If you want to speak up for the University of North Georgia student body, now’s your chance. Student Government Association is accepting applications.

Director of Student Leadership and SGA advisor Mallory Rodriguez,  says, “The Student Government Association is the official voice of students for the entire university community.”

The campus governing bodies hold weekly meetings to work on campus-specific issues like approving new student organizations, allocating activity fees, approving mini-grants to fund student activities and reallocation requests.

“The SGA has a lot to work on day-to-day to help make the most positive environment,”- Mallory Rodriguez, director of student leadership and SGA advisor

The executive teams work with university administrators on issues related to all students across all campuses.

SGA’s legislative body works on legislation, such as referendums and resolutions to support students.

Rodriguez says being a member of SGA is an exciting leadership opportunity with a chance to advocate and work to make positive changes while influencing others.

“Our students have done everything from consolidating and building new structures to being the best advocates for students to creating new award programs to celebrate with their peers. They have worked on legislation to create change on campus to recognize the good work of others,” said Rodriguez.

Caroline Beach, a political science major, is vice president of the Dahlonega campus SGA, and it’s her third year being a member of SGA. Beach runs the weekly general meeting, sets the agenda, and attends committee meetings as a student representative.

Beach says, “When we are thinking of doing something, we always consult the student body, whether that’s through tabling events, holding discussions at our weekly meeting or just talking to random people on campus.”

Students who don’t want to run for office, but are interested in becoming involved, can start by coming to SGA meetings. A student can become a voting member if they attend three consecutive meetings in a row.

Rodriguez says there are 60 SGA positions across the five UNG campuses. This includes a president for all students and a vice president for each campus. The vice presidents oversee weekly meetings. There are also a finance director and chairs for each campus, a marketing communications director and chairs on each campus and a director of diversity and inclusion.

“It’s the opportunity for you to take on an initiative and create change based on what you think your peers want and need,”- Mallory Rodriguez, director of student leadership and SGA advisor

Rodriguez said, “Students will apply for the various positions they are interested in by answering just some general questions about themselves and their own experience in leadership. If they are interested in joining SGA, they would be asked about some issues they feel they would want to pursue as a member of the student organization, if they’re elected or appointed.”

Beach recommends that if you’re considering joining SGA, you should go for it and apply. She said, “Being in SGA has been one of the best decisions I could have made in college.”

Rodriguez says, “It’s a fun community to be a part of, and it means you get to know what is happening at the university before many other students.”

To apply, log onto UNG Connect and fill out the application by the March 10 deadline.