Here we are; a new semester is upon us! I present you with a question: What are you going to make of your time at Houghton for spring 2013? Our new Vice President for Student Life, Dr. Rob Pool, recently challenged the Senate to reach our “Big Hairy Audacious Goals” (BHAGs), and he explained that the Office of Student Life exists to facilitate students’ working toward their goals. In the words of Dr. Pool, I encourage you as students to attain your “BHAGs” this semester! (You don’t have to call them BHAGs though.)
How can SGA help you attain your goals as a student? Already this semester, the Senate has approved requests from clubs and student groups for over $1500 in student funds. If you are part of a Christian life club or a general student club on campus, we still have funds available. While I’m discussing clubs, I should point out that our student clubs have been very successful this semester—with a variety of activities hosted by Black Heritage Club, MercySeat, Global Christian Fellowship and Runnymede Pre-Law Society—just to name a few.
This spring offers you a great opportunity for community service, just as Make a Difference Day did last fall. Each year the college sponsors MLK Service Day in the spring, and this year’s event will take place on Saturday, April 13. Keep this event in mind, and look for ways to get involved in service to our surrounding communities.
On the topic of service, the SGA is working to expand opportunities to reach out to international students at Houghton Academy. One way you can start right now is by taking time to sit with Academy students who come to our dining hall on the weekends. And have you heard of the Highlander Commission? This is a student group working to promote school spirit by instating traditions including the Scottish Highlander mascot and our school colors of Purple and Gold. SGA Vice President Benjamin Hardy is heading up this effort, so ask him how the SGA is working to bolster our common identity as Highlanders in the next few months.
Speaking of purple and gold, be sure to thank the Campus Activities Board for their hard work on Purple and Gold Week!
As a fellow Highlander and member of the Student Government, I pose another set of questions for you. What do you think of SGA? How can SGA better represent the whole student body? How can SGA be a group in which you want to participate? The Senate wants to know what you think about these questions, as we are looking at our current structure to find what would be the best way to encourage student involvement and representation through SGA.
Also concerning participation, SGA election plans for next year are already underway, and Wynn Horton will be spearheading these efforts as Election Commissioner. Contact Wynn if you want to run for an SGA position for next year.
Moving through this semester, be assured that SGA wants to represent your concerns well. The Senate is working with the Office of Student Life to improve communication regarding changes on campus. Thanks to the work of Senator Wynn Horton and others, there will soon be a page on the Current Students section of the college website for you to submit your feedback on any student issues to be reviewed by individuals from SGA and from Student Life.
What are you going to make of your time at Houghton for spring 2013? Let us know how we can help by contacting your senators or contacting sga@houghton.edu. Happy Purple and Gold Week, Highlanders!