On Sept. 10, the Student Government Association held their first meeting for the Fall 2024 semester. The meeting was led by Student Body Vice President Barrett Butler. It began with the routine roll call and preliminaries and was then followed by an introduction of Dr. James J. Winebrake, Provost and Vice Chancellor of the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
Winebrake began his speech with a presentation on who he is and a brief intro of his family, followed by sharing ideas with the SGA members and staff on what his vision for UNCW will look like in the upcoming years. His main push for the academic year is to create a more transformational experience for students, faculty and staff and make a positive change at UNCW.
During his speech several topics were up for discussion regarding the plans for moving UNCW forward.
The Healthy Hawk Partnership, a cooperative initiative between student affairs and academic affairs, that creates a program to support the well-being of students, faculty and staff both mentally and physically.
The subject matter moved to another theme that has culminated the interest of many students: AI programming. Winebrake stated, “One of our goals is to advance in AI. I know that some people in the academy are really fearful of AI and what it means. I think it’s a really powerful tool that is going to help you all do really amazing things.”
He went on to explain that professors have full support from the university and have the academic freedom within their classrooms. According to Winebrake, the university is not going to push for any and/or all professors to use AI within their curriculum. However, it has been stated that professors are advised to talk with students about when and if AI will be used during the semester.
Having an open conversation and allowing the students to understand academic boundaries ensures that no one struggles with academic plagiarism. Winebrake stated, “last year I had an AI task force that came up with recommendations on ways we can better invest in AI. One is the faculty support as I had mentioned, to try and get each case to using AI in classrooms to help teach students. Second, I have an initiative with staff in the academic affairs that challenges them to use AI in operations more efficient and more effective. We’re also adding a certificate in AI and investing in research for faculty around AI.”
The AI certificate is a nine-course credit program that is obtainable to any undergraduate and will be made available in the Fall 2025 semester. Upon completion students will receive a certificate in AI that would be measurable on a resume.
A student senator asked about the Campus Master Plan for UNCW. Winebrake shared that campus changes would start with a new welcome center and parking deck located by Keenan Auditorium. The auditorium itself will also undergo renovations made possible by $25 million in donations. There are plans for a new hotel and conference center that will be located by the athletic field, and the Cameron School of Business will also be experiencing an expansion soon.
The continuation of subject matter on the expansion to the STEM department was also added, cybersecurity, science and data programming to the original main sectors of coastal engineering, intelligent system and software engineering.
Towards the end of the meeting, Butler announced the partnership with JCPenney at the Independence Mall for the Suit Up Event on Sept. 15 at 3 p.m. Upon the presentation of student ID, students will be able to purchase business attire for up to 60% off.
Student Senator Jake Smith announced the partnership between SGA and The Seahawk Newspaper would be established to help better inform students, faculty and staff of SGA discussions and legislations.
SGA’s next meeting will be on Sept. 17 at 6 p.m. in the Fisher Student Center, Azalea Coast room, second floor.
If you have any questions about how to get involved with SGA, you can visit their Instagram page @uncwsga or visit the UNCW website to learn more.
