Union’s Student Government Association wants students to show their Bulldog pride by participating in this year’s SGA elections.
Whether running for an SGA position or voting for one, this is your way to have a direct impact on what happens on this campus.
SGA elections are held every fall for both executive and class positions. Executive positions are reserved for sophomores and juniors.
Voting online began two years ago, and since then, SGA has seen a 44 percent increase in students participating in elections.
The SGA conducts the elections and works in conjunction with the SGA constitution, by-laws and standing rules, all of which can be found on Union’s website.
According to the website, SGA’s mission is to “seek to foster unity between the students and the school, to promote student concerns and to advance the general welfare of the school.”
Jason Castles, assistant dean of students and director of Student Leadership and Engagement, said students who are running for executive SGA positions must have some experience, whereas class offices may be sought by anyone in his specific class.
“Exec provides oversight of all the classes and SGA as a whole,” said Castles.
“They oversee the big picture, and class offices focus more on their class specifically and events they host.”
Jenaye White, junior public relations major, is running uncontested for SGA president.
“I have learned so much from watching and learning from past presidents like Kylie McDonald and our current president, Caleb Valentine, and I am excited to transition into this new position in January,” White said.
“I hope to continue the improvements that have taken place in Senate over the past few years, encourage more organizations and leaders to take part in improving campus life through Senate and strengthen SGA’s relationships with other organizations across campus through collaboration on events and activities.
“Lastly, I would like to create an environment in SGA where student leaders can learn from each other and use the talents and strengths God has given us to the best of our abilities,” White said.
This year, the only candidates running for office contested are Michael Adkisson, junior business management major, and Lacie Fink, sophomore accounting major, who are running for SGA vice president.
“I love SGA, and it is the only place on campus where every group can be equally represented and have a say, and I love that,” Adkisson said. “I feel that Union could be much more unified, and I think SGA is a good place to start.”
Union’s Broadcasting Society recorded student speeches, which can be viewed on monitors around campus or on Union’s portal at uu.edu/portal.
Castles also encourages all students to attend Student Senate meetings, which take place at 9:30 p.m. every other Wednesday in Harvey Hall.
The last Student Senate meeting of this year will be Nov. 13.
“For the most part, only student councils and senators [from each organization on campus] come to Senate, but it is open to the student body,” Castles said.
Online voting begins on the portal at 8:30 a.m. Nov. 14 and runs until Nov. 18.
WHO’S IN THE RUNNING
- For President: Jenaye White, junior public relations major
- For Vice-President: Michael Adkisson, junior business management major, running against Lacie Fink, sophomore accounting major
- For Secretary: Anna Goodman, junior public relations major
- For Treasurer: Mason English, junior cell and molecular biology major
- For Student Activities Council President: Celia Leatherwood, junior special education major
