UCO Student Congress Discusses “Dead Week” Bill, Student Concerns at Sixth Fall Meeting

The University of Central Oklahoma Student Association (UCOSA) met for its sixth general session of the fall semester on Monday, Oct. 13, at 4 p.m. in NUC Room 421, where members approved funding for an academic team and discussed a proposed “Dead Week” bill and several student concerns.

The session opened with the customary land acknowledgment, Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call before moving into business. During special orders, Jana Montgomery from the Student Activity Fund provided clarification on how student activity funding operates, explaining how funds are allocated and tracked between student and administrative accounts.

UCOSA then voted on CFR 25-104, a measure providing $320 for academic team tournament registration. The bill passed, ensuring continued support for academic competition participation with a set limit of four students per team.

Under new business, CR 25-101, known as the “Dead Week Bill,” was introduced. The proposal seeks to prohibit instructors from assigning new course materials during the week before finals, with exceptions for laboratory information. If passed, the measure would take effect next semester. Discussion included potential adjustments to semester dates and concerns about preventing earlier finals.

During the open forum for student concerns, members raised issues such as confusion over commuter parking fees, discomfort parking on campus due to visitation rules, dissatisfaction with the D2L platform, and trash overflow near West Hall. A request was also made for a tarp over the volleyball courts.

Announcements included upcoming events such as the Pi Sigma Alpha career panel, TEDxUCO, and a Student Support Services autumn drive.

The meeting concluded with clarification on emailing legislation from Chair Eads before adjournment.