Looking Towards The Future The SGA of 2021
Do you have a burning passion for democracy? Do you wish to be a prominent figure in the BSU community? Then check out the Student Government Association, or SGA for short! One of the most prominent organizations on campus, SGA has been around for a long time. During that time, it has accomplished many things for the Bears community in their capacity as student liaisons.
For returning students, you may remember the Pass/No Pass policy that was put in place due to the hardships of COVID-19 and the difficulties many students faced with their online classes. Without an organization like SGA, it is possible that the student body would not have been given that opportunity.
According to Mariah Porter, (she/her) SGA’s Senate Chair, the organization has given her connections and friends that will last a lifetime.
“My absolute favorite part of SGA is the community that I have been able to build by being a member and skills I have been able to gain since joining my freshman year,” said Porter. “SGA has given me people that will be at my wedding, connections that will help me in my future career, and skills that last a lifetime. I will forever be grateful to SGA.”
Courtesy of Porter, I was also let in on the organization’s plans to be able to function normally in the face of COVID-19. With safety as their first priority, SGA is doing a great job of helping students feel comfortable in these uncomfortable times.
“We plan to operate with caution in mind,” said Porter. “Obviously masks are required at the meetings. We have extra microphones so it’ll be easier for everyone to hear through the masks. If necessary, we are also fully prepared to move our meetings to Zoom.”
And remember that wonderful democracy I mentioned earlier? The voting has closed for the Fall 2021 elections, so the results of your votes will soon be public knowledge! Due to the nature of the positions, these elections are incredibly important. While most organizations place a large amount of significance on their Executive Board members, Porter informed me of the influence that the Senate has on student affairs.
“I think I have the coolest position as Senate Chair,” said Porter. “I mean, who wouldn’t want to use a gavel? In reality though, Senators have the most power in SGA. The Executive board is important and absolutely vital, but the Senators are the ones who are able to vote and enact change.”
And while the positions in the Senate have just been filled, SGA encourages students to still come to meetings, even if they do not hold a position within the organization! Tyler Czyras, (he/him) SGA’s President, believes in SGA’s mission to make sure that all students have a voice, and that they use that voice any way that they can.
“I think Student Government is extremely important to the student body, because we strive to make every student aware that the single most powerful thing on this campus is the student voice,” said Czyras.
And, even if you do not hold a position and don’t wish to be a member, your voice still matters to SGA! Any problems or opinions you wish to voice are welcome at meetings, and are taken into consideration.
So get those vocal cords ready, and head on over to BSU’s Student Government Association to become an advocate for your fellow Bears!
