The Student Government Association is getting ready to wrap up its election for the 2026-27 academic year and is seeking a new president to fill the role.
SGA at Ferris State represents the student body by advocating for their interests and acting as a liaison between students and university administrators. Through its initiatives and policies, SGA works to enhance campus life and ensure that student voices are heard in institutional decision-making.
The spring semester is when SGA plans and coordinates its final events of the year and searches for a new student to serve as the group’s president. With their annual community service day, ‘The Big Event,’ fast approaching, the association has been making final decisions to ensure the event is successful.
Former Vice President and current acting President Molina Dewald has discussed her plans for the final stretch of the academic year and what SGA has to offer for students and the broader community.
“We are here for the students,” Dewald said. “We are here to better them, to better their opportunities and to better the campus environment and our community as well.”
Dewald stepped up to the plate as SGA’s President after President Jake McGaha recently stepped down from the role.
McGaha was unavailable for comment as to why he stepped down from the position.
One of the many ways SGA gets involved with the community is with ‘The Big Event,’ where students help locals with tasks, like yard work or other chores that may be strenuous on their own. Another event the SGA hosts to get students involved with campus administrators is ‘Pancakes with the President,’ where students can enjoy a meal served by the President of Ferris, Bill Pink.
SGA has also been hosting coffee with the cabinet on the first Monday of every month, where students can meet with the cabinet members who represent them through the student government and share their perspective. This allows SGA to actively engage with students and talk with them about their plans for future events.
“It’s hard because a lot of students don’t really know what we’re doing, and we’ve been working very hard at getting our name out there more,” Dewald said. “We are happy to have anybody who’s concerned about what we’re doing sit in on our meetings on Tuesday at 6 p.m. We’re always very welcoming and inviting.”
Dewald mentioned that students interested in SGA can refer to Ferris 360, as all of their events have been posted on there.
Director of Internal Assessment Maddy Nunn talked about what the end of the semester looks like for the SGA body.
“A lot of people are graduating this semester, so we’re looking at losing about half of the members that we have right now, so that’s like a really significant drop,” Nunn said. “We’ve really been trying to recruit. I know either way the election goes, both [presidential] candidates are really looking to do that rebuilding and recruiting.”
Nunn highlighted how the recent stepping down of McGaha as the president has affected the organization. One of the things she highlighted was how well core members like Dewald have been handling the recent transition.
“It was really hard at first, just because, you know, it’s not like we had much of a warning. You know, it kind of just came out of nowhere,” Nunn said. “We didn’t know what happened or why it was happening. I know it’s really hard for Molina [Dewald], as she’s president now and she has twice as many responsibilities as she did before.”
Dean of Student Life Lina Blair serves as a co-advisor for the SGA. Blair emphasized that transitions like these are a natural part of student leadership, noting that continuity often depends on students who are willing to step up and take initiative, also adding that having experienced members like Dewald helps create stability during periods of change.
“Every year is a rebuilding year, and so I think what feels really situational or like a one-time thing for the new crew coming in is pretty standard in terms of how student organizations go, because people graduate or find other things to get involved with,” Blair said. “Molina [Dewald] has been a consistent force. She was the vice president and has really done a nice job picking the ball up and keeping things moving forward.”
As the academic year comes to a close, SGA is turning its focus to signature events like ‘The Big Event,’ bringing students together to give back to the community on Saturday, April 18. The semester will wrap up on a lighter note with ‘Pancakes with the President,’ offering students a chance to connect, unwind and enjoy a meal before heading into finals.
Details for each of these events are listed on Ferris 36o, and the registration deadline for ‘The Big Event’ is Friday, April 17.