Over the last few years, the Student Government Association has become a broken organization that has failed to represent the student body. What was once an organization devoted to students has now become a hollow place of resumé building and empty promises. But we believe SGA can be so much more. SGA could be a place for real change and impact and an organization for all students.
This is why we are running for Student Body President and Vice-President: we want to put the YOU back in USD. We’ll be honest and admit we can’t fix everything, but we think there are a few good places to start. Under our administration, the Senate would be focused on creating a fair and understandable budget process, facilitating an environment where student concerns are voiced and dealt with, as well as strengthening the relationship between USD students and the surrounding Vermillion community.
More importantly, we would take steps to ensure student dollars are being used to benefit the largest number of students possible. If elected, we will focus on creating an Open Educational Resources (OER) program. Using OER would make textbooks free and shareable, reducing textbook costs for students. This is not an unrealistic plan – dozens of universities across the country are incorporating these programs and saving their students thousands of dollars each semester. It’s time that SGA starts using student dollars for things students will actually use.
We hope to bring substantial change to the Senate and the student body, but we can’t do it without you. We invite you to join us in the MUC Pit on Wednesday, Feb. 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for SGA’s Vibe Check. But more importantly, don’t forget to cast your vote for Occhipinto & Brown on March 3 and 4 via the myUSD portal.
