Opinion | Now is the time to utilize your student government
Philip Goodrich, President of the Student Government Association, junior political science and history double major
Although this past summer was a time of quarantine and physical distancing due to the ongoing pandemic, I doubt I would be alone in saying that this summer felt more eventful than others. Between the constantly evolving news around COVID-19, the disturbing events that have exposed the racial injustice in our society, the campaigning for the upcoming presidential election and the myriad of problems that have come as a result of the aforementioned, we have experienced a lot in the past few months.
Not only have we had to deal with these matters as a broader society, but we have also been forced to face these issues in our own Chapman community. Whether it be with the pandemic’s impact on our fall semester, our university’s own struggles with diversity and inclusion or the harmful and inappropriate opinion article from one of our faculty members, this past summer has been eventful to say the least.
Rather than simply pushing these issues aside, many individuals within Chapman have used their voice to speak out for what they feel is right. From petitions and social media posts to town halls and emails to our administrators, many within our student body have been active in demanding change. No matter the issue at hand, I applaud all who have spoken up, shared their experiences and made their voice heard. It is my hope that this momentum can continue into the fall semester and onward.
As the president of the Student Government Association (SGA), it is also my hope that the student body can begin to fully utilize our organization. I am well aware of the narrative of SGA being ineffective and useless. Unfortunately, at times in SGA’s past, this narrative might have proven to be true. However, when looking at the current makeup and actions of SGA, I cannot disagree more. Between our extremely motivated senate, our ambitious executive council and the many successful initiatives that we have already been able to complete this summer, I wholeheartedly believe we have a SGA that has risen to the occasion and is ready to take on the many obstacles facing our university.
For example, just in the past couple of months, SGA has partnered with Information Systems and Technology (IS&T) by allocating over $35,000 to expand the Laptops-to-Go program to aid students during remote learning; we have collaborated with the Black Student Union (BSU) to create a strategic plan to help bring their 12 action items to fruition; we have set aside $100,000 to develop a COVID-19 financial relief program to financially assist students with basic-need items during the upcoming semester. I mention these initiatives not only to explain what resources we have to offer but also to showcase the positive impact we can have as an organization.
As we jump into this virtual and unusual semester, I not only want every single student to be aware of SGA, but I also want everyone in the student body to understand what SGA can do for them. We will, without a doubt, face many hurdles this semester. Nonetheless, SGA will be there to support students throughout it all. The student body has the ability to guide the actions and advocacy efforts of SGA; thus, it is imperative that all students know SGA, use SGA and believe in the power of this organization.
To the Chapman community: now is the time to utilize your student government. Hold us accountable for fulfilling our responsibilities, always ensure we are advocating for your needs, email us your concerns, attend senate meetings to speak your mind, use some of our many resources and never be afraid to call us on our actions. We exist to serve you and there is too much at stake for SGA to be used at any less than its fullest potential.
I look forward to working and interacting with all of you throughout the year to make Chapman the best that it can be.