Student Government Association has had its fair share of issues, as displayed in the past few weeks and throughout this academic year.
From private email meetings to attempted impeachment and bylaw violations, the drama seems unending.
SGA has a difficult job. They are supposed to be the governing body for the students, which is no simple task. But the lack of transparency and communication with students is doing the opposite of what is expected.
SGA is by no means ruined, but could definitely use improvements at all levels.
While no one person is at fault for the negative occurrences, future SGA representatives are responsible for changing the potentially tainted relationship they have with the campus community.
Mending the relationship between SGA and the student body may be taxing, but it’s not impossible and will be worth it. Students can join the effort by exercising their right to vote and attending SGA meetings to let their voices be heard. SGA officials can’t serve the student body if the student body isn’t open and honest with them.
With elections for new SGA officeholders taking place Thursday and Friday, students should pay close attention to who they vote into power. Voting for someone just because they’re your friend is not the best practice.
Vote for SGA representatives that will lead with transparency and integrity, while still keeping the student body’s best interests first. Elections should not be a popularity contest—they should be taken seriously by students. This includes doing your own research and making educated choices.
No one can be a perfect leader, and if you expect that, you’ll always end up disappointed. It is important to keep an open mind for all candidates and what they could do for the student body.
Things can’t get accomplished as quickly or effectively if a governing body is more preoccupied with copious amounts of internal issues than they are with the people they aim to serve.
All hope is not lost and SGA is not a failing organization. Their new diversity and inclusion officer position shows promise for their future, starting an upcoming administration with a positive move. But, without more improvements to the way it will operate in the future, the organization’s prospects will continue to suffer.
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