By Deanna Tran
The Student Government Association at the University of Louisville hopes to generate dialogue between SGA and its student body with the delivery of the first ever “State of the Student Body Address.” SGA President Darrell Messer, a senior engineering major, is scheduled to deliver the address Nov. 14, at 6 p.m. in the Chao Auditorium of the Ekstrom Library. U of L students are encouraged to attend the public address.
Messer, who was elected president last semester, said the idea of the “State of the Student Body Address” came to him in June as a way to partly resolve the relations between students and SGA.
The idea has since materialized into an event that will include food, prizes and a reception sponsored by HigherOne, the university’s student refund payment service. Messer hopes the SGA presidential address will develop into an annual tradition like that of the “State of the University” address given by U of L President Dr. James R. Ramsey.
Messer plans to speak about this year’s SGA successes, impending challenges, areas of improvement and future plans.
“More importantly, I will be calling students to action, explaining to them what they can do to impact the university,” Messer said.
Sophomore OJ Oleka, a marketing major, said the address is a fantastic way to encourage and maintain student involvement in SGA, as well as allowing their officers to be accountable for their actions.
“I would like to know what are the objectives and directions of SGA, so that we can be able to evaluate them,” Oleka said, adding he would like issues dealing with campus diversity and for SGA and Recognized Student Organizations relations to be addressed.
Jake Masters, a sophomore biology major, said he would like for the address to update him on issues regarding student finances and upcoming building renovations of university dormitories.
“The address will provide students with a concise view of the year and a chance to review,” said Messer. In the reception following the address, Messer said students will be able to chat directly with him, other SGA executive officers and student senators about specific issues.
Ramsey, the Board of Trustees, and other university administrators have been invited to attend the address as well.
For more information on SGA, visit www.louisville.edu/sga.
