The Matthew Online

International conference held at JCU

By Rose Jeremie 
 

      ROME, Feb 23- This past weekend JCU student government hosted its Second Annual International Student Government Conference (ISGC), that brought together a diverse group of English-speaking Universities in Europe and the Middle East to discuss how to improve their universities.  

       Participating universities included American University of Kuwait, American University in Bulgaria, Franklin College in Switzerland, Glion Institute of Higher Education, Les Roches International School, and the American University of Rome.

  As stated on the ISGC website, “the primary focus of the International Student Government Conference is to foster methods of cooperation among student governments of each representative institution.”  The ISGC covered a variety of topics including the role of student government, sustaining progress accomplished by student government, incentives and team-building within student organizations, and working for their student constituency.

         The conference had the foremost American perspective on student government as head of the American Student Government Association, Butch Oxendine spoke to students via Skype. Mr. Oxendine said that the primary role student governments should take is advocating for student issues. He stressed that in order for student governments to help make their universities a better place, they have to share the concerns their fellow students have with the trustees and the administration.  He also emphasized the importance of student governments as “the liaison between the administration and the students,” and recognition from both sides is essential for a progressive student government organization.

  JCU Business  Professor Pietro Paganini delivered a motivational speech during the opening ceremony. He highlighted the concept that student government leaders are the leaders of today. Student government is a landmark organization because of its ability to demonstrate motivation, passion and commitment.  He said student government members should make it so students understand that they exist first and foremost to serve the needs of the student body. Student governments are the primary medium for student change and they must be taken advantage of in order to bring about that change.

  The conference demonstrated the capacity of student governments to enter into cross-cultural borders for the promotion of the interest of all students. JCU President Franco Pavoncello summarized the conference very well when he stated that “this International Student Government Conference allows for active members to perfect change, become true participants of their university, illustrate the value of grass-roots organization and highlight the value of student organizations in general.”  

With a Toast of Prosecco, ISGC is Off to an Exciting Start

The International Student Government Conference is officially underway. The opening ceremony completed at 6pm with a grand toast of prosecco in celebration of the ground-breaking event.

The ceremony ran briefly and smoothly, with guest speakers including John Cabot University President Franco Pavoncello and Keynote Speaker, Professor Pietro Paganini. JCU’s Student Body President, Eva Paunova, welcomed all to the conference, expressing her excitement for the weekend ahead; “I am looking forward to interactive, stimulating and energizing discussions and sessions with lots of ‘take-aways’! The meetings will deliver little ‘gems of gold’ to take back home with you,” she cheerfully said.

JCU student govt to host 3-day seminar this weekend

 

By Marie Bugnitz

ROME, April 17- John Cabot University will host the first ever International Student Government Conference starting Friday, April 18, bringing together over 30 students from English-speaking universities across Europe for three days in Rome.

“The primary focus of the conference is to foster methods of coordination and cooperation among the student governments of each respective institution. This will be facilitated through various meetings, social events, and discussions focusing on [specific] topics,” said Eva Paunova, JCU Student Body President and a key organizer of the conference.

“English-speaking Universities abroad face not only unique challenges, but also offer unique perspectives on a breadth of issues. A forum bringing together these various opinions provides the opportunity for universities to establish a lasting dialogue with each other, as well as allowing for a productive exchange of experiences and ideas,” Paunova said.

Better late than never, JCU students pack "welcome" BBQ

By Emily Finkelstein

ROME, Feb. 12 — Although this semester’s student barbecue encountered unanticipated challenges, the event was still a success, according to student attendees and organizers.

The courtyard barbecue, organized each semester by John Cabot University’s Student Government, was originally scheduled to take place in the first week of school. The event was postponed, however, after the deaths of two JCU students, one of whom worked with the Student Government.

Fortunately, students did not let the tragic circumstances overshadow the intent of the barbecue. A crowd of socializing students, a solid soundtrack, good weather and great burgers led to a dynamic and fun atmosphere.