Delta State University’s Student Government Association is an organization that offers several opportunities for students to get involved on campus with elections occurring during the spring semester of each year; through position offerings in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches, students can join the Student Government Association to make a difference during their time at the university.
At Delta State University, the Student Government Association, also known as SGA, operates via three branches: Executive, Judicial, and Legislative. Within these three branches, there are numerous positions that offer various levels of involvement and opportunities for students. The Student Government Association website states, “SGA serves to promote unity and welfare of the entire student body, provide a high standard of responsibility in the interests of our student life and to ensure good will among students, faculty, staff and administration.”
In the Executive Cabinet, the positions are President, Vice President, Secretary/Treasurer, Attorney General, and Chief Justice. The position of President, currently held by Hayden Kirkhart, designates a student to serve as the head of SGA and to exercise the authority of the Executive Branch over student government. The President is responsible for making any necessary changes to the SGA constitution, delegating the use of available university funds, vetoing any bill passed by Student Senate, and reporting any changes within the Executive Branch. The position of Vice President, currently held by Aubrey Claire Norris, designates a student to serve as the President of the Student Senate. This person ensures that the SGA Constitution remains updated and available to the public, runs the Student Senate, and fulfills the roles of the President if the President is absent. Norris stated, “I joined SGA to give back to DSU and its students. DSU has given me so many opportunities and I want to help other students get those same chances. SGA is a great way to get involved and show your love for your school.” The position of Secretary/Treasurer, currently held by Abigail Covington, designates a student who is responsible for all SGA funds, keeping track of the SGA Cabinet and Senate meetings, passing on copies of the minutes, preparing monthly financial statements, and assisting with the preparation of SGA budgets. The position of Attorney General, currently held by Luke Kennedy, designates a student to serve as the Commissioner of Elections, prepares legislation to be submitted to Senate, and ensures that legislation is passed via proper procedures. The position of Chief Justice, currently held by Cielee Hollon, designates a student to run the Student Court, appoints justices to the Student Court, and presides over potential impeachment trials.
In the Appointed Cabinet, the positions are Chief of Staff, Director of the Big Green Event, Director of Athletic Affairs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Spirit and Traditions, and Director of Engagement and Advocacy and International Affairs. The Director of the Big Green Event, currently Brady Roehm, is the individual responsible for planning the Big Green Event during the spring semester. This individual creates a committee to plan the event and involve the community. This individual also plans the Small Green Event during the fall semester. The Director of Athletic Affairs, currently Emma Claire Haley, is the individual who works with the university Athletic Department to inform the student body about athletic events as well as coordinate events for athletics. The Director of Public Relations, currently Steven McDonald, is the individual responsible for spreading news about SGA sponsored events and maintaining a good relationship with the public. This individual runs the SGA social media and works with the Office of Communications to acquire marketing materials. McDonald said, “I joined SGA to ensure that students’ voices are heard. As Director of Public Relations, I get to do exactly that while engaging in work I’m passionate about and advocating for the student body.” The Director of Spirit and Traditions, currently Layan Asmar, is the individual responsible for continuing the traditions of Delta State University. The Director of Spirit and Traditions plans the events for homecoming week and works with the Office of Student life to run the homecoming parade, homecoming court, and the Miss Green and White Pageant. The Director of Engagement and Advocacy and International Affairs, currently Aaron Fernandes, is the individual responsible for uniting the diverse individuals across campus. This individual promotes diversity and advocates for Delta State University’s international students.
The numerous positions offered by the Delta State University Student Government are open for student applications each spring semester. The Executive Cabinet positions are decided by an election in which students can vote for their preferred candidate via Canvas. The Appointed Cabinet positions are comprised of individuals nominated by the Executive Cabinet. The Student Senate offers students the opportunity to work with the Student Vice President to introduce bills and resolutions to make changes on campus. Student Senate offers numerous seats to a diverse range of students and affords a small scholarship to each member. Student Court offers students the opportunity to work with the Student Chief Justice to conduct hearings and make decisions on parking ticket appeals. Members of Student Court may also hear cases dealing with potential impeachments. Through these various positions, students can work with faculty and organizations across the university to improve campus and student life.
