By Sarah Mcsparin
With its notable impact on student life, the Student Government Association (SGA) at the University of Louisville is arguably one of the most powerful organizations on campus.
“SGA is everywhere,” junior Morgan Pace said. “They make a tremendous effect on every student’s college career whether it is fighting against tuition increases or funding an organization for students to participate in,” said Pace, who is studying political science.
Since its creation in 1971, the U of L SGA has acted as an outlet in which students can express their opinions to the university administration. Today more than 170 recognized student organizations (RSOs) and the 11 colleges of U of L are represented in the three branches of the organization – the executive staff, Supreme Court and Senate.
The SGA also has a history of butting heads with the administration and various RSOs. During the 2006-07 term, disagreements erupted between the SGA and the Board of Trustees over the athletic fee and the Association of Black Students over the 2007-08 budget.
Aside from the clashing, last year’s SGA introduced 33 resolutions that undertook issues such as improving student tickets, combating the health, withdrawal and athletic fees and tuition.
“I see SGA’s most important role as being the student lobbyists on all things of concern to students,” said Brian Hoffman, the 2007-08 SGA president. “Next year, we will continue to be that voice and work towards improving the academic and social experience for all U of L students.”
Provided with an annual budget of $600,000, the SGA provides many services to U of L students: Free DVD rentals, free access to the Cardinal Game Room, funding for registered student organizations and social and educational activities through the Student Activities Board, the programming arm of the SGA.
The SGA also provides many activities and programs for freshmen who want to get involved or just want to build their leadership skills such as programs like Freshman LEAD, which selects 50 freshmen to work with throughout their first year of college.
“If you look at the people who have been in Freshman LEAD and their current positions, you will see the results of such a program,” said Andrew Murphy, a former member and the 2006-07 director of LEAD.
Although former LEAD member Elizabeth Farrar agreed that the program benefited some members, she said she does not recommend the program to all incoming freshmen. “For some people, it wasn’t good for them,” said Farrar, a sophomore fine arts major.
“[The program] is still blossoming,” Farrar said. “And I think it could be created to be worthwhile.” Farrar said the program should expand focus on other campus aspects other than leadership and should have more support from SGA. “SGA could definitely play a larger role in it. It has mainly has a hands-off policy with Freshman LEAD, and it’s disappointing,” she said.
Recently, the SGA created the Freshman Task Force, which is a shadowing program that will give freshmen the chance to work directly with the SGA top four. The SGA will be seeking applicants at orientation to fill the nine positions.
“It is never too early to get involved,” Flairty said. “Even if elected office is not for you then still talk to your officers.”
Hoffman also advised freshmen to get involved early. “Build your skills because no four years of your life will so drastically affect all the other years,” he said.
