BY CHLOE TELLER
The Student Government Association is a way for students' voices to be heard on campus.
Stephen Cobbs, the executive president of the Student Government Association, hopes he will leave a positive mark on the college after four years serving on the group.
Cobbs, a senior, said SGA tries to hold the administration accountable and ensure that students are always at the forefront of their minds.
“One of our biggest priorities this year is to create new traditions while still honoring and celebrating the old,” he said; “I as well as the rest of SGA and in particular the executive board feel like with the transition to Division 1, this is a prime opportunity to create lasting memories for the entire student body here at Stonehill.”
SGA strives to play a role in programming on campus, student engagement, and promoting Diversity and Inclusion initiatives.
“I feel like at the end of the day, the administration does want what’s best for us, we both just might have different ways that we see it but that’s okay, and they do a really good job of reaching out and ensuring that they hear our perspective before a big decision is made,” Cobbs said.
Each year, online elections are held for SGA and the student body gets to vote on who they think is most deserving of the titles. Students who chose to run must prepare a speech, and their class votes on who they believe is most deserving.
The 2022-2023 SGA Executive Board
There are no prior requirements to run for SGA.
Over the years, SGA at Stonehill has planned large events and continues to do so for the 2022-2023 school year.
“Our Vice President Jessika Crocket-Murphy is working extremely hard with establishing new and unique clubs. Our Programming Chair, Kathleen Kilban, has a lot of fun programs planned,” Cobbs said. “One new tradition that we are trying to start is really trying to boost up the Christmas Tree Lighting. We're in the planning phase of that right now but our goal is to try and make that be something that is almost equal to Skyhawk Madness.”
The SGA is hoping to host an event called the “Big Event.”
“The ‘Big Event’ will be located in Easton, Massachusetts, and will be a community wide community service project,” Louis Mendez, SGA President of the Class of 2025, said.
“We would hope for classes to be canceled on that day so as many people as possible can go help out. Although this is not a final plan, the ‘Big Event’ sounds like something really beneficial for our student body as a whole to get them off campus and involved in a good cause,” Mendez said.
Along with the carnivals and the club fairs that SGA hosts, there are other student-centric programs being eyed.
“Something that was discussed this year was the hope to have free feminine hygiene products in school bathrooms. We have also discussed a National Voter Registration Campaign so we can host our own national voting at Stonehill. We hope to make all of these ideas come to life,” Mendez said.
One SGA leader said the student organization is a good way to get involved.
“Growing up I went to Rob Burton Training Village camp, and my counselors were all alumni of the SGA at Stonehill,” Gui Vaz, Vice President of the class of 2025, said, “When deciding on a college, I knew that I wanted to be successful and let my voice be heard. Seeing the alumni rave about SGA at Stonehill, I knew I wanted to come, get involved, and keep carrying the torch for my camp.”
“SGA helps teach students to lead with courage and enhance their opinions, and I think that is the best life lesson out there,” Vaz said.
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