OPINION: Celebrating 100 years of SGA
When Central Michigan University’s Student Government Association began in 1920, it was created with the goal of providing students with a space to advocate for each other and creating meaningful change. Now, 100 years later, the impact of this organization can be seen all around CMU through past and current initiatives. The campus that we know today has been shaped and formed the work that the Student Government Association has done over the last century.
In 1924, the Student Government Association established one of the most popular traditions at CMU: Homecoming. As a result, every year thousands of alumni return to campus and CMU students all wear their maroon and gold to celebrate Central and root our football team to victory.
When the U.S. Department of Health and Human resources launched their Tobacco-Free College Campus Initiative in 2012, SGA worked to help CMU adopt the policy and become a tobacco-free campus.
Even things like the bike room in the SAC, an increase of recycling bins on campus, the pizza box recycling centers in residence halls and the 24/7 room in library are a direct result of legislation and initiatives done by SGA.
Most recently, SGA has worked on the Menstrual Hygiene Product Initiative providing menstrual hygiene products in four campus restrooms. With this initiative, SGA is advocating for the university to provide tampons and pads in restrooms on campus.
Next year’s students will get to enjoy a fall break in the month of October because of SGA’s work and research pushing for the break in addition to faculty.
The ripple effect of the work and efforts CMU’s Student Government Association had done the past century cannot be measured. Legislations, initiatives and events have all helped to positively change the experiences of hundreds and thousands of students. And as we look towards the next 100 years of SGA, we can only imagine how the impact will grow.
If you want to be a part of the change being made on campus through SGA, please join us at our meetings Monday from 7-9 pm in the UC auditorium. All meetings are open the public and all are welcome.
As a way to reflect and celebrate all SGA has accomplished as well as envision what lies ahead, current Student Body President Hendricks and Student Body Vice President Rose will be giving a State of the Student Body Address. The address will be February 26 at 8pm in the Bovee University Center Terrace Rooms. All are welcome to join and the address will also be broadcasted on Moore Hall Television.
For questions about SGA or any of the information above, please contact SGA Press Secretary Katie Prebelich at prebe1k@cmich.edu.
