SGA: The Inner Workings of Student Government

This story will discuss the UNA SGA, its purposes and functions, and events it will be hosting this year.

SGA: The Inner Workings of Student Government
By Luke Smith
453 Words

When one thinks of a university's Student Government Association, that person likely envisions little more than something akin to simple student politics: In reality, it is far more than this. The SGA of UNA is not simply a politically-based group of students; it is an organization of dedicated people with various interests who are committed to serving, improving, and making UNA into the finest academic institution it can be.
In the words of SGA President Cory Hamilton, the responsibilities of SGA are "to uphold the bylaws and constitution as well as keep the students' interests first in all decisions." SGA Executive Officers are required to have 10 office hours a week, but by the time meetings and outside activities are added, it's very easy to spend 20 hours a week working with SGA, Hamilton said.
SGA includes two separate but equal branches, UPC (University Program Council) and Senate. UPC is the programming branch of SGA, and Senate is the legislative branch. A judicial branch of SGA also exists, which is currently being looked at for restructuring.
Freshman Forum is the freshman branch of SGA. Hamilton called it "the voice of the freshman class," and added that "it also gives freshmen a chance to work with both UPC and Senate to decide which branch they would like to move into after Freshman Forum is over or if they even want to continue in SGA."
According to Hamilton, freshmen are attracted to Freshman Forum "because they want to meet others and get involved on campus. It is a chance for freshmen to get involved on campus. They must attend a weekly meeting on Wednesdays at 4:30. There is also some community service and other events outside of the weekly meeting. Every year about 80 students apply for Freshman Forum; however, there are only 30 seats."
In order to hold an SGA position, a student must be at least a sophomore. For the position of SGA Treasurer, students must have completed Accounting 291 and 292 to be eligible to run.
Hamilton said, "SGA is one of the most important organizations on campus. They provide students with representation, services, advocacy, and protect and defend the rights and responsibilities of university students."
SGA's top seven goals this year are to get a marquee, establish an SGA endowed scholarship, a transportation fund for UNA police, extended library hours, computer labs and library login, additional Mane Card machines, and a movie rental Kiosk.
SGA hosts several events every year. This year, it is hosting a gubernatorial forum on Monday, October 11 for Senate, which will feature appearances by Robert Bentley and Ron Sparks on UNA's campus. UPC is currently working with Homecoming, which is always a large event at UNA.

Luke Smith is a student at UNA majoring in English.