During the April 3 Student Government Association meeting, the organization welcomed two guest speakers to share information regarding their university departments. Ella Avolio-Alschbach, The Rice Library’s Senior Library Assistant in University Archives and Special Collections, and Rebecca Diamond, Director of Dining Services, delivered short presentations regarding upcoming events and changes coming to their departments.
Avolio-Alschbach promoted the Rice Library’s Archives Madness event, an annual event that will last until April 13. According to the UASC website, the competition is “a friendly contest between area institutions vying for recognition for having the coolest artifact.” The competition is currently in the championship round with only a Parachute Wedding Dress from Evansville War Time Museum and Civil War Letters from USI’s personal archives. Students and faculty can vote online at amUSIngarticfacts.com, or in-person by visiting the third floor.
Diamond shared updates regarding meal plans for the 2025-2026 school year. She announced that dining has moved away from commuter and loyalty plans. Loyalty plans were created in 2016, but only around eight to ten students use them per semester, according to Diamond. Diamond also said that commuter plans were only meant to be temporary and that they are “basically just munch money anyway.” Moving forward, students can load munch money on their Eagle Access cards and use them to purchase meals on campus.
Flavor Fusion feedback was also welcomed by members of the general assembly. Some members expressed excitement for a revolving menu, a feature that Diamond said would be permanent. Flavor Fusion opened at the beginning of the spring semester, with a Brazilian menu being the first of many to be tested. After spring break, the menu changed to Memphis BBQ, which Diamond reports is doing well.
Summer dining options will also change this summer. For the first time in many summers, Sub Connection will not be open. Instead, Flavor Fusion will operate during special hours, offering a revolving menu.
Before ending her presentation, Diamond urged students to text ‘USIDINING’ to 82257 for all USI Dining updates.
A notable announcement was made regarding the SGA’s Rice Day Celebration. It was announced that the event has been postponed until Monday, April 14 due to excessive rain and flooding. Activities will take place on The Quad, as planned.
Additionally, polls for the 2025 SGA election have opened. Students can vote on candidates and SGA constitution amendments via a link sent to them on Monday. Polls will close on April 13 at 11:59 p.m.