The office for student government in the Reilly Center, Room 204
Steven Stutz / The Bona Venture
stutzsa20@bonaventure.edu
BY: DAVID SCIBILIA, CONRTIBUTING WRITER
As the 2022-2023 school year starts up, Student Government Association elections for the freshman class are coming to the forefront of events. Although new to the St. Bonaventure campus, the SGA allows a chance for the class of 2026 to voice their needs and concerns directly to the administration of the university.
The process students had to go through this year depended on the position the student wanted to run for. To get on the ballot for president or vice president, students had to obtain 100 signatures from their peers in the class of 2026, then present these signatures to the SGA office by noon on Sept. 29. If a student wanted to run for secretary, senator, or treasurer, they would only need 50 signatures. With elections quickly approaching—starting on Oct. 3—freshmen should check My SBU where they’ll find a pop-up with their ballot to cast their votes.
Connor Raine, a junior sports management major and current SGA president, believes that freshman elections are important because “It’s an opportunity for a new perspective. SGA allows that chance to make that change and do the things that [the class of 2026] desires to do.”
Similarly, Kathryn O’Brien, Vice President for Student Affairs and advisor of the SGA, said, “This is their experience. Getting involved in SGA allows [the class of 2026] to shape their experience here, make it unique to them, and allow them to bring forward the issues that they might want to identify to help leave their mark on campus.”
O’Brien urges students to vote for those who they believe will stand up for the needs of the class.
“[Students need someone] who is going to come to the bi-weekly SGA meetings, raise their voice, ask questions, and be there on days that important votes are taking place. This is a commitment, and you need somebody who’s willing to carry the responsibility of that commitment.” Said O’Brien.
Raine, however, urges students to think of class elections in a slightly different way.
“Think of it as a brand,” Raine said. “Each class is a brand. It’s just starting this year, but it will continue to be built in the future by the people you choose to represent you.”
Although many can get the 50 or 100 signatures needed to run, not everyone is fit for the position.
“Some people get in and then realize it isn’t for them,” Raine said. “Look for people who are really motivated, driven, and won’t stop in the face of adversity.”
scibild22@bonaventure.edu
