Giuliana Islas, Arlene Silva, Student Xavierite
Saint Xavier University’s Student Government Association’s (SGA) role is to be the voice of the student body. That being said, there are various ways SGA works to improve the SXU experience for students year-round.
There are currently 5 members of SGA; Giuliana Islas (President), Arlene Silva (Vice President), Keith O’Neill (RSO Advisor), Kennedy Adams (RSO Advisor), and Cassidy Dawson (SGA Treasurer).
“For me personally, the most important thing is making myself available to students so that they feel like I am someone they can speak with comfortably,” states Giuliana Islas, SGA President.
Due to Islas being a senior, the decision for a new President is currently being discussed.
SGA normally plans events that are meant to engage students. Some events include: open forums, Pizza with the President, and Donuts with the Deans. SGA also collaborates with the Student Activities Board (SAB) to host bigger events such as Homecoming/Spirit Week and the Spring Formal.
“School spirit is about unity. I think creating inclusive programming that students can enjoy is the way to go. Our Barbie themed spirit week events were successful because it was something which unified our student body, we need to aim to create more events like that,” explains Islas.
Open forums are hosted to hear what students have to say and listen to them. “Last school year, many students voiced their concerns about safety on campus,” says Islas.
Last year, SGA attempted to bring back swipe access entry for campus buildings, but administration denied the motion. SGA fought for it again this year, eventually succeeding in bringing back swipe access for entry.
SGA meets every Friday at noon and runs their meetings based on an agenda their Secretary sends out every Wed. From there, SGA does officer reports where they update each other on their projects.
Projects revolve around events planned by SGA. For example, Pizza with the President was planned as an event to help SGA “with the project of creating strong relationships between administration and students,” states Islas.
SGA usually works with the President and the Provost, separately. SGA does this by scheduling meetings with them, or inviting them to their weekly meetings. This allows the President and Provost to hear students’ concerns and ideas.
Additionally, SGA’s treasurer leads them in going over any Resident Student Organization (RSO) funding requests. There is also an open forum section during the meeting allowing students to voice their concerns and opinions. Meetings typically last about an hour.
SGA encourages all students to attend and stop by meetings to see their voices to be heard.
All of SGA’s meeting notes are available on the SXU Den, so students may see what was discussed. They are currently working on revising their constitution so that it is on the Den as well.
SGA relies heavily on their instagram page (@sxu_sga) to share information regarding any upcoming events they have planned.
Currently, SGA is discussing ways to communicate more successfully with RSOs so they are more aware of how to operate effectively. Additionally, they are discussing the opportunity there is to create more student spaces across campus.
If students are looking to be a part of SGA, “they should keep an eye out for the X- factor application,” says Islas. The X-Factor application opens at the start of the Spring semester.
To leave an anonymous suggestion for SGA, fill out the anonymous suggestion box on the SXU Den.
For more information or questions regarding SGA, contact Giuliana Islas at islas.g01@mymail.sxu.edu.
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