Photo by Shelby Woodward
By Shelby Woodward
As William Peace University begins a new school year, the Student Government and Programming Association is looking beyond planning campus events. This year, student leaders are focusing on communication and advocacy, and on ensuring students know their voices can shape campus life.
Rebecca Boyle, a double major in Business Administration and Human Resource Management with a minor in Marketing, and SGPA’s new Student Body President, said one of her main goals is to make the organization more accessible. Boyle serves as the contact between students, university departments, and upper leadership.
“I am really trying to get people to know that I am here and available,” Boyle said. She plans to attend as many campus events as her schedule allows so she can talk directly with students about what they enjoy and what they would like to see improved.
One area SGPA is currently working on is campus improvement. Boyle said the organization is looking at adding more outdoor seating options around Bingham and the Main Lawn. The idea was discussed last year, but SGPA wants to use additional student feedback to determine where its budget can have the greatest impact.
Boyle also hopes to strengthen SGPA’s relationship with the university’s new administration and is excited to build a relationship with University President Dr. Walsh and work toward making upper leadership more accessible to students. SGPA is also developing a new Senate structure that could bring more student perspectives into the organization.
“We are more than just a programming organization,” said Boyle, encouraging students to attend SGPA’s advocacy events and town halls. These meetings let students learn what SGPA is working on and bring their concerns directly to their representatives.
For Caden Evans, a Political Science and Pre-Law major who transferred to Peace from Appalachian State University and SGPA’s Transfer Student Representative, communication is just as important. Evans said his goal is to continue doing what initially got him involved: talking directly with students.
Evans is working on ways to make it easier for transfer students to communicate with their representative. One initiative he is exploring is a Transfer Student Feedback Initiative, which could involve tabling across campus to hear directly from transfer students. He also plans to use SGPA’s social media to share updates and give students a direct way to share feedback.
Evans is also exploring a transfer-to-transfer mentor program. His goal isn’t simply to collect students’ opinions, but to follow up and show them their ideas are being taken seriously.
“I want feedback and ideas from transfer students,” said Evans. “Beyond gathering feedback, my goal is actually to act on it.”
Both student leaders emphasized that SGPA ultimately represents students. Evans said students should know who their senator is and have an easy way to reach them with an idea or concern.
“You’re our boss,” Evans said. “This is your Senate.”
As SGPA moves through the school year, its leaders hope students will see the organization as more than the people behind campus events. With new leadership, a developing Senate structure, and an increased focus on communication, SGPA is working to make student government a more visible and accessible part of campus life.
For students, that could mean more opportunities to shape what Peace looks like, not only through the events they attend, but through the ideas and concerns they bring forward.