Letter to the Editor: SGA president reflects on semester’s efforts, successes
It’s that time again.
Yes, finals week has arrived once again in all of its caffeinated and sleep-deprived glory. I wish you all of the best in your studying and test-taking efforts. When you walk out of that last final, take a deep breath and take it in. You’ve made it through!
After that deep breath, do me a favor: Reflect on this semester. Reflect on your successes, mistakes, friendships and every other experience that you’ve had. I’ve always found that before you go forward, you have to acknowledge where you’ve been and appreciate where you are right now. Take time for yourself over break to do just that.
As I reflect on the past semester with the Student Government Association, I can’t help but be pleased with everything that has been accomplished for students. With Student Federation, we have successfully lobbied Gov. Dennis Daugaard to enact a tuition freeze for resident students. We have started “Project Main Street,” a new SGA-facilitated community service project. We also passed comprehensive election reform which will be implemented in the March SGA elections. Additionally, $20,000 from our reserve funds have been donated towards a new, vastly improved student organization room in the MUC expansion. The Academic Integrity Statement recited at convocation has been enhanced and given greater meaning. Fiscal guidelines are being overhauled to make SGA funds more accessible to student organizations. Diversity and inclusion have become regular topics of discussion at our meetings.
But, there is much left for SGA next semester. Soon, we will see proposals for a new external communications manager position, a strategic plan for SGA, finalized fiscal guidelines, and researched solutions for improving SGA’s accessibility to all students. We will begin lobbying in Pierre for needs-based scholarship funds, the Good Samaritan Alcohol Policy and other important items impacting students at USD. And, beginning with the first SGA meeting of the spring semester, we will see the campaigns for our new executive teams and senator candidates.
In the midst of the hustle, it’s easy to forget what you’ve accomplished and where everything is going. With winter break fast approaching, I wanted to share with you what SGA has done and will be doing to serve you, but to also encourage you to see the positive things in your life in the midst of this hectic week. My hope is that you will have a successful finals week, but also a restful break.
Best of luck, Coyotes!
Erik Muckey
President, Student Government Association
