By RAEGAN NEUFELD
Tiger Media Network
At Thursday’s meeting, the Student Government Association heard from a campus organization in its second year that works with students to build financial literacy.
The Tiger Money Mentors are students who provide free counseling for maintaining financial goals, creating a budget, choosing a credit card and finding scholarships. The program offers one-on-one sessions and class presentations by appointment. The class presentations cover topics such as budgeting for food, clothes and loan repayment.
Last year, the mentors met with 33 individuals and 16 classes. According to mentor Charlie Hutson, they have met with 18 individuals so far this year and have done 20 class presentations.
“Initially, we had a goal of 39 for our client sessions, which was definitely lofty considering that we’re moving into our second year and we have a smaller team,” he said. “But, we’re already halfway there at 25% of the way through the year.”
Hutson asked the senators and executive staff members for their support next year. He stressed the importance of the program, saying that many students don’t have the resources to learn baseline financial knowledge before coming to college.
“We have word of mouth spreading quickly,” he said. “We’ve helped a variety of students reach their financial goals and make their time at Fort Hays State just a little bit easier so they can get more out of their education.”
The Tiger Money Mentor’s goals for the rest of the year include expanding partnerships with the financial aid and career services offices, working with student-athletes and continuing their newsletter. They are also promoting the My Milestones program from Commerce Bank for further financial literacy development.
Senators also heard about several upcoming events from SGA Treasurer Jackson Sinsel and Legislative Affairs Director Grace McCord at the meeting.
Sinsel reported that he will send the first email to student organizations for Allocations on November 1. The form for Allocation requests will be live on the SGA TigerLink that day as well. The preliminary deadline for groups to submit is 4:30 p.m. on December 2, and the final deadline is 4:30 p.m. on February 14, 2025. Sinsel will be hosting workshops on the following dates.
- November 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Trails Room
- December 3 at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Trails Room
- January 29 at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Trails Room
- February 5 at 5:30 p.m. in the Memorial Union Trails Room
McCord spoke about the upcoming Higher Education Day, when students from all of the public universities in Kansas will travel to Topeka to meet with state legislators and advocate for higher education. Though the day is not until February, McCord said she is working on preparation materials.
“I’m planning on doing a walk-through of what it looks like to be an effective advocate and how to lobby, so I’m working on those materials,” she said.
According to McCord, the exact date will not be set until the legislature is back in session.
“It’s something that we’d really love to have you help us out with once February rolls around,” she told the senators.”
The next SGA meeting is scheduled for 7 a.m. on October 31 in the Black and Gold Room. The location is subject to change.