive Program.
● Educate the student body and faculty on the benefits and accessibility of OER.
● Provide regular reports to the USG Legislative Body on the progress and outcomes of OER
initiatives.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the USG OER Subcommittee will work with stakeholders to explore grant opportunities and other funding sources to support OER initiatives.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that a copy of this resolution shall be sent to the Office of the Provost, University Library, and other relevant offices and departments for discussion and consideration.

Introduced on 01/13/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Treasurer Michael Klimek, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Vice-President Dilay Heybeli, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Speaker of the House Manasvi Thumu

Co-Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudibiyappu, Director Pranav Nair, Director Trish Georgiou, Director Abdullah Abdul Sami, Director Ashley Huang, Graphic Designer Salma Abdelhady, Web Administrator Sri Sirikonda

WHEREAS, it is constitutionally mandated for the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) conduct general body meetings at minimum 8 times a semester; and

WHEREAS, the size and operational needs of USG General Body Meetings require space beyond which its office can provide; and

WHEREAS, the general body meetings have provided catering for members; then
LET IT BE RESOLVED that the Undergraduate Student Government shall allocate up to $5,000 to fund catering services and cover any room costs for the Spring 2025 Semester; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds after the last general body meeting shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 1/27/25

Chief Sponsors: Vice President Dilay Heybeli, Director Pranav Nair, Treasurer Michael Klimek
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government and the Student Trustees Office are dedicated to supporting and empowering Registered Student Organizations as essential contributors to a vibrant campus community; and

WHEREAS, Registered Student Organizations play a crucial role in enriching student life by providing spaces for social connections, skill development, professional growth, and the cultivation of hobbies and interests; and

WHEREAS, Student leaders have shared their ideas and questions, through a collaborative relationship strengthened by USG’s support for the student engagement, enhancing the success of their organizations.

LET IT BE RESOLVED, Student leaders will be provided with a dedicated space to share ideas, questions and concerns regarding the improvement of their organizations, including CSI funding, room reservations, organizational support, and registration processes, allowing USG to collaborate on solutions and work towards providing the necessary resources and guidance to support the RSOs.

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the USG Support and Resources: UIC Registered Student Organizations Focus Group Lunch shall take place on a date and location to be determined (TBD).

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) shall allocate up to $1,000 to support the RSO Focus Group Lunch, covering expenses related to UIC Catering and any other necessary costs associated with the event.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 1/27/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Treasurer Klimek, Representative Cruz, Representative Peredruk, Representative Salem, Representative Patel, Representative Khatri.

Co-Sponsor(s): Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, President Asad.

WHEREAS, the core mission statement of the Undergraduate Student Government is to serve and advocate for the best interests of the undergraduate student body; and

WHEREAS, many students struggle with affording the dental hygiene supplies needed for daily use or lack adequate awareness of the importance of proper dental care; and

WHEREAS, Maintaining good dental health is essential for preventing pain, infections, and more serious systemic health issues.

LET IT BE RESOLVED, the Undergraduate Student Government will host multiple dental health supply giveaway tablings in collaboration with the College of Dentistry and Pre-Dental Club.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the events will take place on the 1st floor of SCE during USG tabling (Date TBD in collaboration with the Public Affairs Committee) and on UIC West Campus in the College of Dentistry with support to better provide students in need (March 5th).

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the dental health supplies will include toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash. Using majorly the dental materials held in the USG.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government shall allocate up to $400 for the purchase of any supplies that may be needed as well as light refreshments (coffee, lemonade, cookies) during the giveaways.

Introduced 2/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director of Public Affairs Huang, Director of Campus Life Nair, Representative Rothenbaum, Representative Borozdin, Representative Sawas, Representative Caballes
Co-Sponsor(s): Chief of Staff Progri, Campus Safety Commissioner Jiya Patel

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government cares about and seeks to improve the wellbeing and safety of the student body; and

WHEREAS, the UIC Wellness Center and UIC Office of Preparedness and Response work to improve these aspects of student life; and

WHEREAS, social media is a main method that students receive and retain information; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG will work with the UIC Wellness Center in creating and posting an Instagram campaign to promote awareness and present tips regarding aspects of student wellness.

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG will work with the Office of Preparedness and Response in creating and posting an Instagram campaign to promote the resources they provide (e.g. UIC Nightride, Intracampus bus, UIC SAFE app) and present tips for safety for students.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that USG will also collaborate with the Office of Preparedness and Response to create “Instagram takeover” posts for the @uicready Instagram to showcase students using said resources and tips.

Introduced on 2/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Viktoria Koleva
Co-Sponsor(s): Director Pranav Nair, Representative Spencer Basta, Representative Kamran Shafi, Director Abdullah Abdul Sami, President Haider “Asa” Asad

WHEREAS, the UIC Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is dedicated to upholding its purpose and mission to support all undergraduate students at UIC; and

WHEREAS, the UIC USG works to promote positive multicultural and social growth on campus; and

WHEREAS, The tradition of Baba Marta, a centuries-old Eastern European celebration welcoming the arrival of spring, offers a non-religious, inclusive opportunity to highlight and celebrate these cultures while promoting cultural appreciation and unity on campus; and

WHEREAS, there is a large population of Eastern European undergraduate students at UIC who would like to celebrate their cultural diversity and traditions on campus such as Baba Marta; and

WHEREAS, there has been a lack of formal recognition and celebration of Eastern European cultural traditions in the programs offered by various offices that promote diversity and inclusion; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will host an Eastern European
cultural tabling event, inspired by Baba Marta, designed to celebrate the arrival of spring, promote cultural pride, and encourage cross-cultural connections on March 3rd; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the event will be held in either Student Center East (SCE) or The Quad (weather permitting), with allocated funds covering food, tabling materials, a music speaker, promotional materials, and red and white thread necessary for making Martenitsi bracelets to celebrate the coming of Spring. The total amount allocated for these expenses shall be $500; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 2/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Abdullah Sami, Representative Dhanushri DeviKannan, Representative Fatou Dioum, Representative Housseynatou Diallo, Representative Maya Chahine
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad,

WHEREAS, digital accessibility is essential for ensuring that all students, including those with disabilities, have equal access to educational resources, online platforms, and campus services; and

WHEREAS, many students, faculty, and staff are unaware of digital accessibility best practices, leading to unintentional barriers for individuals who rely on assistive technologies such as screen readers, captioning, and keyboard navigation; and

WHEREAS, the Disability Resource Center (DRC) has identified digital accessibility as a significant challenge for students at UIC, highlighting the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to improve accessibility in digital spaces; and

WHEREAS, an awareness initiative through tabling events and interactive engagement will help educate the UIC community on the importance of digital accessibility and encourage the adoption of inclusive practices in course materials, student resources, and administrative functions; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government, in collaboration with the Disability Resource Center, will host a Digital Accessibility Awareness Tabling Event on February 18th 11-1PM to engage students, faculty, and staff in discussions about digital accessibility and best practices; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this event will serve as the foundation for future accessibility initiatives, including advocacy for improved digital accessibility policies at UIC, faculty training on accessible course materials, and further collaboration with university departments to implement accessibility solutions.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will continue to work alongside the Disability Resource Center and other key campus stakeholders to ensure that digital accessibility remains a priority in fostering an inclusive academic environment for all students at UIC.

Introduced 2/10/15

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Aya Belhandouz, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, and Representative Jason Whitehair
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government is committed to ensuring that all students at the University of Illinois Chicago have access to effective academic support resources; and

WHEREAS, tutoring services play a crucial role in student success, providing academic assistance that enhances learning outcomes, retention, and overall educational experience; and

WHEREAS, students have expressed concerns regarding the availability, scheduling, and effectiveness of tutoring services on campus, indicating the need for data collection to inform improvements; and

WHEREAS, gathering comprehensive data on student tutoring needs, including preferred tutoring hours, subjects requiring the most support, and overall satisfaction with existing resources, will provide actionable insights to enhance tutoring services; and

WHEREAS, a structured survey distributed to the student body will allow USG to assess gaps in tutoring services, identify peak demand hours, and advocate for necessary adjustments in coordination with relevant campus departments; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will design and distribute a Tutoring Data Survey to gather student feedback on tutoring services at UIC.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Tutoring Data Survey will:
● Collect data on the subjects students seek tutoring for most frequently.
● Identify peak times when students need tutoring services.
● Assess student satisfaction with current tutoring programs and accessibility.
● Gather suggestions for improvements to tutoring services.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will collaborate with campus partners, including the campus academic success units and academic departments, to ensure the data collected informs strategic decisions to enhance tutoring accessibility and effectiveness.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will analyze the survey results and present findings to the relevant university offices, advocating for evidence-based improvements to tutoring services.

Introduced on 2/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Trish Georgiou, Director Ashley Huang, Representative Moe Jumah, Representative Aria Brown, Representative Sajal Shukla, Representative Teja Lebaka, Representative Anvi Shevade
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to educating the student body on diversity and racial history; and

WHEREAS, the USG would like to demonstrate the importance and history of diversity during Black History Month; and
WHEREAS, educating students on the legal and political history of Black Americans is vital to creating a more inclusive campus;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will host a social media
campaign, posting important information about Black Americans legal and political history, during the week of February 17.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will reach out to relevant organizations on campus, such as the Black cultural center, to discuss relevant and important information that should be included within the media campaign.

Introduced on 02/17/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Trish Georgiou, Representative Aria Brown, Representative Sajal Shukla, Representative Moe Jumah, Representative Angeline Azroui, Representative Anvi Shevade, Representative Teja Lebaka
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, many students at the University of Illinois Chicago look to rent off-campus apartments and with that comes a variety of challenges, such as dividing rent and utilities between roommates, subletting, navigating a situation in which a lease must be broken, or eviction; and

WHEREAS, education surrounding tenant rights and more generally, legal rights, is not typically easily accessible to college-aged students; and

WHEREAS, Student Legal Services has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) to do broader outreach and utilize their expertise along with USG’s reach to the student body to offer more students the opportunity to become informed of their legal rights; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, the Undergraduate Student Government will collaborate with Student Legal Services to host a Lunch and Learn event on Tuesday, March 4th from 12PM-1PM to provide students with information regarding housing rights.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the Undergraduate Student Government will provide lunch for the attendees of this event, allocating a maximum of $1000 to purchase food, drinks, and a room reservation.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 02/17/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Aya Belhandouz, Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, and Representative Jason Whitehair

WHEREAS, the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) is a Research-1 Institution offering abundant
opportunities for undergraduate research, which are fundamental for the academic and professional development of students;

WHEREAS, first-year and transfer students often face challenges in accessing these research
opportunities due to a lack of knowledge about starting the research process and communicating effectively with faculty;

WHEREAS, the existing Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) database provides a valuable resource for finding research opportunities but currently lacks targeted guidance for first-year and transfer students;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will partner with the UIC Office of Undergraduate Research and the Vice Chancellor for Research to develop an online research orientation module for first-year and transfer students, which will be integrated into the existing new student orientation program;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this orientation module will include:
1. Step-by-Step Research Guide: A comprehensive guide detailing how to identify research
interests, contact faculty, and apply for research positions.
2. Faculty Profiles and Research Opportunities: An interactive database of active research projects
and faculty members, with information on the scope of research, required qualifications, and
application processes.
Phone (312) 996-2663 • https://usg.uic.edu
3. Communication Templates: Sample emails and communication tips to help students initiate
contact with faculty effectively.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the online orientation module will be directly linked to the URE database, enabling seamless access to detailed listings of research opportunities specifically flagged as suitable for first-year and transfer students;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that enhancements to the URE database will be made to include filters and features that cater specifically to the needs of first-year and transfer students, such as the ability to search for entry-level positions or those requiring minimal prior experience;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Student Success Committee will oversee the development and annual review of this module to ensure it remains accurate and relevant to the evolving research landscape at UIC;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Student Success Committee will advocate to the Office of First-Year Initiatives to promote the module during orientation sessions and through campus-wide communications, ensuring that all incoming first-year and transfer students are aware of and can easily access this resource.

Introduced on 02/17/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Trish Georgiou, Representative Aria Brown, Representative Sajal Shukla, Representative Moe Jumah, Representative Angeline Azroui, Representative Anvi Shevade, Representative Teja Lebaka
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, many students at the University of Illinois Chicago look to rent off-campus apartments and with that comes a variety of challenges, such as dividing rent and utilities between roommates, subletting, navigating a situation in which a lease must be broken, or eviction; and

WHEREAS, education surrounding tenant rights and more generally, legal rights, is not typically easily accessible to college-aged students; and

WHEREAS, Student Legal Services has expressed a willingness to collaborate with the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) to do broader outreach and utilize their expertise along with USG’s reach to the student body to offer more students the opportunity to become informed of their legal rights; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, the Undergraduate Student Government will collaborate with Student Legal Services to host a Lunch and Learn event on Tuesday, March 4th from 12PM-1PM to provide students with information regarding housing rights.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the Undergraduate Student Government will provide lunch for the attendees of this event, allocating a maximum of $1000 to purchase food, drinks, and a room reservation.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 02/17/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli, Treasurer Michael Klimek, Director Pranav Nair
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to increasing community
engagement and supporting UIC spirit; and

WHEREAS, UIC Athletics plays a significant role in fostering school pride and unity among students; and

WHEREAS, collaborating with UIC Dining (Sodexo) to provide food and refreshments will enhance the student experience and encourage attendance at athletic events; and

WHEREAS, the March 2nd Pre-Basketball Game Tailgate presents an excellent opportunity to celebrate UIC Athletics and bring the campus community together; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG will partner with UIC Athletics and UIC Dining (Sodexo) and the Office of the UIC Student Trustee in supporting this event by contributing $3,000 worth of pizza, desserts, marketing materials and catering to the March 2nd Pre-Basketball Game Tailgate;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will actively market the event to maximize student attendance and support for UIC Athletics, thereby enhancing community engagement and UIC spirit;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Jason Whitehair, Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, and Representative Aya Belhandouz.
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to fostering career readiness and professional development for UIC students;

WHEREAS, many students nearing graduation or preparing for internships lack access to a concise, high-impact career workshop tailored to advanced skills like networking, interviewing, and job application strategies;

WHEREAS, despite the existence of the well-established LAS 200 Career Success course, a
faster-paced career accelerator workshop will address this gap by offering targeted resources and hands-on activities to prepare students for post-graduation success;

WHEREAS, this initiative aligns with the mission of UIC to provide students with opportunities for professional growth and to enhance their competitiveness in the job market;

WHEREAS, collaboration with UIC’s Career Services and faculty (and potentially alumni guests as well) will ensure the program’s success and relevance to student needs;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the USG will establish a Career Accelerator Workshop as a
volunteer-driven initiative, utilizing existing resources within the USG, Career Services, and academic departments to minimize costs and maximize impact;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the workshop will be conducted as a 4–6-week hybrid program, combining online modules and Zoom meetings with in-person interactive sessions, focusing on key areas like resume optimization, networking, interview strategies, and more;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program will include post-workshop surveys to gather feedback and refine future iterations for maximum student impact;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will partner with UIC Career Services, and
faculty/alumni networks to ensure the program meets student expectations.

Introduced on 02/17/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Nina Fonseca, Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Jacob Maduakolam, Representative Aya Belhandouz, and Representative Jason Whitehair
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the existing Undergraduate Research Experience (URE) database at UIC provides basic search functionalities but lacks advanced features that are common in databases at other institutions, thus limiting the utility for students seeking specific research opportunities;

WHEREAS, institutions such as SUNY Buffalo, Rutgers, and the University of Alabama offer enhanced research databases that include detailed tables with information about time commitments, eligibility criteria, and modality of research opportunities (in-person or remote), as well as distinctions between paid and unpaid positions;

WHEREAS, integrating advanced features into the UIC URE database would significantly improve the ease and effectiveness with which students can find research opportunities that align with their academic and career goals;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government proposes an upgrade to the URE database to include:
1. Advanced Filtering Options: Ability to filter opportunities by time commitment, eligibility
criteria, research modality (in-person or remote), and payment status (paid or unpaid);
2. Integration with Handshake: Ensuring that listings for paid research positions available on
Handshake are also accessible through the URE database;
3. Annual Updates: Implementing a protocol for Principal Investigators to annually or semesterly update their listings to indicate availability of positions, and providing an option to hide profiles when positions are filled;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this initiative will involve collaboration with the Office of Undergraduate Research, particularly with Director Kim Germain, to assess feasibility and implement the necessary changes;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the upgrade to the URE database will not require additional funding from the USG at this stage, focusing instead on administrative cooperation and the effective use of existing resources;

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the advocacy for these enhancements will be reviewed one year after implementation to ensure they meet the needs of the students and to consider further improvements.

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Jason Whitehair, Representative Aya Belhandouz,, Representative Nina Fonseca, and Representative Jacob Maduakolam.
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Vice President Dilay Heybeli, and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to supporting student success and well-being, particularly during high-stress academic periods; and

WHEREAS, students frequently gather at the Richard J. Daley Library to prepare for final exams; and

WHEREAS, maintaining focus and well-being is essential for academic performance, and students often neglect meals and self-care during finals; and

WHEREAS, fostering a supportive and collaborative study environment can help alleviate stress and enhance student motivation; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will host a “StudyPalooza” event tentatively on April 30th, 2025, at the Richard J. Daley Library to support students preparing for final exams.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will collaborate with campus partners to provide an engaging and resourceful study environment, including academic support, study materials, and wellness resources.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will allocate $2,000 for the purchase of food and snacks to support students studying for final exams.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will promote this event to ensure students are aware of the available resources and support.

Introduced on 02/24/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Jason Whitehair, Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, President Haider “Asa” Asad, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Aya Belhandouz,, Representative Nina Fonseca, and Representative Jacob Maduakolam.
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli and Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to supporting the academic and professional growth of UIC students; and

WHEREAS, many students, particularly underclassmen, lack access to practical training in laboratory techniques and research etiquette, which are critical for their success in STEM fields; and

WHEREAS, offering a lab foundational skills workshop aligns with UIC’s mission to provide
comprehensive educational resources and to prepare students for academic and professional careers; and

WHEREAS, this initiative will primarily serve students interested in scientific research within the biosciences, promoting confidence and competence in basic lab operations, safety, and scientific methodology; and

WHEREAS, this workshop can be implemented in collaboration with UIC’s STEM departments and graduate student facilitators to ensure high-quality instruction; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG will support the implementation of the lab foundational skills workshop by facilitating collaboration with UIC STEM departments, promoting student participation, and coordinating with experienced facilitators to provide hands-on training and educational resources.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the workshop will be conducted as an 8-week in-person program and will include interactive sessions on lab safety, equipment handling, mock experiments, and scientific methodology.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this program will include feedback mechanisms to
continuously improve future iterations and enhance student engagement.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will work with UIC STEM departments and relevant individuals to ensure the workshop is effectively implemented and promoted.

Introduced on 03/03/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Trish Georgiou, Director Ashley Huang, Representative Moe Jumah, Representative Aria Brown, Representative Sajal Shukla, Representative Teja Lebaka, Representative Anvi Shevade
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to educating the student body on elections at all levels of government; and

WHEREAS, the USG would like to promote local elections in the Cook County and Chicago areas; and

WHEREAS, educating students on local elections will increase voter registration and turnout of UIC students;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will host a tabling event promoting educational information about local elections in March.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that USG will allocate $200 to purchase pamphlets from Staples with information about local elections and advocacy information to hand out to UIC students during our tabling event.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that all unspent funds will be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 03/03/25

Chief Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Vice President Diley Heybeli, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Treasurer Michael Klimek
Co-Sponsor(s): Speaker Manasvi Thumu, Campus Life Director Pranav Nair, Diversity and Inclusion Director Abdullah Abdul Sami, Student Success Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu, Legislative Affairs Director Trish Georgiou, Public Affairs Director Ashley Huang, Secretary Syeda Amena

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) represents the University of Illinois –Chicago (UIC) student body; and,

WHEREAS, USG has hosted an annual “State of the Student” event in previous years to highlight USG’s advocacy accomplishments and to rally support for current USG initiatives; and,

WHEREAS, USG is dedicated to promoting the work and services USG is doing now and has done in previous academic years; then,

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will host the “USG State of the Student” on April 3rd from 6PM to 7:30PM on SCE East Terrace as an opportunity to invite administrators, students leaders, and other stakeholders to show what USG has done over the 2024 – 2025 school year; and,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will allocate a maximum of $2,000 to book the space and provide light refreshments and snacks; and,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that all unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 03/03/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Director Abdullah Abdul Sami, Director Pranav Nair, Representative Maya Chahine, Representative Kamran Shafi, Representative Houseynatou Diallo, Representative Viktoria Koleva, Representative, Representative Dream Cannon, Representative Fatou Dioum, Dhanushri Devi Kannan Representative Safa Fathima, Representative, Representative Spencer Basta, Representative Olamiji Fabamigbe
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Vice President Dilay Heybelli, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Treasurer Michael Klimek

WHEREAS, the UIC student body is one of the most diverse in the nation, having granted the 9th highest overall score on U.S. News and World Report’s ethnic diversity index; and

WHEREAS, UIC and the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all students to showcase, connect with, and learn from other cultures and

WHEREAS, in previous years, the USG has fostered cross-cultural collaboration and celebration through a Cultural Festival; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED that the USG will host a cultural festival to support the diverse UIC student body and give students an opportunity to celebrate different cultures from around the world.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that this event will take place in the UIC Quad later in the spring of 2025 (Prospective date: 4/10, time: TBD; both are subject to change) as weather permits and will be open to cultural centers, student organizations, and all UIC students to attend and/or table.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that the USG will provide $4,000 to fund the event, including purchasing catering, stage, and promotion materials.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED that all unspent funds will be returned to the USG budget.

Introduced on 03/03/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Representative Viktoria Koleva
Co-Sponsor(s): Director Pranav Nair, President Haider “Asa” Asad

WHEREAS, the UIC Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is dedicated to upholding its mission to support the well-being of all undergraduate students at UIC; and

WHEREAS, regular physical activity is essential for students’ physical and mental health, yet many students struggle with maintaining a consistent fitness routine due to feelings of intimidation and lack of social support; and

WHEREAS, existing UIC fitness resources primarily focus on individual exercise, leaving a gap in opportunities for community-based fitness engagement; and

WHEREAS, a Sports Social Event would create an inclusive environment where students of all fitness levels can engage in a guided workout, interact with student-athletes, and gain access to campus health and wellness resources; and

WHEREAS, the UIC professional athletes can be a great asset to promoting student engagement for this even and the athlete games at large; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government, in collaboration with UIC Nutritionist Krista Stawarz and UIC student-athletes, will organize and support the hosting of a Sports Social Event aimed at promoting fitness, community engagement, and healthy food options. This event will feature a beginner-friendly group workout session led by student-athletes and a group fitness trainer, followed by a social hour offering nutritional guidance and healthy snacks to further encourage student well-being; and

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, the event will be held in March or April at The Quad (weather permitting) or an indoor fitness space, with allocated funds covering promotion, workout materials, and post-event refreshments. The total amount allocated for these expenses shall be $…

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 03/03/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Speaker of the House Manasvi Thumu and Treasurer Michael Klimek
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, and Interim Speaker Sajal Shukla

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government traditionally orders a plaque with the names and titles of all USG members at the end of each academic year; and

WHEREAS, USG finds it important to commemorate and honor each USG body; and

WHEREAS, USG finds it important to recognize a representative who has made impressive and outstanding dedication to the organization as determined by the representative points system; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that USG shall allocate up to $170 for the purchase and shipment of two 9” x 12” plaques from Edco Awards for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the plaque displaying 24-25 USG’s body shall be kept in the USG Office alongside the rest of the USG Plaques.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the plaque recognizing the outstanding representative shall be distributed to the determined representative.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the USG Budget.

Introduced on 03/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Director Nathan Thokkudubiyyapu,
Representative Aya Belhandouz, Representative Ohik Kwon, Representative Nina Fonseca,
Representative Jacob Maduakolam, and Representative Jason Whitehair
Co-Sponsor(s): President Haider “Asa” Asad and Vice President Dilay Heybeli

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) seeks to improve mental health
resources for students; and,

WHEREAS, USG seeks to educate students on the resources available to them; and,

WHEREAS, the Student Success Committee, in coordination with the USG Executive Team,
have begun planning the USG Mental Town Hall; and,

WHEREAS, USG has the full cooperation and support of university partners and interest from community partners and legislators to participate; then,

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government shall authorize the USG Mental Health Town Hall to be on Wednesday, April 16th from 1pm-3pm in the SCE Cardinal Room (time and location subject to change depending on unforeseen challenges, such as room availability).

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that a total of $600 shall be allocated for light
refreshments, snacks, honorariums, and costs for all the USG Mental Health Town Hall.

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds shall be returned to the budget.

Introduced on 03/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Campus Safety Commissioner Jiya Patel, Representative Spencer Basta, Campus Life Director Pranav Nair, President Haider “Asa” Asad
Co-Sponsor(s): Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Vice President Dilay Heybeli

WHEREAS, campus safety is a highly pressing issue faced on the UIC campus due to our location in downtown Chicago and

WHEREAS, the Office of Preparedness and Response at UIC has implemented multiple safety tools like the UIC Safe App and measures to help the student body feel more comfortable and safe across campus; and

WHEREAS, many students remain unaware of the benefits of these tools and the many features of the UIC Safe App;

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the USG Campus Safety Commission will host a tabling event later this spring semester, along with representatives from the Office of Preparedness and Response, to further educate the campus community on the UIC Safe App and its many features.

Introduced on 03/10/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Campus Safety Commissioner Jiya Patel, Representative Spencer Basta, Campus Life Director Pranav Nair, President Haider “Asa” Asad
Co-Sponsor(s): Vice President Dilay Heybeli, Chief of Staff Tereza Progri, Treasurer Michael Klimek, Speaker of the House Manasvi Thumu

WHEREAS, the Undergraduate Student Government (USG) is committed to representing student voices and serving as a bridge between the student body and the university administration; and,

WHEREAS, campus safety remains a top concern for UIC students, impacting their well-being and daily experiences on and around campus; and,

WHEREAS, students have raised concerns about safety issues, emphasizing the need for direct dialogue with university officials to discuss solutions and improvements; and,

WHEREAS, open forums that facilitate direct communication between students, their representatives, and university officials are essential for transparency, accountability, and collaborative problem-solving; then,

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the USG will organize a Campus Safety Townhall later this spring semester (time and location TBD) to provide students with an opportunity to ask questions and engage with university officials regarding safety concerns; and,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the town hall will invite key administrators, including but not limited to Vice Chancellor John Coronado, Dr. Michael Ginsburg, Chief Booker, and Pawfficer Ham; and,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that the USG will allocate $500 from its budget to support the planning and execution of the event; and,

LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that any unspent funds allocated for the event will be returned to the USG budget.

Introduced on 03/31/25

Chief Sponsor(s): Commissioner Jiya Patel, Director Pranav Nair
Co-Sponsor(s): President Asa Asad

WHEREAS, Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM) is hosted in the month of April to spread more awareness regarding sexual assault as well as the bystander effect; and

WHEREAS, sexual assault is a subject that needs to be discussed, especially in the college setting so students that may be victims know about tools available to them, as students that may be bystanders know how to identify signs to possibly prevent it; and

WHEREAS, the Women Leadership Resource Center has tools for victims of sexual assault as well as training for bystanders at the University of Illinois-Chicago; then

LET IT BE RESOLVED, that the Undergraduate Student Government will collaborate with the Women Leadership Resource Center to host a panel discussion in honor of SAAM.
LET IT BE FURTHER RESOLVED, that this panel will be hosted on UIC Zoom with speakers from the Women Leadership Resource Center to help educate on the topic of sexual assault as well as help train students on how to intervene as bystander and provide students with tools if they are experiencing sexual assault or have experienced sexual assault.