The Oshkosh Student Association (OSA) prepared for elections and discussed increased segregated fees while awaiting results from a survey regarding when to hold fall break.

On Monday, the OSA Assembly approved naming Student Allocations Committee member Rebecca Ashauer for presidential appointment in the upcoming term. Current OSA President Jacob Fischer sponsored her in this appointment.

Fischer said the preparation process for such high positions as the OSA president or vice president has to do with narrowing down one’s message and establishing a connection with the student body.

He emphasized the importance of being able to communicate with UW Oshkosh students since the goal of such positions is to improve the college experience for as many as possible.

“The preparation process for OSA president and vice president candidates is a process of narrowing down your message, earning trust and respect from fellow classmates and listening to what students have to say,” Fischer said. “OSA is the voice of the student body. Talking and listening to students is the best way to prepare yourself for the role.”

Segregated fees will rise by a rate of up to $0.17 per student to support new OSA initiatives going forward. A major portion of the initiatives is the transformation of the OSA officer manager’s role into a program adviser of student leadership and development. The idea to use segregated fees to support such a transformation, among other initiatives, was approved by a 9-1 vote.

Following the vote in favor of an increase in segregated fees, the OSA Assembly honored current Office Manager Tyler Klaver for his hard work and commitment. The Assembly commended Klaver for allowing UWO students to have a voice, pursuing a perfect student government, creating a warm office environment and being an overall generous person to work with.

Fischer authored the honorary statement recognizing Klaver.

“The OSA segregated fee idea was generated through OSA as an examination of ways to enhance the student experience and grow leadership development opportunities within student involvement and specifically OSA,” he said.

Additionally, a survey was sent out to students regarding the possibility of a fall break in the 2023-24 school year.

“The fall break schedule was brought to OSA by Provost John Koker, as he sought to get the opinion of all shared governance groups on the idea,” Fischer said.
The survey that was originally sent out did not have an option indicating that students would prefer to remain without a fall break. As a result, Fischer said he received emails from students explaining that they would prefer to go without a fall break, as opposed to placing those days at the end of the school year.

In an email released to all students, Fischer said a new survey was sent out that included an option to not have a fall break.

Fischer also included a write-in option for students to more accurately express their preferences on the topic.
“I am interested to see the results,” he said.