Article by Danielle Wheelan

Starting this spring, Drury University’s Student Government Association will be moving from an election cycle based on a calendar year to an academic year.

Drury’s website states, “SGA is the organization through which the values and ideals of Drury University students are implemented. It is a forum to address the rights and concerns of the entire student body.”

The organization’s mission is to use skills in critical thought, creative problem solving, and insight gained through contact with students to enhance and better the student experience.

Reasoning behind the change

Andrew Goodall, SGA advisor, addressed the reasoning behind the decision to change the election cycle:

“Changing the terms of SGA members from being set according to the calendar year to the academic year will enable members to more effectively function within the timeline of operations for the University. The members, student body and faculty that members work with will all benefit from the congruency.”

SGA President Dhruv Sitapara agrees with Goodall and believes this will create an opportunity of improved collaboration between vice-presidents and their committees. Committees are already run in accordance to the academic year which means vice-presidents work with one committee per semester.

“Throughout the beginning semester, the vice-presidents build a rapport with their committee members. But when the relationship seems strongest, the committee leaves and another one forms,” said Sitapara.

The decision for a new election cycle was not made on a whim. The decision was preceded with an allocation cycle change, which took place last April. This now allows for most campus organization leaders to have a full-semester under their belt before completing allocation requests.

“We noticed that the allocation process could be overwhelming to new leaders,” said Sitapara. “Starting in April gives leaders more time to gain confidence and knowledge about their organizations.”

In the past, allocations took place in November.

Ethical repercussions

Of course, these changes don’t come without complications. The upcoming spring semester, will be an interim semester, meaning that no changes will be made to the executive council. Essentially, students will hold these positions for three semesters – instead of the usual two.

Sitapara did mention that possible ethicality issues could result from the interim semester, but did say that he felt ethically-okay with the situation because someone had to fill the role, no matter what.

He also noted SGA gave eligible senators an opportunity to run against the incumbent executive council members to make the process fair. No students applied.

Goodall doesn’t see an issue with ethics – in fact, he’s grateful.

“I appreciate the willingness of the President and executive council members to serve an additional semester to bridge the gap between the terms,” said Goodall. “They receive no financial compensation from the student body for the hours they put in each week and work hard to do their best – SGA is fortunate to have them in leadership.”

Freshman elections

However, one election process will remain in November: elections for freshman senators. Freshman senator positions are available to those who applied to be an intern at the beginning of the semester.

The internship program is only for freshman students. Sign-ups are available during Freshman Orientation events at the beginning of the school year. Students that are accepted into the program can speak and contribute, but are not allowed to vote. They spend the semester learning Robert’s Rules of Order and the processes of SGA.

Haley Mueller, freshman intern and political science major, is pleased to have November elections.

“I’m looking forward to being able to actually vote on issues that we discuss in meetings,” said Mueller.

If the freshman elections were also moved to April, the class would have no representation until sophomore year. Mueller was not thrilled about that idea.

“I think this change is beneficial to the Drury community because it allows for freshman to have representation and that’s important since they’re just beginning their journey here,” said Mueller.

The executive council is as follows: Dhruv Sitapara, president; Mallory Penson, vice-president of student affairs; Ameran Link; vice-president of academic affairs; Abigail Ankiyemi, vice-president of finance; Abby Day, vice-president of communication; Katherine Sittenauer, vice-president of technology; Steven Schupbach, vice-president of sustainability; Christian Holzer, senior class president.

Freshman senators include Lexie Gutierrez, Cameron Montana, Megan Paul, Ciera DuBan, Andy Tucker and Laura Nelson.

Cameron Higbe is the sophomore class senator.

Junior senators include Manuel Meyer and John Schupbach.

Alex Johnson is an at-large senator.

Freshman interns include Gifty Tawiah, Olivia Jaynes, Hayley Burgess, Haley Mueller, Armaan Ahmed and Mitchell Greer.

Upcoming projects

 The executive council has large plans for the upcoming semester. SGA is currently collaborating with other SGA organizations from Ozarks Technical Community College, Evangel University and Missouri State University to organize a yearly leadership summit. Meetings are held bi-weekly to plan the event, but will most likely increase as the event date approaches.

While the summit will be open for all Drury students to apply, only twenty spots would be available at the conference. If wishing to attend, students should watch their inbox – an official announcement will be sent out during the spring semester.

Sitapara noted that high-level speakers will be featured, potentially including Springfield’s mayor.

Details are still being worked out, but Goodall approves of the leadership summit.

“I am excited to see what our SGA members come up with,” said Goodall.

Other ideas for next semester include boosting student interest in joining SGA. This may include mixers or material incentives – not funded through student funds, of course.

This poses new challenges, but Sitapara is up to the task.

“I’ve seen a declining trend throughout my time in SGA,” said Sitapara. “But I want to change that.”

His passion for student government stems far beyond his time at Drury. Sitapara spent multiple years in student council in his home country of India, and wanted to continue his leadership skills in college.

“It was something I knew I wanted to do even before I came to Drury,” said Sitapara.

With this next semester also being his last before graduation, Sitapara hopes to make it SGA’s most successful semester yet.

Goodall agrees and hopes next semester will bring forward students with enriching project ideas.

“I would love to see more student organizations submitting requests for special project funding that benefit the entire campus,” said Goodall. “I would also love to see students proposing to SGA Senators any other initiative or idea that could benefit campus.”

SGA meetings are held weekly, beginning at 4:30 p.m. in FSC 204 and any student is welcome to attend.