It is a new semester at Alabama State University, and the Student Government Association (SGA) is already planning different initiatives to help make campus life better for students.
SGA President Landon Hale and his executive team are looking forward to implementing pivotal changes that will positively impact the campus.
Last semester, the SGA did a number of things that Hale is proud of such as developing a strategic plan for the spring.
“That was one of the biggest initiatives that I had coming in, considering the fact that we’ve never really had a plan, in recent years, of what the administration’s goals and accomplishments would be.”
He continued.
“We did different drives for residential halls, donated over 1,000 blankets to the Montgomery region, created a “Hornet Buzzline” for students to be able to go in and actually voice their concerns with the student body, raised $40,000 for scholarship needs and that’s just a few things …”
One of the changes the SGA is trying to implement is a relationship with local vendors that will allow students to receive discounts should they choose to patronize their businesses.
“There are a lot of things we are looking forward to, such as student discounts and having the community involved in some of our efforts here on campus,” Hale said.
Freshman and business marketing major Ashton Fluellyn was pleased by the idea of student discounts since it will help students financially.
“I think that’s very good because a lot of us can’t make money because we’re too busy to have jobs,” Fluellyn said.
Freshman and computer science major Amiracle Green agrees with Fluellyn.
“I think that’s really helpful,” Green said. “I think that’s a good thing, and it will bring more business from the students to the community.”
Hale is aware of the problems on campus, such as many students being dissatisfied with the food in the cafeteria. He said the SGA is developing a “SGA Day” in the cafeteria on a week-to-week basis where students can feel represented. The students will also be able to put forward suggestions of things they would like to eat.
Senior and psychology major Ebere Oha feels that since her freshman year, student engagement with the SGA has steadily declined.
“There hasn’t been a lot of helping with the students,” Oha said.
Oha noted that the cafeteria is a major aspect of campus that needs more attention and is optimistic regarding the idea of an “SGA Day.”
“I feel like that’s good,” Oha said. “I feel like it’s one thing to tell someone you’re going to do something, but doing it is different. That’s a start.”
Oha will graduate in December and is pleased that the students coming in after her will probably have a better experience in the cafeteria than her. According to Oha, it is never too late to make improvements.
Freshman and graphic design major Jordan Myers’ main concern is that he is new on campus but has yet to interact with the executive members of the SGA.
“I really haven’t had a run in with them,” Myers said. “But I’ve heard really good things about them so far. I feel like they should be more out there and more engaged since I’m new and I haven’t really heard anything.”
Despite the reservations from some students and the optimism from others, Hale believes that the SGA is in a good groove.
“We did accomplish a lot in the previous semester,” Hale said. “I’m just excited to keep the energy moving forward into the spring.”