PharmD Student Assumes Presidency of Campus Student Government Association

Jannet Hseih of the Class of 2009 will lead group representing students at UMB’s seven professional schools

By Becky Ceraul
September 5, 2008

As an undergraduate student at the University of California, Berkeley studying molecular and cell biology and business administration, Jannet Hseih was not involved in student life. She opted to focus on academics instead. But when she came to the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Hseih immersed herself in the School’s Student Government Association (SGA) and now has been named president of the campus’ University Student Government Association (USGA) – an honor that both thrills and terrifies her.

“Leading an organization like the USGA is really challenging because it is comprised of students from all of the schools on campus, all of whom have different motivations and interests,” she says. “One of the tenets of the pharmacy curriculum is the importance of collaboration with other health professionals, and serving as USGA president will give me a wonderful opportunity to establish those types of collaborations.”

Each UMB school has its own SGA which oversees the activities of its student organizations. Each of those associations elects at least two students to serve as senators to the USGA. Many large programs within the schools have representation on the USGA.

The USGA’s goal is to enhance the quality of life for all students on campus. It addresses student concerns that may arise throughout the school year, such as parking and safety issues, promoting the free exchange of ideas, and advocating for student rights. “We also co-sponsors events that provide campuswide educational, cultural, and social programs and host several stress relieving and fun activities such as our free student appreciation luncheons, Fall Fest, social nights, and mixers,” says Hseih.

Hseih’s involvement in student government began her first year at the School of Pharmacy when she joined several student pharmacy organizations, including A Bridge to Academic Excellence, a tutoring program for local students. In her second year, she was elected as one of the School of Pharmacy’s USGA senators. She was asked to serve on the USGA’s Executive Board as chief of public relations with responsibility for the organization’s Web site. In her third year, she maintained a seat on the USGA’s Executive Board and served as president of the School of Pharmacy’s SGA, all while maintaining a full academic load. And now, in her final year at school, she will lead the USGA.

“Finding the appropriate balance between academics and involvement in student government can be difficult when you are passionate about so many issues and organizations,” says Hseih. “I want to do as much as I can while I’m at the School of Pharmacy and UMB.”

As USGA president, Hseih wants to focus on strengthening the relationships among students at UMB and host more joint events. “By working together and partnering on events, we will ultimately have a greater impact on our West Baltimore community,” she says. “We can raise more funds for community organizations, tutor more local students, and serve more hours as volunteers.”

Hseih succeeds Jessica O’Kane, who graduated from the School of Pharmacy in May 2008.