Justin Wideman, biology sophomore and Student Government Association vice president, says survey results from Sweet Treats reveal students are happy with the number of campus police but are unhappy with administration during Pepsi with the President Nov 8. Photo by Riley Stephens
Student Government Association asks for a budget increase to add two officer positions.
By CARLOS FERRAND
sac-ranger@alamo.edu
According to a survey taken by the Student Government Association, the top two things students like most about this college are the professors and the activities provided for students.
The top two things students like most about this district are financial aid and security.
Four areas students have the biggest issues with are financial aid, parking, construction, and counseling.
SGA presented the information to President Robert Zeigler during the monthly Pepsi with the President Nov. 8.
The group collected 186 surveys during their Sweet Treats event Oct. 31 in the mall.
Students who filled out the four questions on the survey were rewarded with candy.
Secretary Justin Wideman explained that the issues for both district and this college mirrored each other because students are blaming both equally.
Another popular issue students had was “administration,” but the responses gave no specifics to who or what part of the administration.
It was clear that students liked receiving financial aid.
“They (students) like that they get money to help pay for college,” Wideman said.
Wideman said he was compiling all the surveys and that the results would be presented at the Student Government meeting Nov. 12.
They were not presented at the meeting, and afterward, Wideman said they were still being compiled.
In other news, Vice President Mike Martinez, told Zeigler that SGA would be adding two new officers.
A historian is needed to document activities and events for future SGA members to see what the organization has done, Martinez said.
A parliamentarian will be active during SGA meetings by maintaining order and ensuring that all student government rules are being followed. This position will keep the meetings moving forward and productive, Martinez said.
Zeigler agreed.
“I think you need somebody to help run and manage the meetings. I think that is a significant step … too many meetings are not well-managed and they just ramble on,” Zeigler said.
With the new positions, SGA will be able to “effect more students and really give them a more rounder voice,” commissioner Maura Callahan said.
With the addition of two new officers, SGA is requesting an additional $2,000 a semester to their budget starting in the spring semester.
“It depends on where it would be and if we have it,” Zeigler responded. “It may have to wait until the next academic year.”
SGA will amend their constitution to reflect the new positions regardless of a budget increase for next semester.
“We need them for state (conference),” President Jacob Wong said.
Dr. Robert Vela, vice president of academic and student success, asked SGA to reach out to students at the Central Texas Technology Center in New Braunfels.
A majority of the students at the center are SAC students and are interested in being a part of SGA and leadership roles, Vela said.
“They want to engage with us,” Vela said.
Zeigler added that SGA should also reach out to students at Travis Early College High School taking dual credit courses at this college about getting involved with SGA.
“Those are our students as well … it would be good for them and good for us,” Zeigler said.
