Unfortunately, many individuals do not know how much time and effort the Undergraduate Student Government spends on creating the best experience for UCONN students. Every year a number of students, without compensation, dedicate themselves to this cause. A critical person in this effort is Yoana Yakova, who is the Chairperson of the Funding Board.
The Chairperson of the Funding Board is a position with significant responsibility. The position sits at the helm of the Funding Board, which is an organization that disperses funding to Tier II organizations. In addition to the large number of organizations that UCONN has on campus, Yoana spends a significant amount of time responding to emails from staff and from students who have questions about the application and process.
Yoana’s journey to this leadership position began when she attended a meeting in her 1st year of school and was invited to attend a dinner with the rest of the Funding Board team. After a member of the Funding Board joked that Yoana now had to come to the following meeting, Yoana took up the offer and in the subsequent year, went on to serve as Vice Chairperson.
Despite the long hours and hard work, Yoana has greatly enjoyed the position. She said she really enjoys learning about the organizations students are starting and running on campus. She has even begun participating in some, for example rock climbing trips with the Outing Club over the weekend.
Yoana spoke about the contributions that the Undergraduate Student Government had given to UCONN students. As an example, most students do not realize that it is the Academic Affairs Committee that is behind the New York Times newspapers that are passed out on campus, and even the benches at the bus stops; these exist because of efforts through legislation.
Real changes on campus occur because of the student government. Unfortunately these accomplishments are at times not recognized.
The Funding Board has worked to build a good relationship with the university administration. As with most relationships, there are disagreements and conflicts at times, but both organizations appreciate and recognize that the other’s support is important.
One of the goals of the Funding Board this year is to create a committee which will monitor events and make sure that funds allocated are being properly used. The misuse of funds is not fair to other groups on campus. An important note that students should know is that they do pay a fee to the student government and to a select number of organizations on campus.
Yoana is a political science and philosophy major. She would like to eventually serve as an immigration lawyer. Yoana was born in Bulgaria and is bilingual. In addition to her current responsibilities, she has also served on the Growth and Development Committee. She also works at the UCONN library.
Asked if she had anything she wanted to say to UCONN students, she said to make sure to have a great time while you are here.
