Jake McGaha – Guest Writer
Dear Editor-in-Chief Blase Gapinski
On behalf of the Student Government Association for Ferris State University, I would like to thank you for your invitation to share our side of the article from Oct. 22nd. The article in question, published two weeks ago, has engaged and sparked dialogue across campus, which is what SGA encourages and supports. Open, respectful dialogue is the most impactful way to turn criticism into forward progress.
How the Article Landed:
The article clearly stated real issues that need to be addressed; however, some of the criticisms seemed to lack context in the greater story and seemed unfair. SGA is an organization that represents the student base and is not a “closed club” or “out of touch.” Last semester alone, we:
Funded over six large-scale campus-wide events.
Organized and hosted The Big Event, which mobilized 300+ volunteers for community service to serve around 100 houses.
Created an initiative called Ferris Dine Together, where students across all of campus, regardless of whether they had a meal plan or not (SGA paid for meal swipes), could connect and socialize to combat loneliness and isolation; 150+ students attended in total.
These events and initiatives were implemented with input from the student base, with student surveys, open forums, and requests from RSOs. It was never a top-down decision.
Addressing Student Points from the Article:
“I didn’t even know we had an SGA.” This is a fair statement and one we wish to address immediately. President McGaha has taken the issue as a key priority; he and his cabinet wish to address. We are looking into the options for reaching out and communicating with the student base at large with digital media. The hope is that every student on campus should know what SGA is, where they can find and contact us, and provide much-needed resources to the student base that SGA can help share. We already have Ferris Feedback, which is hung up in most of the resident halls as well, to encourage students who are not in the organization to give feedback.
“Meetings are invitation only.” This is just false. Every General Assembly Meeting is hosted in the Founder’s Room at 6 p.m. and is public. We hope and encourage all students to join.
“No one knows what SGA does.” This is also a valid point and one we would like to address. SGA is planning on adding new public interactive events with the cabinet, including an opening semester banquet open to all students. We love a good conversation!
Our Commitment Moving Forward:
Revamping our digital/social media footprint, providing old and new resources to the student body.
Collaborate with other RSOs to foster unity within the University.
Engage with the greater Mecosta County Community and other organizations outside of campus to further come to an understanding and unity in these trying times.
The Student Government Association believes that the Torch is vital in holding us accountable. We do not want a weekly column that affects the independence of the Torch; we do believe in a partnership where the student body understands both sides.
I, President Jake McGaha, and the rest of the Board of Directors would like to have a follow-up meeting with you and your team to come up with ways we can create appropriate formats for our hopefully continued relationship.