Antonio Small
Reporter
MUW students can expect to hear a few candidate pitches this week, as SGA election voting will be available from Tuesday, Sept. 9, until Friday, Sept. 12.
“Let's start this election week off strong, SGA STRONG,” said Sade Meeks, newly elected president for SGA.
Every year SGA holds an election week in which students on campus participate in a week full of heavy campaigning and fun events.
SGA serves as the representative body for student needs by being the liaison between students and campus administrators. SGA members are tasked with working to help students be more satisfied and successful at Mississippi University for Women. SGA is also the largest student organization at MUW, and the main focus of the organization is to improve the MUW student experience.
The leadership aspect is exactly what moved Toicheyanne Beckworth, a sophomore culinary art major who loves helping students and motivating others, to run for a position in SGA.
“I plan on making sure everyone's voice is heard," said Beckworth. “I would be a great asset to SGA because I have leadership experience, and I am also passionate about helping others.”
Besides the fun events during elections week such as spirit day, student panel, operational chit and chow, boots on the ground field and medals of honor, there is also an opportunity for interested candidates to campaign throughout the week.
SGA held “A Soldier Showcase,” on Sept. 9 that gave each candidate the opportunity to introduce and present themselves to the student body. This gives students a chance to meet the candidates and decide which one would be the best for each position.
For Austin Rayford, a communication major and a candidate for senator at large, this is his favorite part of SGA week.
“I really enjoy this part of SGA week, because not only do I get the opportunity to inform students on my goals and plans if elected officer, but this is a way I meet a lot of other candidates and new students on campus that I wouldn’t have met otherwise,” said Rayford.
Ultimately, the main purpose of student government week is to get students involved with electing candidates into office. SGA members are elected by the MUW student body so it’s up to the students to determine which candidate is qualified for the position to represent various areas of the campus.
“We have to increase publicity, hoping it will increase voting turn out this year,” says Kimone Holtzman, staff advisor for SGA. “We really want to get a lot of students out to vote, and also make them aware of the elections and all the candidates out there campaigning.”