Last month, members of the University of Iowa Undergraduate Student Government (USG) attended the Association of Big Ten Students (ABTS) Summer Conference, hosted by the Association of Students of the University of Nebraska. 

Delegations from across the Big Ten gathered to exchange ideas on student government structures and participate in roundtable discussions focused on campus safety, basic needs, and immigration. Attendees also toured the Nebraska State Capitol and explored the University of Nebraska–Lincoln campus. 

USG Vice President Emily Cross presented legislation to establish the Big Ten Mental Health & Wellness Coalition, an initiative she developed over the summer with student leaders from other universities. The coalition will function as a subcommittee within ABTS, with representatives from each Big Ten school working to enhance mental health collaboration across campuses. “I truly valued the opportunity to connect with fellow Big Ten leaders,” said Cross. “This initiative promotes well-being and reminds me of the responsibility and privilege of my role.” 

The conference also featured a virtual DEI presentation by Anushka Gupta, ABTS Director of DEI, and was documented by ABTS Secretary Kartik Kalra.