More than half of SGA Exec to graduate

By Meg DePanise

The Student Government Association (SGA) is positioned to lose more than half of its executive board members with the graduation of the class of 2015.

For SGA, the loss of nine of the 13 executive positions means two things; members of the senate will have to fill larger roles and consequently, efforts to reload the student senate this spring and next fall will be a priority.

“We have three or four members of SGA exec who have been in SGA in some capacity since freshmen year,” President Tim Hulyk ’15 said.  “This group is very committed to the things they are involved in so SGA won’t be the only organization hit hard by this year’s graduation I would imagine.”

Executive board members agree that SGA has many senators who are eager to step up and serve in executive positions.

“This year has been a big development year with senate, as many of the senators were new so we’ve really focused on training senators.” Development Chair Molly Masterson ’17 said. “We need senators who are willing to put forth that extra push and run for the executive positions.”

Many SGA members are looking forward to seeing what fresh leadership will bring. “Those of us remaining on the Executive Board are excited to have new colleagues to collaborate and share our experiences with,” Campus Facilities Chair Allen Paxton ’16 said.

Hulyk said that he isn’t worried about the transition ahead and he knows the organization will be left in capable hands. SGA members also hope to see new people getting involved with the organization.

“As far as structural changes, I don’t think the structure will change a lot, but we could see a smaller, more efficient student senate next year,” Hulyk said. “The problem Hood is facing at the moment is that a lot of organizations are represented by the same underclass population.”

According to Hulyk, some projects that will continue into next year are replacing shower heads in the dorms and improving student outreach.

“I’d like to see them keep the traditional events alive and well, like Alison has been doing so amazingly this year,” Campus Services Chair Keegan Woche ’15 said. “I’d also like to see them continuing to reach out to the community and represent our school in an approachable, professional way”

Paxton said that he hopes SGA will be influential in guiding the Hood community through the College’s transition in leadership. “I’m sure President Chapedelaine will actively be looking for students’ insights and opinions, and I think SGA is a great vehicle for that,” he said.

House Forum Chair T’Mera Mitchell ’15 noted that it is the “dedication from each individual that gives SGA strength and productivity” rather than members’ class rank. “I am confident that the members who sit on exec in the coming years will not lose sight of what has been laid down as a foundation to continue serving the students at Hood.”

Mitchell continued: “There is always concern when experienced members graduate, but we were able to get this far year after year and the progress will not stop with the graduating class of 2015.”