The Student Government Association held its weekly meeting on Sept. 2 to discuss new changes within the organization.
Among the decisions made during the meeting was the implementation of a Ferris feedback survey to be made available to the entire campus, allowing students to voice their opinions and concerns about college life.
The Student Government Association is a campus organization that hosts events for students and represents the general student body.
Student government engages in student representation through raising awareness of social issues, bringing attention to improving issues around campus and making the space safer and more inclusive for students.
SGA meets every Tuesday at 6:30 p.m. in the Founders’ Room, located in the UC. A meeting typically involves voting on matters that directly affect the student body.
The process typically begins with the president announcing a proposal, followed by board members seconding the motion.
The student government currently has plans to market the Ferris survey on their social media platforms and around campus.
The survey will provide students the opportunity to share what they believe currently works at Ferris, what they would like to have improved at the university and what they would like to have SGA do regarding the issue.
President Jake McGaha expressed that the survey will be a great way to get student ideas to SGA, given that the organization is dedicated to catering to the needs of students.
The student government has additionally teamed up with the Birkham Health Center to host a mental health scavenger hunt. The Physical Health Committee has developed events such as a strength competition, a fitness challenge and a donation of $1,000 to the occasion.
The organization has also planned to update its website in addition to revamping its social media platforms.
During the meeting, student members voted on a new SGA banner to be placed in the UC. All members voted yes.
Student members also voted on the committee chairs receiving a $1,000 scholarship. All members voted yes.
The final item that members voted on was setting a new meeting time, effectively setting meetings to begin at 6:00 p.m. All members voted yes.
Many students and board members expressed satisfaction at the conclusion of the meeting and appeared excited for the future of SGA.
Director of SGA Student Operations Barbara Melvin expressed appreciation regarding hard work coming to fruition.
“I really like the plans discussed in the meeting and I have worked a lot over the summer alongside my colleagues in regard to the meeting,” Melvin said. “I am really excited for this year.”
The Student Government Association has seen several rounds of promotion over the last year, with McGaha advancing from Director of Operations to Vice President to President in just two semesters.
Barbara Melvin expressed hopes to be more involved in the organization this year and continue representing students at Ferris.
“I worry that I am not as involved as I should be, but then I am aware that I am involved,” Melvin said. “I’m really trying this year to especially make sure I get to all of these meetings and divisions and making sure that everyone is on the same page within our committees, our general assembly and our cabinet “.
Melvin also expressed the desire to further her public speaking leadership skills through her position with SGA.
Despite the extensive planning that took place over the summer, not everything for SGA has been finalized for the year.
Director of Philanthropy Ellie Holka stated that there is still a way to go before the organization has finalized details to put in place.
“We still have to get some things out there, get more marketing and things like that,” Holka said. “I want to put on more events. We only did three last year, but I feel like they were very impactful.”
Holka added that the position of SGA allows students to build connections and put themselves out there, furthering their professional endeavors.
Going forward, SGA will meet in the Founders’ Room at 6 p.m. on Tuesdays. All students are welcome to attend the meetings.