SGA looks to future

The semester is in full swing and Student Government Association President Michelle Tolbert has a few goals she wants to accomplish through the year.

She said a lot of students complained last year about not being involved with decisions made by the faculty and student counsel.

"This year I want to build relationships between the students and the senators," Tolbert said.

She plans to build these bonds by offering free access to the SGA office, so students can bring their complaints and compliments to the organization.

"I want to help students find the proper channels to getting problems solved," she said.

Another way Tolbert plans to increase student involvement is by helping the administration put together a university council comprised of a diverse representation of the student body.

Forums will also be set up, according to Tolbert, which will give students another chance to voice their opinions.

"In the past students have felt like nobody cares and nobody listens, and I want to change that," she said.

Despite those who thought otherwise, Tolbert said the administration has been listening to the students.

"Last year students complained all the e-mails sent to their MyLeo accounts clogged it up," she said. "Now the university has a Twitter page, which reduces the e-mails sent through MyLeo, so the administration is listening."

Vice President of Student Affairs Sharin Vora said she has almost the same goals as Tolbert. She said one thing different this year is international involvement.

"There are a lot more (international students) who want to get involved this year," she said.

Vice president of senate chair Farha Habeeb said her goal for the senate mirrors those of Tolbert and Vora. She said she wants the students to be able to interact with the administrators, such as Dean of Students Brian Nichols and Vice President Mary Hendrix, as well as have a strong relationship with the senate.

"If students are having problems they can just come to us, or Dean Nichols or Dr. Hendrix," she said. "If they are not having problems they could just come by and get to know them."

Another area of confusion Tolbert hopes to clear up is the potential for an athletic referendum similar to one proposed in Fall 2008, which failed to receive a enough votes to go into effect. Tolbert said when the last referendum was brought up it seemed like a lot of students thought it would only help athletes, which she said is not the case.

"I want to make sure the students know how the money will be allocated through the university if another referendum is proposed," she said.

Although educating students on how the referendum works is one of Tolbert's main goals, she said it doesn't compare to her primary goal during her term.

"We want our students to be involved," she said. "It is our university and we are the ones paying for it."