The Changes in School Brought by One Step

Since the closure of the spring semester, it has been a busy period for One Step, the Undergraduate Student Council. If we take a look at its achievements and future plans for this semester, it is possible to see that a diverse field of concerns is being tackled. Some of the changes that have occurred or are to be expected include organization of various events, implementation or revision of numerous policies, improvements in student welfare, confrontation of controversial issues, and an encouragement in the communications between One Step and the KAIST community.
▲ The logo of the Undergraduate Student Council, One Step
The two most significant events for the KAIST students this fall are the KAIST Art and Music Festival (KAMF) and the Careers Exhibition. KAMF is a cultural event where both KAIST students and outsiders can enjoy performances by famous musicians. Its objectives are to boost students' morale and to liven up the university's quiet mood. While the purpose of KAMF is to free students from the restrictions of a studious environment, in contrast, the Careers Exhibition is organized to help students focus on what to learn or prepare before graduation. For the freshmen, the exhibition acts as an opportunity to find out about what kinds of career paths are available. On the other hand, for the seniors, it is a chance for them to obtain information regarding employments and job applications.
In addition to the major events targeted at the general student population, there have been several other policies implemented or programs planned by One Step. The most welcoming policy change is the modifications in course retake limitations. The changes include a raise in the highest attainable grade, an increase in the number of retake courses that can be taken, and a reduction in course retake fees. Some of the new programs include overseas learning experience to Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Summer Agricultural Program, and KAIST Vision Workshop.
The works of One Step were not only limited to new policies and programs, but also encompassed issues relating to welfare. For example, additional CUBE printing systems were installed at the Creative Learning Building (E11) and the Undergraduate Branch Library (N10). Also, some of the other changes to look forward to this semester include construction of a new basketball court in front of the Lyu Keun-Chul Sports Complex and availability of Microsoft products on the KAIST KFTP server.
Although One Step was primarily occupied with bringing many positive changes to KAIST, it was also forced to confront several controversies among the KAIST community. In June, there was an incident regarding Lotteria accidentally putting a sanitary glove in one of its burgers, which resulted in One Step intervening and settling the issue. In July, a male student attempted to film a female dormitory shower room. The offender of this event was quickly apprehended by One Step, and the issue was resolved. In September, problems with the cheerleading organization ELKA and radio broadcasting organization VOK's lack of financial transparency was also tackled and alleviated by One Step.

Many of the decisions made by One Step and its actions are for the interests of the KAIST community, but they may not necessarily be the best choices. Therefore, if there are any issues or suggestions, they should be submitted for improvements. Some of the feedback methods include the program 100 Dates, where 100 students can go to a free lunch with the student council to give suggestions, or the Offline Message Board, where students can post feedbacks by writing to One Step on designated white boards. The boards can be found in the Creative Learning Building, the Humanities and Social Sciences Building (N4), the KAIST Library (E9), the Undergraduate Branch Library, and the Student Center-2 (N12), more commonly referred to as the post office building. 

Copyright © The KAIST Herald Unauthorized reproduction, redistribution prohibited