The first Student Government Association fall address was held Aug. 21 in the Student Union Theatre. The address aimed to increase transparency and to announce changes relevant to the student body. SGA President Seth Leto, Vice President Richard Davis Jr. and Chief Justice Ali LeBlanc spoke about the three branches of SGA. Zachary Araki/The Lion's Roar
The Student Government Association held its first fall address to promote transparency with the student body.
The 2017 Fall Semester Address started on Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. in the Student Union Theatre. The address included remarks from President Dr. John L. Crain, Vice President of the Division for Student Affairs Dr. Eric Summers, SGA President Seth Leto, SGA Vice President Richard Davis Jr. and SGA Chief Justice Ali LeBlanc. After the address, attendees mingled over food and drink.
“We wanted to be more transparent with the student body,” said Leto. “We wanted to provide a platform for myself, Richard and Ali to discuss our branches and about the changes that are occurring and really inform the student body of what SGA is besides scantrons and coffee.”
The address shared changes in each branch of SGA. The parking appeals system has been modified since last year.
“You now have 10 calendar days instead of seven to submit an appeal,” said LeBlanc. “The system is now set up to where we can track where most students are receiving tickets, and students now receive an email when a decision has been made on their appeal. As chief justice, I serve on the traffic and appeals committee, chairperson of the student conduct hearing board and election committee chairperson. My team and I are in the process of coordinating Free Speech Alley where we would like you, the students, to help pick the topics that are discussed.”
To promote transparency, SGA will post agendas and minutes of meetings on their website and
live stream meetings on Facebook. Student outreach and connections with local businesses are also on the agenda.
“We’re looking forward to an amazing fairy tale homecoming this year with our theme “Once Upon a Homecoming,” and we are all excited about the new changes that are occurring,” said Leto. “In addition to the many new activities that took place last year, students can also expect more change such as a kickball tournament to be held Sunday night, which is taking the place of the 5K run. Students can also look forward to more activities at the kick-off on Monday.”
Davis announced changes within the legislative branch such as organization visits.
“Senators will be tasked with reaching organizations in order to inform them of changes in everything that SGA has to offer,” said Davis. “Also, student outreach points. Senators will also be completing office hours within the Student Engagement office and attending events such as this to network with their constituents in order to build a healthy relationship amongst the student body.”
In his remarks, Crain encouraged student involvement on campus.
“We will be engaged in a new planning process for a new strategic plan going out a few years, and students will be involved in that planning process including some of our student government leadership,” said Crain. “Everything that we do at the university one way or another is very much focused on our students. There is a planning process around that, and that planning process includes students. We’re very much interested in your input, and SGA leadership is very much a part of that.”
Davis shared his goals for the fall semester.
“Just be more transparent,” said Davis. “Get students who are involved with SGA more involved and have them representing their constituents and just making those connections.”
Students interested in becoming involved with SGA can fill out an interest form on the SGA website. Freshman senator elections will be held Sept. 11-13.
“We have a seat at the table when it comes to big decisions the university has,” said Leto. “I feel like students don’t understand that, and if they did, I think they would get more involved because they would realize that they have more of a say, their opinion really does matter. The university is here to serve them. I think they can understand that a little more and have their voice be heard more through the Student Government Association, and it’s just fun. It’s a great learning opportunity. There’s a lot to do. I feel more prepared for my career after college because of this position I hold, because of student government, and because I’ve been able to work with administrators, faculty and staff on such a level.”
