The Student Government Association heard students’ concerns about parking, resident participation and student involvement at its first State of the Student Body Address Feb. 18 in Room 402.1 of the Central Academic Building.
Over 20 students, faculty and staff attended the event, which introduced SGA officers to those they represent. Students also learned information about how student government operates, its organizational structure and how to be involved.
Attendees asked elected SGA officials about hot-button issues on campus. Serving as panelists were La-Tieka Sims, president of SGA, Armando Alanis, treasurer and Catherine Millard, junior senator.
Kinesiology sophomore Xavier Watson asked the panel about their thoughts on campus residents who are often left out of student activities and are sometimes left behind on weekends and breaks due to lack of transportation.
Sims replied with the initiatives that SGA has taken to account for Esperanza Hall residents and assured him that they are taken into consideration when planning on-campus programming.
“It was really cool hearing the perspective of people who actually make changes on campus,” Watson said after the event. “It shows that there’s more effort going into the events that most students don’t really know about.”
Other questions referred to issues such as temporary parking for visitors, the possibility of an on-campus health clinic and how students can create change on their own.
“I’m expecting to be asked to give honest opinions and thoughts on stuff SGA has done,” Millard said in an interview before the event. “I’m not too sure what people are going to ask but I’m trying to be prepared on what we can do.”
Moderator Iris Castillo, Speaker of the Senate, asked panelists a list of questions about the purposes and goals of SGA and what it’s like to be an officer. Panelists shared experiences in the organization and encouraged attendees to join.
“Be a part of the change you want to see,” Sims said. “Be a part of the voice of the kind of programming you want to see on campus.”
SGA is split into three branches: the executive board, legislature and judicial. Each branch is similar to its corresponding purpose in the federal government.
- The legislative branch is composed of senators representing student groups including Esperanza Hall residents and student classes.
- The judiciary branch examines the SGA constitution and facilitates elections.
- The executive board has veto power and the use of executive orders.
With elections in March, SGA officers also encouraged students to join the organization and run for office. Applications are open until 11:45 p.m. Feb. 28. Campaigning is March 16-17. General elections are March 30 – April 2.
“We are having open elections and we have applications for all executive positions,” Millard said. “But also we are recruiting new members all the time, so if you feel like this is something you’re interested in, please come to one of our meetings.”
Panelists presented the audience with accomplishments and initiatives during their terms. For example, the SGA had the highest officer membership in its history, extended Jaguar Java hours to cater to students taking evening classes and expanded parking accommodations for students.
“We’ve been working as hard as possible for you guys,” Sims said.
Students, faculty and staff participated by asking questions and proposing ideas.
Closing remarks were given by Mari Fuentes-Martin, vice president of Student Success and Engagement, who was announced for the position in early January.
“I’m really proud of what I heard up here from all of your leadership,” Fuentes-Martin said. “What I heard students say is that they have been transformed as leaders through the A&M-San Antonio experience and I truly believe that A&M-San Antonio has been transformed by your leadership.”
