With the spring semester amid the global pandemic in full swing, Alabama State University’s Student Government Association President Gem Richardson looks forward to accomplishing her goals and objectives for the university and its student body. 

Since the fall semester, Richardson and her executive board members have created the SGA webpage. They are actively working with the Office of Technology Services to improve the page daily to create a more interactive online environment. 

As far as her objective to have office hot spots, they were halted due to COVID-19.

“The SGA Office hot spots were limited due to COVID-19. However, I, as well as my other e-board members, have an open-door, open-phone, and open-text policy.”

If students want to reach Richardson or any other executive board member in the SGA, students may find their numbers on their email signatures and office tags. 

The Hampton, Georgia, native will also be re-implementing the Hornet Express, a shuttle, free of charge to students who need to go to Walmart, Eastchase and Eastdale. According to Richardson, the new schedule for the Hornet Express should be released relatively soon and was not immediately back in session at the beginning of the semester to limit the transmission rates of COVID-19. 

As Richardson has served as president for nine months now, she believes that the lack of events/social gatherings is the biggest issue facing the student body this semester.

“All the plans that we had for students for the beginning of the spring semester were halted,” she said. “We hope that in the coming months, we are able to provide students with the ultimate undergraduate experience.”

While some things are limited to lower the spread of infection, Richardson does look forward to having some events before her tenure ends. 

“Our special plans include a Farewell Week, which will encompass our transfer of power to the next SGA administration,” Richardson said. “We’re also thinking about throwing some events for students. We know that the pandemic can be stressful, so we want to lighten that load by giving them experiences that involve mental health, physical health, academic life, and success after college.”

The lack of student leaders hugely concerns Richardson as she believes that to be the biggest problem the SGA is facing.

“There are not many students who are interested in leading,” she said. “We are lucky to have the interest of students that are in SGA currently, but there’s always room for more. The more students involved, the more change that the SGA is able to make.”

Once Election Day comes around, Richardson looks to have the SGA Constitution revisions done for the 2022-2023 SGA. 

Analyzing her overall performance this academic school year, she believes that her and her administration are doing exceptionally well disseminating information quickly and efficiently.

“I believe my administration has the ability to get news and information out quickly to students,” she said. “Our ability to quickly reach administration and advocate for students allows us to have a seat at the table.”

For things that her and her administration could work on, Richardson said balancing the student leadership and academics has caused a strain.

“There are times where we put a lot on our plate in regard to position as well as academically, and balancing that can cause us to sacrifice in other areas.,” she said. “However, we have already begun to stabilize and address those issues by prioritizing, delegating and using our resources.”

At the beginning of March, students can look forward to Richardson’s first State of the Association. 

“The date is not set in stone, but the event will be in person.”