As the halfway point of the semester approaches, SGA is well underway with several initiatives to help improve campus life.
According to SGA President Daniel Gaines, the Cabinet has several goals for this semester.
“One of them is institutionalizing security training for females on campus,” said Gaines. “We’ve been working with AUPD, and hopefully in the next few weeks we will be able to have those training sessions for the female students. We’d like to work with the RDs and RAs of the female dorms to hopefully encourage more female students to come out and get that training.”
Senior political science major Madison Rastetter, SGA vice president, explained that the last self defense class reached maximum capacity with 20 females attending.
“We are in the process of getting another training scheduled in the coming weeks.” Rastetter said.
During the SGA presidential election last semester, Gaines and Rastetter said they hoped to bring more improvements for Mocha Joe’s such as replacing the carpet. Gaines explained that this initiative has been put on hold for now due to the current circumstances and the Physical Plant Department being busy with the other projects they are working on.
Even though this initiative has been put aside, Rastetter explained that they are working towards other goals.
“While it may not be considered an initiative, we are seeking to provide clubs on campus with a funding opportunity sponsored by SGA,” said Rastetter.
Gaines also explained his desire to increase communication between SGA and the student body.
“I think communication has been something that’s been unfortunately swept under the rug in past years involving student government,” Gaines said. “I think being able to communicate more with [students] and communicate effectively while also understanding their concerns is a huge part of our mantra.”
According to Gaines, their main initiative is to support student life. He explained that they plan to use polling to better understand the student body’s concerns.
The SGA Senate holds a large part of this responsibility by being the voices of their peers. The Senate is made up of several individuals who come from different areas of the school, including each class and dorm, as well as different departments of study.
Rastetter explained that when individuals want to start a new club, the Senate is in charge of voting to approve or disapprove of the club’s formation.
This year’s Senators are Kellen Duffy (freshmen class), Alexis Franklin (junior class), Reece McDaniel (senior class), Jackson Burns (adult ed/non-traditional), Carter Fulk (Dunn Hall) and Demonte Brooks (school of nursing).
“We hope that the next administration after us is able to see that we really worked hard to engage with our students and make this experience as great as it could be.” said Gaines.
Rastetter asked any students who have ideas about campus projects they want to be pursued to reach out and talk with the SGA Cabinet.
“I definitely encourage any students who have questions or concerns about any range of topics to please come on in and sit down and chat with us.” said Gaines.