My name is Samantha Simmons, and I have the privilege of serving as your Student Government Association President. As I wrap up my first months in office, I want to take a moment to reflect on our progress and share what our team has been working on.
Throughout my campaign, my peers often asked me: “What does SGA do for us?” That question has guided my cabinet in all that we’ve done thus far. We believe you deserve to clearly see how your student government is advocating for you, which is why we are committed to sharing regular updates through The Crimson White.
Since being sworn in on April 2, our team has been hard at work (we have already spent many late nights in the SGA Office!). Connecting with students has been one of our top priorities. During my campaign, I committed to visiting 50 student organizations in my first 50 academic days in office. We’ve already made significant progress, visiting over 35 SOURCE-registered organizations within the first 19 academic days of my term.
These conversations have been honest and incredibly helpful. Students have shared concerns about funding, access to resources and organizational support. We’re already working on ways to address these challenges. One of the most impactful moments of my term was visiting with Tune In A Cappella. Sitting in a choir room at Moody Music Hall, the members and I talked about the financial challenges they face in attending competitive a cappella competitions. Their talent was undeniable, but what stayed with me most was their openness, passion, and willingness to share their experiences with me. At the same time, we’ve been able to connect organizations with opportunities like FAC funding, financial assistance and SGA resources many didn’t know existed, such as free access to the Wall Street Journal and The New York Times.
I also had the opportunity to speak at the Spring Campus Assembly, UA’s semesterly gathering of faculty and staff. During the assembly, President Mohler announced plans to hire additional academic advisors in an effort to reduce the University’s advisor-to-student ratio. This investment will help create a more intentional and personalized advising experience for students in the years ahead, lessening the burden on current advisors.
SGA is proud to serve on a working group alongside leaders from the Office for Academic Affairs that addresses concerns related to academic advising. My hope is that these efforts will not only improve student support and retention, but also help more students walk across the graduation stage within four years.
SGA cares deeply about ensuring student voices are represented in major University decisions. From participating in meetings with finalists for key leadership roles, such as Provost and Vice President for Community Impact, to engaging directly with President Mohler and Chancellor Trant, I have been thankful to share student priorities with these decision makers.
Beyond Rose, our organization is focused on building community and showing up for students in meaningful ways. During finals week, we hosted Donuts for Dead Week in Gorgas to support students during the stress of exams. We also had the honor of speaking at the University’s Student Remembrance Ceremony, recognizing students who we lost during the fall semester. Being able to hug the parents and loved ones of the students we lost will forever have an impact on me. These students will always have a place in our UA community.
We have had many exciting opportunities to collaborate with departments across campus. We met with representatives from Bama Dining, Transportation Services, the Office of Information Technology and other campus partners to explore improvements to student life.
I attended my first UA System Board of Trustees meeting, interacted with System stakeholders and connected with SGA leaders from the University of Alabama in Huntsville and the University of Alabama at Birmingham to strengthen collaboration across all three campuses, which collectively include more than 70,000 students. My peer SGA Presidents and I care deeply about equipping students to succeed in post-graduate education. We are thrilled to advocate for UA, UAH and UAB students to receive one week of free applications to a system graduate school.
Some of the most memorable moments this month have come from celebrating the people and traditions that make our campus special. Many of these moments have reminded me how much I lack in the musical and creative talent departments. From supporting the Million Dollar Band at the Barefield College of Arts and Sciences Arts Gala as they prepare for the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, to attending the Afro-American Gospel Choir’s 55th Anniversary Concert, I have been blown away by the abilities of my peers.
Finally, service remains at the heart of what we do. SGA’s Another Person’s Treasure initiative turned the move-out season into an opportunity to give back, collecting donations from residence halls to support the Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter and the West Alabama Food Bank. Our Environmental Affairs team worked with Housing and Residential Communities to collect linens, blankets, non-perishable food items and other household items. We were able to donate textiles to the Department of Clothing, Textiles and Interior Design for use in the classroom.
This first month has been busy, but more importantly, it has been meaningful. I feel humbled to wake up and do this job every day. It is truly the privilege of a lifetime. This is your SGA, and we are committed to making sure you feel informed, supported, and empowered on this campus. I’m looking forward to the remainder of this year and working to serve our student body.
Samantha Simmons is a senior majoring in political science and currently serves as the president of the SGA’s 115th administration.
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