Student Government Association Has A Resounding Voice at JSU by Deborah D. Grison
Jackson State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) functions as a tool to make sure students’ wants and needs are being heard. One of the main goals of the SGA is to instill appreciation, respect, and progress for the aims and objectives of our great institution. The Jackson State University Student Government Association contributes to the intellectual growth and welfare of each student attending Jackson State. By providing cultural, educational and entertaining activities, the SGA encourages a clear and continuous exchange of ideas between the student body, campus faculty, university administration and the surrounding community. During the fall semesters, the SGA provides a plethora of activities for all students, both young and old. During football season, the SGA provides transportation for students to all games both home and away. In the past, the SGA has provided credit management workshops for all students. Mississippi State Representative, Oliver Robinson, Jr., of Birmingham, Alabama facilitated the hour-long workshop. The focus of the workshop was to impress upon students the importance of maintaining good credit; how to stay out of debt and the importance of repaying student loans on time.
The Jacksonian / Collector’s Edition
To kick off the spring semester, the SGA is always in high gear. A lecture series entitled “Lead by Example” is held twice monthly. The aim of this lecture series is to feature affluent, visible, community oriented individuals who have and are continuing to make outstanding contributions within our communities. During Black History Month, the SGA sponsors several educational activities such as Think Fast Black History Trivia Game show and The Umdabu Dance Company from Birmingham, Alabama. In addition to these activities, the Office of Student Organizations, the Office of Community Affairs partnered with the Congressional Black Caucus to sponsor a half-day seminar called S.H.O.P (Student Homeowner ship Opportunity Prog ram). Through this program, graduating seniors are able to obtain information about the benefits of home ow n e r s h i p . The presenters stress the
importance of having and keeping good credit. Although the workshop is geared towards graduating seniors, community residents can attend as well. The Student Government Association plays an integral part in the Division of Student Life at Jackson State University. With campus-wide elections held every spring, the campus becomes more alive than ever. This is the time of the year when the entire student body democratically elects the individuals who will serve as the primary voice for the student population for the next academic year. Students submit their names and are nominated for candidacy and campaign throughout the entire university community. The elected officers take an oath and are bound to their duties throughout that academic year by maintaining a set grade point average, excellent academic credibility, good character and good moral and ethical standing within the university setting.
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