Northwestern State University’s Student Government Association – SGA – serves as a voice for NSU students by tackling problems across campus and helping students with their concerns. SGA advocates for the student body and assists them with any support they need regarding academics, extracurriculars or any other issues within the NSU environment.
SGA hosts many unique events to improve students’ knowledge and share their love of government with others. Their main event, Leadership NSU, is a conference in January dedicated to helping NSU students improve their leadership skills. Additionally, they hold speaker events that range from mental health awareness to hazing training, determined to inform students about these topics while also spreading awareness.
There are many smaller events throughout the year that SGA hosts, including a candlelight vigil in honor of suicide prevention and meetings with the Office of Accessibility and Disability Support for Invisible Disabilities Week. SGA also puts on Race to Register and Scantron Giveaway to help students with classes as well as Late Night Breakfast and Spooky Cookie with SGA to promote destressing before exams.
SGA is composed of students who work hard to benefit the campus and better NSU through their passion for the school. Zenobia Poydras is a senior biology major who works as SGA’s internal affairs commissioner and Speaker of the Senate to pass bills and resolutions for NSU. “My favorite thing about SGA is the people,” Poydras said. “Everyone puts their own thoughts together to make campus a better place. We have so many members that are very determined to make NSU the best NSU.”
SGA not only works to benefit the student body but also members of the SGA staff. “SGA is a big part of getting to know people and making lifelong friends,” Poydras said. “It’s a great way to start getting involved and hold a leadership position on campus. Being around people with the same mindset as you is really great.”
Lyndsay Brown is a senior business administration major who uses her position as SGA’s academic affairs commissioner to ensure students’ educational environment is hospitable across NSU’s various academic departments. “The people on SGA are so hardworking and dedicated,” Brown said. “Having those social connections is something I will always look back on and treasure.”
SGA can open a world of possibilities for its members, giving them invaluable experience and lasting friendships. Madysen Morgan is a junior business administration major who runs SGA’s marketing and social media as the external affairs commissioner. “The opportunities SGA has given me to learn about actual government are amazing,” Morgan said. “A lot of our meetings are run how the government is run, so being in the room where it happens on campus has taught me a lot about what I want to be after college. It has inspired me to want to participate in government in general.”
For some, SGA has a great impact on their life at NSU. “SGA gives me a second home and makes me feel more involved on campus,” Brown said. “It gives me a way to give back to my university and I love helping other students with anything they need. I wouldn’t want to spend my time here without dedicating my time towards something important.”
Ultimately, SGA is an organization committed to being the voice of the students, and they are determined to help as many people as possible. “I don’t want anyone to feel like they can’t talk to the members of SGA because they’re nervous,” Brown said. “If anyone wants to talk to SGA about certain problems, they can always stop by the SGA office on the first floor of the Student Union. We’re here to serve you. We’re a safe space for all students!”
