The Undergraduate Student Government (USG) met for its weekly meeting on Wednesday, Sep. 30 at 7 p.m. The meeting was dominated by discussion of an AI program that may be implemented into the course registration process; the body also approved a couple of funding requests and swore in several new members.
Members of USG attended a meeting with the Provost Andrew Storer concerning a proposed AI tool that would assist students and advisors with semesterly course registration. At-Large Representative Matthew Echols reported that the AI’s purpose would be to provide 24/7 assistance to students registering for classes. Its benefits include cutting out unnecessary advisor visits, providing instantaneous service, streamlining the process of registering for common classes, and freeing up advisors to spend more time with students who have specific class needs or requirements.
Michigan Tech has clearly stated that the AI registration tool will not replace any current advisors. Part of the AI’s function includes making the process of getting human help easier and quicker.
The software company providing the AI, CollegeVine, claims that it “will not make mistakes” because it has “read-only” capabilities. This means the AI only has access to resources and software Michigan Tech provides. The AI cannot access the internet or other sources of information. Neither USG nor the school administration have settled on the AI. USG will continue to follow new developments as they occur.
In other news, it was clarified that the registration price for broomball in the winter will also not be increasing above 40 dollars, as some have speculated.
Other discussions included approved funding requests for 1,750 dollars to the Husky Amateur Radio Club to acquire and assemble a 30-foot radio tower near the SDC, and 2,259.68 dollars to the Waterski & Wakeboard Club to repair their boat, which is required for the club to meet and have activities.
Eight new members were sworn in as well. The First-Year Representatives are Xochitl Pena, Emma Meyers, and Josh Patterson; the Third-Year Representatives are Maria Mandrelle and Wyatt Doyle; the Residential Representatives are Sam Kane and Melissa Spolnicki; and the Residential Advocate is Yvelle Javkhlantugs.
For more information, head to usg.mtu.edu or attend one of their weekly meetings, held on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the MUB Alumni lounge.
