Remember hearing about the Student Government Association (SGA) during those intercom announcements back in high school, or maybe seeing posters in the hallways for SGA elections? There are no intercom announcements at Upstate (probably all for the best to prevent bad flashbacks), but there is a Student Government Association. According to the SGA’s webpage, its mission is to “advocate for the educational needs, well-being, and rights of the student body” and “to provide a platform for student expression, formulate inclusive policies, and represent student interests.” I reached out to Emma Hudson, exercise science major and a leader in the SGA, to find out how the organization is working toward that mission.
First, can you describe what your role is in SGA?
Sure thing. I serve as the Student Body Vice President.
How long have you been doing that?
This is my second year in SGA, first as VP. Last year, I was the executive treasurer and Senator of Athletics.
Looking at the mission and purpose of the organization, I see it’s to “Represent and promote the educational needs, general well-being, and rights of the student body.” It’s also a “forum for students” to express ideas and collaborate with other students and faculty. How does SGA go about getting input from and interaction with students? How do you give students a voice and facilitate their participation in governance?
We host a general body meeting every other Monday for students to attend and have a voice in their concerns. We also have a student senator representing each area of campus that serves as a liaison between the student voice to the faculty/deans.
On average, roughly how many students not part of SGA attend those general body meetings?
It just depends. Sometimes 15-20, sometimes they email. It really is all over the place.
Recently, in one of my classes that’s made up of about 15 juniors and seniors, the topic of SGA came up, and the professor asked how many students knew about the organization. Only one student did. What are your thoughts about that? Does it concern you at all?
It’s something we are working to improve on. We are very prominent on social media and work with many different on-campus organizations. Upstate is a larger campus, but we try to impact as much of it as possible.
What are some specific things the SGA is doing currently to address specific concerns/ideas you’ve heard from students?
We host a lot of educational events for students on campus. We have town halls quarterly, workshops, panels, and discussions on various topics that are asked.
Can you name some of the topics of those educational events and panels—maybe ones that are upcoming?
We’ve done general campus information, mental health awareness, financial success, and professional development workshops.
And then my last question. What should students know to get in touch with SGA? How do they find out about meetings and who their senator is? Are there elections students should know about?
They can email me at hudsonen@email.uscupstate.edu or visit our website. Elections for next year’s board are held towards the end of the spring semester.
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