Elon University SGA Unveils Exciting Priorities for the New Semester in Kickoff Meeting

The Student Government Association (SGA) kicked off the semester with its first meeting on September 4. The executive council, led by Executive President Anya Bratić, gathered to share their top five priorities for the year. The council includes Vice Presidents Sammy Azua and Kennedy Steiner, Vice President of Finance Ian Brecker, and Speaker of the Senate Selma Maric.

Bratić explained to Elon News Network that they reflected on the past to create meaningful goals. “In previous years, we had great priorities, but they weren’t always cohesive,” she said. This time, the council aims to work together toward common objectives.

The five priorities outline how the council plans to connect with the student body. Each council member will lead a specific area while collaborating with others. For instance, Brecker will focus on creating a sense of belonging through student organizations. He plans to partner with faculty to encourage student participation.

Maric aims to foster strong leadership among senators. She will invite campus resources, like the Center for Design Thinking, to help build senators’ skills. Meanwhile, Azua will work to strengthen community ties, and Steiner will focus on making SGA more visible at campus events.

Bratić is passionate about raising awareness of campus resources. She’s launching “Anya’s Top 5,” a biweekly Instagram series highlighting various resources that might be overlooked. Inspired by Vice President of Student Life Jon Dooley’s Phoenix Five, she wants to shine a light on what’s available for students.

The meeting also included the appointment of four new senators to broaden representation. Julie Snow will represent the class of 2026, Dia Haspel will serve as the School of Education senator, Jocelyn Gomez steps in as class of 2027 treasurer, and Christopher Dullanty will join the finance board.

The council emphasized the importance of engaging freshmen in upcoming elections. They announced an application process for students interested in running for class senator. Interested students should apply through PhoenixConnect by September 9 and attend a mandatory candidates meeting to learn about the election process.

In her closing remarks, Bratić encouraged students to consider joining SGA. “I hope people will step up and run,” she said. “It can be intimidating, but it’s a rewarding experience.”

This focus on student engagement reflects a broader trend in universities where student government plays a crucial role in shaping campus life. In fact, a recent survey showed that 68% of students polled believe active participation in student government enhances their college experience.

As universities strive to create inclusive environments, the steps taken by SGA this semester could be a model for other campuses. With the drive to involve more students and elevate their voices, the stage is set for a vibrant and impactful year ahead.



Source link