Feature photo by Aidan McNeely
By Aidan McNeely
Ruben Garcia is on a mission to make William Peace University students’ voices be heard more clearly on campus.
Garcia, a junior majoring in simulation and game design and SGPA financial administrative officer, says that very few students have used the two suggestion boxes that have been on campus for about three years. The boxes are located in Belk Dining Hall near the SGPA suite and on the second floor of Finch Library next to room 201.
Garcia explains that the lack of use may be due to “a lack of promotion around them.”
“There’s definitely a disconnect,” said Garcia. “My initiative for this semester is to bring awareness to the suggestion boxes to see if they’re useful and ultimately actually an effective method of getting feedback from the students to SGPA and ultimately to higher administration here on campus.”
To address this issue, flyers have been placed on billboards across campus with QR codes to insight digital feedback from students for suggestions for Peace campus. Garcia emphasized that this form is not limited to event suggestions, but also covers broader concerns like cafeteria food quality, commuter student engagement, or even residence hall conditions.
While the suggestion boxes remain in place, Garcia acknowledges that many students prefer digital platforms much more.
“Most students feel like doing things online nowadays,” said Garcia. “I feel like that might be a better avenue if we decide to pursue it… maybe people want to see a form where we will definitely see it because we have to actively maintain it.”
The SGPA Instagram account also has the suggestion feedback form link within a link tree as a “push to make it more accessible.”
Ultimately, Garcia is making an effort to strengthen the relationship between students and SGPA.
“We’re the ones who act on the students behalf,” said Garcia. “We want students to stay here, and we want to make it the best experience for them, so that they feel like they belong here at Peace.”
Garcia encourages students not to hesitate in sharing their ideas, no matter how big or small.
“Don’t be scared to give in your feedback, because someone will definitely see it,” said Garcia. “It doesn’t matter whether you think it’s important or not, putting your voice out there will make a change, whether it’s immediate or in a couple years.”
Check out the SGPA suggestion form and leave your feedback to help them make the campus even better than it currently is.