SGA reflects on achievements and encourages students to participate in elections

The Student Government Association (SGA) elections are coming up this April, where students have the opportunity to choose who will represent them in the 2024-2025 academic year.

The main mission of the SGA is to enhance the student’s experience, according to Cindy Duong, senior international affairs major from Fort Myers, FL, who is also one of the executive officers.

“A lot of people think that it’s just planning events, and that’s actually the Student Activities Board,” said Duong. She says that the association is like a bridge that connects the administration and faculty with the students.

Duong explains that Lipscomb gives the SGA a budget and they decide how to allocate that money among clubs or organizations, depending on its needs.

Looking back, Duong considered that the SGA formal was the biggest accomplishment of the current officials. She thinks that there was a need for an activity that involved all students, regardless of whether they were part of a social club. Duong also highlights the expansion of partnerships with athletics and organizations such as the BSU.  

On April 1, Janeyah Anderson announced she will continue serving as SGA President for the upcoming academic year. She said that her administration will continue to promote impactful changes at Lipscomb and increase awareness among students about SGA resources.

“Having had the privilege of serving in this capacity this past year, I’ve witnessed firsthand the positive transformations we can achieve when we come together as a community,” said Anderson in an Instagram post. “I can not wait to continue to work towards making the most out of your four years here, shaping unforgettable experiences, and leaving a lasting legacy.”

Duong considers that participation in elections has dropped since the time she was a freshman, especially among upperclassmen. She thinks the COVID-19 restrictions had an impact on the student’s willingness to participate, since this class started their freshman year in the middle of the pandemic.

“It’s been harder for students to bounce back,” said Duong. However, she highlights that the freshman class has increased participation because, for the first time, they had the opportunity to campaign to their own class.

Duong wants to motivate students to participate in the electoral process. Even if you don’t think you’re a good fit, she says, encourage someone like a friend, a roommate, or anyone in your class to get involved. To run for office, students interested needed to attend an officer interest session, get at least 15 signatures from students, and complete an online application.

“Expand your circles. I’ve met people that I would not have gotten to know, and I truly believe SGA is the most diverse group on campus because you have 7 people from each class,” said Duong.

The campaign period runs from April 1 to April 11, the day when the Senate elections will be taking place. To vote, students will receive an email explaining the steps.