In an effort to bring the Texas A&M University-Commerce community together, the Student Government Association has planned several events for students to enjoy this semester.
“Some things that Student Government will be working on this semester will rely on the opinions of the student body greatly,” Byron Johnson, SGA student body president, said. “We recently had our first meeting, so we are really just getting everything together now.”
This semester, SGA will be working on a referendum (a vote in which a proposal is either accepted or rejected) for the increase in student service fees, as well as a discussion on the four-day academic week.
SGA will also be sponsoring a Vote Night Watch on November 4, where students and those interested in the presidential election will have a chance to come out, discuss and watch the 2008 election results. More details will be given out as the date approaches, Johnson said.
Other events on the agenda for SGA include an Open Forum with A&M-Commerce President Dr. Dan Jones.
“The Open Forum will give students a chance to meet, not only Dr. Jones, but SGA members and University faculty and staff to address issues that they may have on campus,” Johnson said.
SGA also plans to sponsor a student-only bus to the Cotton Bowl in October.
“I am extremely excited about the ride to the Cotton Bowl,” Johnson said. “I think it will be a great experience to give back to the students. Providing rides is an awesome way to show school spirit.”
Johnson said that SGA would also be participating in all A&M-Commerce homecoming events with a float for the parade, and will participate in the crowning of Homecoming King and Queen at the football game.
Johnson also said, “All students who feel that they have the ability to serve as the voice of the student body are more than welcome to join SGA.”
Minimum requirements for being a member of SGA are a 2.0 GPA, be in good standing with the University, and be able to attend weekly meetings and devote two hours a week to the SGA office, according to the organization Web site.
“The purpose of the Student Government Association is to be the governing institution for the student body here at A&M-Commerce,” Johnson said. “Through our continuous interaction with faculty, staff and administration, we ensure that the student issues are heard and that the needs of the institution are met in a positive manner.”
Meetings are held on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in the second floor of the Memorial Student Center.