SGA members on the behalf of their constituents voiced their feelings in opposition to the recent Washington D.C. trip in which fellow SGA members lobbied to state senators and house members on issues affecting Illinois college students. A few of the concerns voiced included, biases in the selection process of who attended the trip, as well as a desire for more transparency when it comes to the selecting process of students that are invited to come on the trip next year.

Student Trustee Jamaal Hollins explained that “it was difficult to put together” all the students that would attend the trip. He explained that he did not make the decision alone. He said he believes he selected a diverse group of students that represented the school well. He added that he is proud of the work they did in D.C.

In other news, SGA announced an upcoming transportation shopping shuttle that will go into full effect this week.

With the roll out, students, through the efforts of the Division of Student Affairs, have the opportunity to take a shuttle van from campus to various areas across Springfield.

The Division of Student Affairs encourages students to gather together and take full advantage. The vans are made available through Harmony Limousine service.

Aaron Mulvey, SGA president, said the shuttle service will not interfere with the statue clause opposing a shuttle service that could compete with Springfield Mass Transit District (SMTD) buses. This is because the service does not involve UIS vehicles or transportation.

This shuttle service is however, different from the already enacted Transportation Taskforce, which is still moving forward with plans that will directly affect students through the SMTD bus services.

The 15 passenger van will pick up students at the PAC tear drop and will do an one hour transportation loop to the White  Oaks mall (south entrance) Best Buy, Target, Barnes and Noble, Walgreens and Wal-Mart with 5 minute waits and return back to UIS. The service is free to students.

Service will be provided Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

The shuttle service is available on a trial basis. Transportation began on Monday, Feb. 24 and will end on May 16 with no service during the week of spring break. It will then be re-evaluated on usage to determine its future.