Student Government Spotlight: Participation and club funding changes

As students once again return to Seton Hill University (SHU), some are wondering how they might become more involved in campus happenings. The Seton Hill Government Association (SHGA) is SHU’s place for students to become actively engaged in our school’s activities and to help create solutions to problems that may be occurring.

SHGA is comprised of an executive board and a senate with active participation from both class officers and various clubs. Mary Clark, a senior and SHGA president, says, “If there are problems, ideas, or concerns of any kind we are more than happy to hear them and do our best to facilitate change.”

By Maddie Gillespie,

Layout Editor, SHGA member

As students once again return to Seton Hill University (SHU), some are wondering how they might become more involved in campus happenings. The Seton Hill Government Association (SHGA) is SHU’s place for students to become actively engaged in our school’s activities and to help create solutions to problems that may be occurring.

SHGA is comprised of an executive board and a senate with active participation from both class officers and various clubs. Mary Clark, a senior and SHGA president, says, “If there are problems, ideas, or concerns of any kind we are more than happy to hear them and do our best to facilitate change.”

If you want to make yourself a part of the decision process at SHU, the Senate is the way to go. Even if you are not a Senator, you can still attend the Senate meetings on a bi-weekly basis. These dates are always posted on the SHGA bulletin board located outside of the SHGA office.

“Senate is created for the students by the students. The way Senate works best is with more students because that allows for more opinions and suggestions,” said Megan Zubalik, a senior and senate secretary.

So, what if you have a concern? Simply talk with an executive officer during their office hours. Or e-mail SHGA at shga@setonhill.edu, send a note via Box 295K, or drop a line in the suggestion box stationed directly beneath the SHGA bulletin board.

SHGA also works closely with the numerous clubs operating at SHU. Students are always encouraged to create new clubs with strong interest by being awarded $25 directly into their club account. If you have a club idea in mind, you can start the ball rolling by finding an advisor, defining the purpose/mission of your club, setting goals for your club, completing a Club Recognition Form, and turning the complete form in the SHGA office for approval.

Funds are provided upon a discretionary basis by SHGA. Students awarded money are then required to share their new knowledge with the SHU community in a manner prearranged with SHGA.

There are some new occurrences happening within the SHGA, however. Clubs are now being asked to submit their estimated budget requests months in advance.

While this may seem to take away an edge of spontaneity, it serves to create a financial mindset for all. Also, clubs will be fiscally rewarded for having a club representative present at every Senate meeting to ensure that clubs will have the most up to date information.

Why participate in this growing student action? Gabby Scanga, a junior and SHGA Treasurer, said “I just like the fact that we do things for the community, as well as for our school. We are helping the Blackburn Center; therefore, we are serving others in need in our community.”

“We are looking for the leaders of tomorrow. We want energetic driven individuals that want to make a difference within the Seton Hill and surrounding community,” said Liz Rettger, a junior and SHGA campus life resolution board chairperson.