MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — Student government leaders on the campus of West Virginia University are watching two pieces of legislation.

WVU Student Body President Colin Street said he made a commitment to be more legislatively engaged during this session, and the effort is energizing the student body.

Street said Monday on WAJR’s “Talk of the Town” the Student Government Association is encouraging involvement after the development of apathy following the pandemic. Street said to encourage more involvement, the size of student government at WVU has been increased from 40 to 150 members that engage with lawmakers and the campus community.

“It’s that level of inspiration that knows giving students responsibility and civic action to students can really achieve, and it’s that inspiration that will get young leaders to stay in West Virginia and help lead the state,” Street said.

Senate Bill 675, sponsored by Sen. Mike Oliverio, R-Monongalia, would restore voting rights for students and faculty members to boards of governors statewide and is one of the measures the organization is lobbying in favor of.

SGA State Government Liaison Logan Pierce said the other bill of interest, House Bill 4081, would establish the Higher Education Health and Aid Grant program.

“It would allow institutions across the state of West Virginia to establish food pantries or fund food pantries that already exist,” Pierce said. “We’re also working on Senate Bill 675 that would restore the students’ vote to boards of governors across the state.”

Street said the student voice is an important one when it comes to fees, tuition increases, and the overall campus experience.

“Having not just the student voice but an impact with a vote behind that voice allows the university to cultivate an educational experience that’s going to geared toward students and bring more students to Morgantown,” Street said.

WVU SGA works with other assemblies through the Advisory Council of Students to keep the board of governors informed, provide information to the student body about legislative activities, and finally work with lawmakers on policy matters they favor. The task is one Street is working harder to develop.

“That last one, ACS—the Advisory Council of Students—has faltered in the last couple of years,” Street said. “And it’s what we’ve really tried to emphasize this year in our pursuit of getting the board vote back.”

One attempt to revive civic engagement is the proposed revival of the Hardesty Festival of Ideas that will bring a wide range of speakers to campus to interact with students.

“Our student body vice president, Rozaireo Jones, has been planning the revival of the Hardesty Festival of Ideas, which will start on February 16,” Street said. “We hope to bring alumni and speakers to campus not only to engage with students and the larger Morgantown community.”

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center has announced two public events this February, marking the start of its spring semester programming, according to a press release. Both events are free and open to campus and community members of all ages and experience levels.

“After all this snow and cold, we wanted to start the semester off with some fun,” said Folklife Center Director Dr. Lydia Warren. “Whether you want to see live music and dance or you want to knit, color, and chat, we’ve got you covered this month.”

The semester’s festivities begin with a Community Square Dance on Friday, February 20 from 7-9 p.m. Curated by the Folklife Center’s Artist-in-Residence, Annick Odom, the event features acclaimed Appalachian musician and instrument expert Bob Smakula of Elkins. Smakula, well known regionally for his longtime instrument repair work and music shop, will lead the night’s band.

Calling the dances will be Mary Alice Milnes and Nevada Tribble, both experienced square dance callers. Tribble, also an established regional artist, brings her creative background and community-focused approach to the tradition of participatory dance.

No prior dance experience is needed, and beginners are encouraged to join.

The Folklife Center’s new Craft Club will hold its inaugural gathering on Wednesday, February 25 from 12:30-2 p.m. The informal, drop-in club invites makers of all kinds to bring a personal project or explore materials provided by the center.

Participants will have access to supplies for knitting, crocheting, beading, coloring and more. Peer instructors will be available for those who want to learn the basics of knitting or crochet, and guests are welcome to bring their own crafts, from painting to sewing to embroidery.

Designed as a monthly series, the Craft Club aims to provide a free and welcoming space for people to create together, share skills, trade supplies and build community connections.

The Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center is located on Squibb Wilson Boulevard. The building is accessible, with an elevator and handicapped parking. For questions or assistance, call 304-367-4286.