In this mini-series, The Rotunda will profile a few of SGA's key leaders for the 2017-18 school year.
With the start of the fall 2017 semester, the new senators of Longwood University’s Student Government Association (SGA) have started their terms. They were elected to their positions at the end of the spring semester last year.
Kevin Napier is a senior and the current President of the SGA. Of his three years with the organization, this is his first year as president. In his sophomore year, he was a senator, and the next year he was an executive senator.
“In the spring, we have our election period,” Napier said. “Usually it’s around March, and we have a Google Doc that’s sent out … students are able to fill out their interests in either running for Senate, Conduct Board or Honor Board.”
After this, the SGA held a series of elections for these candidates.
SGA members serve not only on the above and their class councils, but also as the representatives of student clubs and organizations. For example, criminal justice major, junior Cecil Hayes is the Black Student Association Representative and Senior Brenda Pereira represents the Hispanic-Latino Association. These SGA members are elected by the organizations that they are members of.
During the first meeting of the semester, SGA members “went over the different position descriptions,” Napier said. “We made nominations for Executive Senator, which will be voted on next week, and we also had different individuals show interest in whether they wanted to be vice treasurer this year.”
“It’s just logistical things, and getting ready for the year and the semester ahead,” said Napier.
However, there will soon be more serious measures being passed. Last year, the SGA formed the Dining Hall and Building Bridges committees and passed a motion to extend the Greenwood Library’s hours.
The SGA meets each week on Tuesdays at 3:45 in the Maugans Martinelli Boardroom. The Rotunda covers these meetings in the SGA briefs each week.
