Lopers,
As we enter the second half of the fall 2025 semester, I want to reflect upon what the Schroeder-Oltmans administration has been working to achieve thus far. The Executive Branch, consisting of me, Vice President Oltmans and members of the cabinet, have been hard at work, advocating for the student body and making progress on impactful initiatives.
One of the most significant updates to provide is in regard to how the student government can support recognized student organizations. Recently, my administration proposed amendments to the University Programming and Facilities Fee Funding to provide recognized student organizations the ability to apply for financial support from student government funds.
As you may recall, last year we passed the Student Organization Investment Act, creating a fund that would lead to record investment into recognized student organizations. The recent amendments have been approved by the Student Senate, applying the less restrictive policies of the Student Organization Investment Act to UPFF funding and adding $10,000 to the UPFF fund. These amendments will continue last year’s tradition of saving students time and resources as they grow in their recognized student organizations. If you have any questions or would like to apply to this program, please reach out or apply online.
Last term, my administration successfully secured $200,000 in campus investment from the Student Senate, Campus Recreation, UNK Athletics and the Chancellor’s Office to build three sand volleyball courts, which have had a profound impact on the delivery and accessibility of intermural sports and recreational opportunities on campus. This year, we hope to replicate this accomplishment through a similar improvement to outdoor recreation on campus. I, along with Secretary of the Treasury Jacob Stegman, have been working closely with UNK Facilities to improve the basketball court outside of Mantor/Randall – a much-needed update. Currently, the basketball poles are bent, rusty and not aesthetically pleasing. We are hoping to replace the hoops with newer models, in addition to having the court repainted and resurfaced to reduce tripping and injury hazards.
Vice President Oltmans and Secretary of Community Relations Carly Gaedeke have been continuing last year’s investments into food security on campus. Secretary Gaedeke recently coordinated the Student Government’s annual Play It Forward volleyball tournament, raising the total dollars contributed to the Loper Pantry from the Student Government in the past two years to $10,480. Vice President Oltmans has been working with university administration to establish a meal swipe donation program to benefit students who may have run out of meal swipes and the Loper Pantry.
In the coming months, my administration will be preparing for student advocacy surrounding proposed changes to programs and cuts to be made on campus, resulting from the $4.5 million shortfall that we face. We will always be committed to listening and advocating for the interests of the student body.
Go Lopers.
