Nineteen student organizations had representatives at last Friday's Student Leadership Summit held in Kochoff Hall. Student Government (SG) President Tarek Baydoun led the meeting that included free pizza for participants.

After introductions, Baydoun updated the student leaders on SG's agenda, which included a "continuing fight against tuition increases" and the current Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He mentioned the resolution SG passed unanimously last Tuesday that requested the university divest from all business relations with those involved with the situation overseas.

Baydoun called for student leaders to aid in SG's initiative to extend the hours of the library during final exams. Baydoun said this was an issue that has been worked on for some time. The library does not believe there are enough students to make the extension profitable. Baydoun pointed out that that is not always the case.

"Students know the library is closing so they leave early in order to avoid getting kicked out. If they stayed, the library would see that there is a need for this."

The goal is to present the library with a 1,000-signature petition. Baydoun encouraged the student leaders to take petition forms and commit to distributing them.

SG is also involved in voter registration. Student organizations that participate will earn $1 for each individual they register. The organization who registers the most will win $2 per registration. So far, Baydoun says they have registered around 500, with about 100 of those being students. The registration continues through this week.

The student leaders also had a chance to announce goals and up-coming events. Some included Golden Key's Nov. 11 induction, the Pakistani Student Association's involvement in Global Fest on Oct. 31 and the Debate Team working with the university's marketing department to spread awareness of the new block-M logo. The American Marketing Association would like to improve the career fairs and a "With Punch" entertainment night being hosted by Jester's Court in Ann Arbor Oct. 28.

Almost every organization emphasized that their main goal was to increase membership.

The "commuter campus" environment was discussed along with ways to improve student engagement. Suggestions included increasing visibility of events and hosting events on different parts of the campus in order to avoid the "It was too far to walk" excuse. Baydoun agreed with the leaders and said, "Student Government is here to empower and encourage the organizations. Yes, we have won you more money to work with, but it's not all about money. It's about engaging people."

A Web site for organizations to post information and events has been created at studentleadersumd@googlegroups.com.

A student discount program, organized by SG, is finally up and running.

Baydoun distributed a print-out of the companies participating in the Student Savings Club.

"We are working on expanding the list but all students are encouraged to take advantage of the discounts," said Baydoun.

As of now, Baydoun says there will most likely not be discount cards issued to students although copies made from the student savings Web site will be passed out once more businesses join.

"Students are definitely welcome to make recommendations [for participating businesses]," said Baydoun.

Student Leadership Summit meetings are held Friday's at 6 p.m. The next two are scheduled for Oct. 27 and Nov 17. The December meeting is being planned to avoid interruption with final exams.