Marywood University’s Student Government Association (SGA) aims to support the student body, host interactive and informational events and advocate for aesthetic and academic improvements. Representatives are elected to bridge the communication gap between students and administration and to enhance the overall experience at Marywood.
Current President Scott Gartley began his tenure in SGA his freshman year. As he watched first-hand the impact the organization had on the campus community, he knew it was something he wanted to grow with.
“I really wanted to do more for the student body, advocate for the student body and just make SGA this inclusive thirst for good on campus,” said Gartley. “It’s been a challenge to remind people that not everything is going to get done in a day, but it’s putting in the effort to make an impact and better the lives of fellow students, it’s worth the challenge, it’s worth that uphill battle.”
In addition to the five-person executive board, there are 24 elected representatives responsible for specific committees, ranging from athletics and recreation to resident life to equity and inclusion.
“These people in SGA aren’t just a part of SGA, they are all part of different clubs and that kinda gives other clubs the foot in the door [and] a way to understand SGA better,” said Vice President Rosalyn Page.
Being that students from a variety of clubs and organizations get involved in SGA, Page acknowledges how important involvement is throughout one’s college career.
“I think it is so important that we are both people that are connected in a lot of ways on campus, whether that’s in the sports teams or other clubs,” explained Page. “Or we will actually connect with a lot of people on campus who knew us anyway.”
SGA has consistently been challenged in communicating to the student body what exactly it does and who it serves. With larger, long-term goals in mind, it’s vital to celebrate the little wins of the representatives so the campus community knows who’s responsible.
“I just wanted to take that step to not only represent the students but then to represent the representatives within SGA and just be able to help them achieve all the goals that they have as a student organization,” said Page.
SGA has witnessed a major increase in student participation, more specifically, from last year’s presidential election. According to Garley, there was a record-high of 311 votes, with similar numbers carrying into the spring, fall and winter elections.
Page positively attests increased student involvement to the COVID-19 shutdown and how it affected students’ experience in school at the time.
“[For a lot of students here], it didn’t impact their college experiences, it impacted earlier in their high school career,” said Page. “Now, they’re coming into college ready to be connected [and] ready to take that next step.”
“I think it’s part of that motivation to be like, ‘all right, this is my opportunity. I’m not going to pass it up again,’” added Gartley.
All undergraduate students are invited to attend SGA meetings and speak during the open-floor period. Un-elected delegates may contribute to committees intended to improve the student experience.
“[Some students] just don’t know how to use their voice and we’re just reminding them, [by] being their friend first, we’re championing the idea that SGA is for everybody,” said Gartley.
Visit the SGA website and follow on Instagram for more information.
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