BY CORIE LYNN
After spending their spring semester meeting over Zoom, the student senators of FHSU’s Student Government Association are returning to campus.
The fall semester at FHSU presents many changes for students, such as face coverings required in every building and classrooms with socially distanced desks. In addition to these new safety measures, the SGA will also work with a new executive staff led by President Haley Reiter and Vice President Bryson Homman.
Also joining the executive staff is Crystal Rojas as legislative affairs director, David Schulte as treasurer, Jayden Siebert as community relation director and Anthony Ventura as administrative assistant.
Even before their first student senate meeting, this year’s administration is planning a semester focused on supporting students’ needs.
“Student Government Association is currently working to support students as we all transition to campus life once again,” Reiter said. “SGA is heavily focusing on direct communication with students to allow transparency between themselves and the administration.”
She explained this semester will include a focus on student involvement, both individually and through campus groups.
“In times like these we are wanting to hear from students and how we can assist them more than ever. We hope to team up with other student organizations across campus to help accomplish this as well,” Reiter said.
Students are encouraged to be proactive in communicating with the SGA and voicing their concerns and ideas. In-person student senate meetings will resume this semester and are open to the public.
However, Reiter explains there will be slight changes to the format of these meetings to ensure the safety of everyone in attendance.
“Meetings will be held in the Memorial Union Ballroom starting at 6:30 p.m.,” she said. “Face masks will be required and all senators will be socially distanced. Meetings will still be open to all. Guests will follow the same guidelines as senators. All senators and student guests should arrive with their TigerID to swipe into the meeting.”
In addition to these modifications, those unable to attend meetings in-person have the option of joining the meetings over Zoom.
At present, the SGA is still forming a plan to address changes to student organizations that receive funding through the student senate. However, the executive staff and student senators are available to answer questions.
“Our office [located in the basement of the Memorial Union] is open Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Masks are required. Emailing [at sga@fhsu.edu or president.sga@fhsu.edu] is also another good way to connect,” Reiter said.
Reiter also encourages students seeking to become involved with the Student Government Association to contact her or the organization.
Regardless of where students connect themselves on campus, Reiter emphasizes that involvement at FHSU is the key to making it through the unique circumstances of the Fall semester.
“Everyday is a learning experience,” she said. “Take this unique opportunity to grow your skill set and become adaptable. Leading and living with compassion will allow us all to get through this together.”