Degree Works to make advising easier

Students and advisers will soon have greater control over their classes thanks to some new software, Kate Linder, Center for Student Life, announced at the biweekly Student Government Association meeting Tuesday in Eberly Hall Room 411.

Degree Works, a computer software program, is being rolled out to advisers as part of a new initiative to ensure students are taking the classes they need in order to graduate, according to Linder. 

The program is designed to compare classes taken with classes needed. 

The software can look at what classes a student is currently enrolled in, what future classes he or she will need, and, if the student decides to add a minor or second major, can see what classes the student will need to finish that as well.

At this stage, only advisers can access the software and it is only available for undergraduate classes. 

In the near future, students will be able to access Degree Works themselves and it will include graduate classes.

SGA member Heather Thomas (junior, human development and environmental studies) announced the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority is planning a canned food and clothing drive to benefit New Jersey victims of Hurricane Sandy.

“One of our sister’s friends and family were very affected by Sandy,” Thomas said. “She asked [our] chapter to start getting the word out because we wanted to help them out.”

Thomas said that she hopes to get all Greek life involved and plans on having collection boxes placed around campus.

SGA President Taylor Billman reminded members that the deadline for applications for the student trustee position are due Tuesday. 

Students wishing to apply can visit Sutton Hall Room 201 for an application.

SGA internal affairs chairwoman Megan Florez and external affairs chairwoman Taylor Mullholland announced they had met with individuals representing the Indiana Borough in regards to the addition of speed bumps to certain roads surrounding IUP. They explained that the borough is motivated to make a change to the roads, especially in light of recent accidents, but not to expect to see any changes until possibly summer.

IUP Family Weekend went well, according to the SGA, but more organizations are encouraged to attend.