SGA Prepares to Improve Student Involvement and Tackle Pressing Issues

2013-2014 Student Government Officers. Pictured left to right: Hassanat Oshodi, vice president; William Jimerson, president; Kara Fountain, secretary; and Erica Adams, comptroller.

VALDOSTA – Valdosta State University’s Student Government Association (SGA) welcomes incoming and returning students, and prepares to tackle new and existing issues as the 2013-14 school year opens.

“The Student Government Association plans to move forward under the platform that I ran off during elections – focusing on retention, progression and graduation,” said William "Will" Jimerson, president of SGA. “We want the students to know that we are the chief representation of the body. We are elected as servants so we encourage students to get involved and get to know us.”

Some pressing issues that the association plans to address this year include smoking on campus as well as the gun bill, which will go back before legislation next year.

“We plan to start with polls to get student opinion on issues,” said Jimerson. “From there, we will work with the faculty senate to get faculty support of our position.”

SGA has redeveloped its website and encourages all students to visit (www.valdosta.edu/sga) for news and announcements that affect the student body.

“We feel a sense of excitement among the students as the new semester begins,” said Jimerson. “This school year brings a lot of opportunity and changes that will positively impact the students.”

The first SGA meeting will be held Monday, Aug. 19 at 8 p.m. in the University Center Cypress Room. Meetings are regularly held every Monday. The SGA Hotline can be reached at (229) 333-5662.

Valdosta State University’s 2013-2019 Strategic Plan represents a renewal of energy and commitment to the foundational principles for comprehensive institutions.

Implementation of the plan’s five goals, along with their accompanying objectives and strategies, supports VSU’s institutional mission and the University System of Georgia’s mission for comprehensive universities.

The story above demonstrates VSU's commitment to meeting the following goals:

Goal 1: Recruit, retain, and graduate a quality, diverse student population and prepare students for roles as leaders in a global society.

Goal 3: Promote student, employee, alumni, retiree, and community engagement in our mission.

Visit http://www.valdosta.edu/administration/planning/strategic-plan.php to learn more.