
For students interested in making a difference on campus, the Spring Senate Vacancy Election is fast approaching. The vacancy election allows students to voice their opinion as a part of the Student Government Association (SGA).
“Each student runs for a specific collegiate, housing or at-large seat,” said SGA President Betsy Bennett, a senior human services major from Eufaula, Alabama. “In that role, you are able to connect with students in your area within the university and advocate for them.
“Within the senate, we also have different committees that allow students to focus on certain aspects of our campus, whether that is safety or academics.”
All students were sent an application to their Troy emails. With applications closed as of Jan. 29, the next step is the campaigning process, with the final step being the election.
Marckus Cooper, SGA vice president of internal affairs and overseer of the elections, explains the reason for a vacancy election every semester is to help fill the senate. That way, the governing body can function at its fullest capability to help improve student welfare and carry out any necessary changes across campus.
“Our organization really does look for the well-being and the student life of every student here on campus,” said Cooper, a sophomore global business major from Bainbridge, Georgia. “I think it's really important to note that we are tasked with creating the environment that our constituents - the students - want to see.
“A full senate allows us to present that legislation to the Senate student body and ensure that we have all the legislation on the table.”
The seats that are currently open include two representatives for the Sorrell College of Business, two Senators at large, two West District Housing resident representatives, one international student representative and one representative for the College of Communication and Fine Arts.
As the new senate candidates prepare for the campaigning process, Cooper offers them advice.
“Always be as authentic as possible,” Cooper said. “One thing that we have to remember is that we are campaigning to the student body, so in most situations you're not going to be talking to someone you know super well.”
Although applications may be closed for this vacancy election, this is not the last chance for students who are passionate and driven about creating change. There will likely be another vacancy election next fall, and in the meantime, there are several other opportunities for students to get involved on campus.
“Clubs are a great way to build relationships with other peers and faculty members, learn new ways to lead and push ourselves out of our comfort zones,” Bennett said. “Getting involved helps people grow in so many ways, especially personally and professionally.”
Voting for the spring Senate Vacancy Elections will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 5. The ballot will be sent to all students through their Troy email. Anyone with any questions is encouraged to reach out to an SGA member.
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