Inside Neumont's Unified Student Government
Inside Neumont’s
Unified Student Government
Why students join USG and what it’s all about:
For former Marine Michael K. Perez, USG is a chance to continue serving others by sharing the leadership skills and life experience he built over eight years in the military. Mr. Perez describes USG as “a chance to learn from classmates whose backgrounds are different from my own.” He adds, “I hope my perspective will add to the diversity of voices in Neumont’s student body.”
Student Kelli Anderson has seen over the past year how current President Owen Espitia has been motivated by his student body and has improved the campus culture. She said, “I really wanted to be a part of that and see what I could do to contribute.”
Student senators have actively worked to improve the day-to-day experience on campus. President Owen Espitia advocated and obtained an updated foosball table in hopes to encourage social connection among students. USG members have also focused on practical improvements, such as installing privacy barriers in campus bathrooms, maintaining the second-floor study room, restocking feminine products, and ensuring toiletry items are available for students to freshen up. These efforts, reflect USG’s commitment to creating a comfortable and inclusive campus culture.
Academic and Student Life Coordinator Oliva Monette explains, “USG hosts a school-wide event every quarter, with the theme changing depending on nearby holidays and student input. All the events have the goal of bringing students together and raising awareness of USG.”
She added, “They also host elections every quarter to get new students to join. USG is important because it’s the main way students can put their voices into action. USG hears student ideas and does their best to take that feedback and make positive changes on campus. They’re also a great way for students to connect with the local community of Salt Lake City and gain leadership skills.”
This past quarter, USG volunteered at the Utah Food Bank, where they helped sort and organize donated food items so they could be safely stored and distributed to families in need. Besides their work at the food bank, USG members Kelli A. and Zeke H. built planter boxes at a local preschool and helped clean up the Jordan River with other fellow USG members during Neumont’s day of service.
What student senators hope to accomplish:
Looking ahead, members have big plans for how USG can expand its impact on campus. Michael K. Perez is focused on student involvement. “One of the things I hope to implement in USG is more student involvement on campus. I think it’s a great opportunity for students to get involved in campus activities and meet different friend groups.”
Neumont students aren’t just focused on staying indoors, they also want to enjoy the outdoors of Salt Lake City. “We live in such a beautiful state, and I would love for USG to host more outdoor field trips. Going up to Bryce Canyon or just enjoying the views of the valley would be cool,” says Kelli Anderson.
While USG members focus on campus life, some are passionate about Neumont’s role in the local Salt Lake community. “I love the community that Neumont has, everybody knows everybody and we’re all friends. I want to be able to push that out further. I think we can play a bigger role in helping our local community, especially the homeless population,” Melanie M said.
What’s in store for USG:
Current USG president Owen Espitia sums up the future in one word: service. He expects “a lot of work ahead of us, a lot of service projects,” as Owen partners with local organizations such as the Rotary Club, to organize projects that benefit the community and help put Neumont “more on the map” in the Salt Lake area.
He echoes Senator Melanie Marie’s words to capture the heart of USG’s mission. “I think I heard Melaine Marie summarize it nicely… it’s a lot of community outreach and giving back.’ I believe that’s a good reason why a lot of us are in USG, because we all like the school and want to give back to it. It’s not really a role you take on for yourself, it’s more an act of service towards others, your community, and your school.”
