Welcome back, Bulldawgs!

I hope everyone had a great summer and is prepared to hit the books once again.

During the summer, the Student Government Association was busy preparing for this upcoming school year.

We are excited to see everyone back on campus and geared up for another year at Tech.

Two new events on campus, the Dawg Haul and Welcome Week, have already started the year on a successful note.

The Dawg Haul allowed students from various campus organizations to help move our newest Bulldawg additions into the residence halls.

Welcome Week provided one last chance for everyone to enjoy some last-minute summer fun before the start of classes.

The week will end on Friday with the Union Board hosting a Bulldawg Family Reunion in the Plaza complete with food, music and games.

So, if you are new to campus or if you are just wondering what the SGA does, then let me take a few moments to share with you a few things we offer.

The SGA provides many services for students.

Some of these services include free scantrons, free local and long distance fax service and short-term loans.

The SGA also gives students emergency access phones which are located throughout the campus, golf cart escorts after dark, student insurance and a Frisbee golf course in Hideaway Park, located by Joe Aillet Stadium.

Bark Practice, Tech's version of a rowdy pep rally, is sponsored by SGA the Friday night before major sporting events to promote school spirit and to fire up our athletic teams.

Students also have the opportunity to tailgate with the SGA before every home football game and enjoy the company of fans and free food.

In October, SGA always keeps students busy by planning a week's worth of Homecoming activities, such as a huge party to kick festivities off, a parade, the unity step show, an incredible fireworks display and Homecoming court elections.

But our most important purpose is to be the student voice to the administration at Tech and to state officials.

Throughout the year, our senators are working for you.

We investigate issues all around the university like food concerns, housing issues or academic policies.

The senators are listening to what you have to say and finding ways to make Tech better.

I am excited about this upcoming year and the many things SGA has planned.

Please do not hesitate to drop by Tolliver and let us know if there is anything on your mind that we can help you with.

The opportunity to serve students is the sole reason the Student Government Association exists, so come put us to work.

Together we can make a difference.

Have a great year!

Kimberly Ludwig is a senior business management and entrepreneurship major from Ruston and serves as president of the Student Government Association. She is a guest columnist for The Tech Talk.