FUSE Initiatives

Policy Initiatives of the FUSE Administration

• Fight for $15: Advocacy for a minimum wage increase from $10.15 to $15 per hour for all on-campus jobs. 
• Tuition Freeze: Proposal for a freeze on tuition fees to alleviate the financial burden on students and maintain affordability. 
• Out-of-Pocket Course Materials Coverage: Disclosure of course material costs during registration and establishment of a grant to subsidize such expenses. 
• Credit Hour Rollover: Enhancement of financial aid options for summer courses by allowing unused credits from fall and spring semesters to rollover, reducing financial burden on students. 
• Emergency Funds: Provision of emergency funds for students facing financial crises.

• DEIA Foundation Account: Establishment of an endowment fund with the IU foundation to safeguard DEIA programs and scholarships amidst potential funding cuts by state legislators, ensuring the continuity of DEIA initiatives. 
• Multicultural Advisory Council (MAC): Formation of a council comprising representatives from cultural centers and multicultural organizations to advise the administration, advocate for minority groups, and enhance student engagement within IUSG via direct access to funding. 
• Expand Culture Centers: Development of new cultural centers, including a Muslim Culture Center and a Disability Culture Center, providing spaces for students to connect, share experiences, and foster a sense of belonging. 
• Campus Accessibility Audit: Collaboration with Accessible Educational Services to assess and enhance the accessibility of academic and residential buildings, promoting inclusivity across campus. 
• IU Accessibility Mapping Project: Development of a Campus Accessibility Map pinpointing accessible entrances, inspired by UPenn's successful Accessibility Mapping Project. 
• LGBTQ+ Living-Learning Community (LLC): Creation of a supportive and safe environment for LGBTQ+ students within campus housing. 
• Monthly Cultural Showcases: Hosting regular events that highlight the diverse cultures on campus, providing students with opportunities to learn firsthand from community members and experts.

• Flipped Parking Spots: Negotiations to repurpose underutilized parking spaces for student use and improve parking availability and affordability. 
• Heating Lamps at Bus Stops: Installation of in-use only heating lamps at bus stops for student comfort during inclement weather. 
• Gender-Neutral Bathrooms: Installation of additional gender-neutral bathrooms across campus. 
• Micromobility Infrastructure: Implementation of more bike lanes and micromobility options to promote sustainable and safe transportation. 
• Establish a Department of Infrastructure and Transportation: This department will have direct access to funding to improve public transportation, manage parking facilities, develop micro-mobility infrastructure, and more to ensure efficient transportation options.

• Excused Absence for Mental Health: Recognize mental health concerns as valid reasons for excused absences from academic obligations, and collaborate with faculty, staff, and mental health professionals to establish clear guidelines and procedures for requesting such accommodations and support.
• Wellness Days: Introduction of periodic days off to promote student wellbeing and mental health, following the model adopted during the COVID-19 pandemic. 
• Plan B Fund Endowment: Establishment of an endowment fund to provide free Plan B to students in need. 
• Expand Health Center Insurance Options: Enhance student health center insurance options to improve affordability and accessibility, ensuring comprehensive coverage for their services and resources.

• Extended Dining Hours: Implementation of later dining hall hours and introduction of at least one 24-hour dining hall to combat food insecurity. 
• Enhanced Residential Security: Measures to improve security in residential buildings. 
• Affordable Dining Packages: Reintroduction of I-bucks with affordable dining packages for off-campus students.

• Survivors Fund: Endowment of a Survivor Fund to assist survivors of sexual assault with legal fees. 
• Safety Walks and Infrastructure Enhancement: Conducting semi-annual safety walks. Implementation of a safety package including increased access control systems, blue light emergency phones, and increased lighting on and off campus. 
• Cleary Act Reform: Revision of reporting procedures to provide more digestible campus safety reports and enhance safety measures on campus, enhancing transparency and understanding among students.

• Establish a Department of Student Rights: Revival and restructuring of the Student Rights department under the executive branch to provide advocacy, support, and a "Know Your Rights" campaign for students navigating the campus judicial system. 
• Recognition of Indiana Grad Workers Coalition: Support for the recognition of the coalition by the university to advocate for graduate student workers' rights. 
• Protection of the Kinsey Institute: Ensuring the preservation and support of the Kinsey Institute's mission, research, and special collections. 
• Transfer Student Scholarships: Expansion of scholarship opportunities for transfer students to facilitate their academic pursuits. 
• Course Audit Program: Increase in auditable courses, unification of credit audit policies, and faculty education to promote academic exploration without affecting GPA. 

• Crimson Closet: The Crimson Closet will house professional clothing that students can borrow at no cost for interviews, career fairs, presentations, and more. The Crimson Closet aims to ensure that all students have the opportunity to present themselves confidently and professionally, regardless of their financial situation.
• Makerspace: The Makerspace will provide students with access to a variety of equipment, including a 3D printer, laser engraver, button maker, sewing machine, and more. This space will empower student leaders to create essential materials for their organizations, supporting their creativity and project development.
• Textbook & Test Prep Library:The Textbook and Test Prep Library will provide a variety of class textbooks and test preparation books, including those for the LSAT and MCAT, available for students to borrow. By offering these resources at no cost, the library aims to support students in their academic pursuits without financial burdens.