Voting for the University of North Georgia’s Student Government Association election is happening now and will run through Friday, April 3. Students can cast their ballots for SGA President, campus Vice President and Senate Chair through UNG Connect.

Candidates have been campaigning through tabling events, flyers and social media, with several promising to address concerns about parking, housing, accessibility and transparency between students and administration.

Presidential Candidates

The SGA President serves as the administrative head of the organization across all campuses, representing the student body and meeting regularly with both the SGA Executive Council, made up entirely of students, and the university’s Presidential Cabinet, led by UNG President Michael Shannon.

This year, four candidates are vying for the position: junior English major Sigourney Waina, junior business major Vershawn Johnson, sophomore nursing major Michelle Matancillas and sophomore biology major Violeta Rico-Gomez.

Sigourney Waina

Sigourney Waina, the current director of diversity and inclusion for SGA, is running for both president and vice president. She also serves as the president of the UNG National Society of Leadership and Success and participates in the Italian Club and Psychology Club.

She says her “number one goal” as an SGA presidential candidate is to “make UNG a home away from home for all students,” explaining that her campaign focuses on increasing the organization’s outreach.

“We are a resource for our students, but a lot of students don’t realize who we are and what we do, so there’s a little bit of a disconnect there. Instead of waiting for students to come to us with their needs, we’ll go to students and advocate for them.” – Sigourney Waina, junior English major and SGA presidential and vice presidential candidate

As the director of diversity and inclusion for SGA, Waina says she has a “certain skill set” geared toward advocating for marginalized groups. As president, she says she would look for ways that the University System of Georgia can maintain diversity initiatives despite operating within new legal constraints.

She plans to address issues such as requirements for using things like laundry facilities in residence halls by exploring alternative payment options.

She also hopes to educate the student body on why parking and on-campus housing operate as they do. This would be part of a larger initiative to keep students updated on administrative decisions that may affect their experience at UNG.

“This will present in many forms, including frequent communication with the student body, SGA student leaders and administration to keep an up-to-date account of information, and engaging with the student body at school and at organization events to promote familiarity and comfortability with SGA and its representatives,” Waina says.

Vershawn Johnson

Vershawn Johnson, who currently serves as the vice president of SGA on the Dahlonega campus, is also running for president. His platform focuses on making SGA more approachable and improving the overall student experience.

“I’m extremely excited to be running, because I love being involved and connecting with people across campus,” Johnson says. “I want us to have more moments that bring us together and clearer communication about what’s happening on campus.”

“Your ideas matter, and I want to help turn them into action. Most importantly, I want to be someone you feel comfortable coming to. Whether it’s a concern, suggestion or just a simple conversation.” – Vershawn Johnson, junior business major and SGA presidential candidate

Johnson says he plans to advocate for clearer communication about parking availability, noting that “students often struggle to get spots during peak times.”

He says he plans to host events to help ease the financial burden of living on campus and will work to lower unnecessary student fees while also addressing issues involving dining and bookstore services.

“I feel like I’m a great candidate, because I have a lot of outreach,” says Johnson, explaining that he is involved in the Corps of Cadets, serves as an alumni student host and previously worked as a UNG tour guide. “It’s not always about what you know, it’s about who you know.”

“I aim to be a strong bridge between students and administration, making sure every voice is heard and valued,” he says. “By advocating for student needs while collaborating with the administration, I hope to create solutions that benefit the entire student body. My goal is for students to see that their input truly makes an impact on campus life.”

Michelle Matancillas

Michelle Matancillas, who has served as the director of communications and operations for Nighthawks Entertainment in Dahlonega, as a student orientation leader, and in multiple SGA roles including first-generation student senator, communications chair for Dahlonega and SGA communications director, says her campaign centers on improving communication across UNG’s five campuses.

“I have a passion for advocacy and a passion to hear the voice of the student body on all five campuses. Issues you may believe are too small for anyone to care about are the issues I want to highlight and solve.” – Michelle Matancillas, sophomore nursing major and SGA presidential candidate

Matancillas plans to improve communication between campuses by routinely providing updates through newsletters on UNG Connect and posts on the SGA Instagram.

She describes UNG as a “melting pot” of student organizations and says “an accomplishment done by the student leaders on one campus is an accomplishment for all campuses.”

However, Matancillas says she often hears that students on smaller campuses, such as Oconee and Blue Ridge, feel disconnected from the students on larger campuses like Dahlonega and Gainesville.

She says she plans to address this by increasing access to events, athletics and resources across all campuses, including SGA involvement.

“As a student, I often hear of other students who believe they are not being heard by the higher executives or admin of the university,” says Matancillas, adding that she plans to strengthen communication between students and university leadership.

Matancillas also plans to address concerns involving cost of attendance and housing availability by bringing awareness to university initiatives, such as discount programs with local businesses, the housing lottery system and campus shuttle services.

She says she hopes to use the presidential position to show other institutions within the University System of Georgia that “UNG is not an institution to look over, but one to take as an example of.”

Violeta Rico-Gomez

Violeta Rico-Gomez, an SGA Dahlonega campus chair, is campaigning for president on improving accessibility, student well-being and awareness of campus resources.

“I believe in collaboration, communication and growth, and if elected as president, I will make sure that every student’s voice is heard. I am committed to advocating for student voices, our resources that enhance academic success and resources that aid in mental health support and fostering a campus environment where all students can succeed.” – Violeta Rico-Gomez, sophomore biology major and SGA presidential candidate

Rico-Gomez says that while UNG continues to expand accommodations for students with accessibility needs, mobility barriers still exist across its campuses, including a lack of handicap-accessible door buttons inside the Dahlonega tutoring center.

“I will advocate for continued evaluation of campus facilities and improvements that ensure all students can access the resources they are provided equally,” she says.

She also plans to address student well-being by supporting discussions around policies that would allow students to take mental health days.

“Many students experience significant academic and personal stress throughout the semester,” Rico-Gomez says. “Ensuring that students have access to rest and recovery when needed ultimately contributes to greater academic performance and long-term success of students.”

Additionally, Rico-Gomez says she hopes to increase awareness of academic and counseling services provided by UNG, including supplemental instruction, tutoring and career services.

“My objective is to foster trust, collaboration and mutual understanding so that students and administrators feel their perspectives are respected and effectively represented,” she says.

Vice Presidential Candidates

Campus vice presidents oversee SGA efforts at their assigned campuses, including directing all SGA meetings. They collaborate with university leadership to represent the ideals and initiatives of the SGA president and Executive Council.

Dahlonega candidates include communications major Averie Wheeler, freshman biology major Akansha Aneesh Nair, sophomore security and strategic studies major Emeril Littleton and junior English major Sigourney Waina, who is also running for SGA president.

Averie Wheeler

Averie Wheeler says her top priorities as a vice presidential candidate are improving student resources and support, increasing inclusive student engagement across campuses and focusing on collaboration between students and campus leadership.

“I believe the role of vice president is about collaboration, transparency and ensuring that student voices help guide campus initiatives,” Wheeler says.

She says she hopes to increase student awareness and accessibility to academic support, mental health services and career services.

“I’m excited to run for vice president,” says Wheeler. “I am committed to working alongside SGA members, campus leaders and the student body to promote engagement, support new ideas and strengthen our campus community. If elected, I will strive to be a leader who listens, advocates and works to create positive opportunities for all students.”

Akansha Aneesh Nair

Akansha Aneesh Nair, a member of UNG’s Building Outstanding Leadership Development program, has centered her campaign on amplifying underrepresented voices.

“I believe everybody should have equal opportunity to voice their say at our university, and in order to do that, I will establish a positive environment for students to speak up, so that their voice can better our campus,” says Nair.

She says she wants to “be the bridge” between students and administrators, keeping all SGA members informed on “our world crisis.”

“I am running for the role of vice president in order to have a voice for the minority in the University of Georgia,” Nair says. “By voting me as the vice president, I can show my value to our campus and be the voice you deserve.”

Emeril Littleton

Emeril Littleton, a member of the Corps of Cadets, built his platform around service-driven leadership, student development initiatives and long-term skill building.

“My campaign will concentrate on three key priorities: ensuring everyone has the opportunity to be recognized, ensuring everyone feels safe on campus and ensuring that no one is left behind,” says Littleton, adding that growing up in a Marine family helped him develop a “deep passion” for serving his nation, community and peers.

“That passion brought me to the University of North Georgia, to find my purpose in an ever-changing world and to commit myself to something larger than myself,” he says. “This year, I promised that every action I take and every goal I pursue will keep UNG and the Corps of Cadets at its center.”

As a vice presidential candidate, Littleton says he will focus on three primary initiatives.

First, he plans to advocate for a program that teaches students everyday skills like budgeting, project management, networking, negotiation and more. Second, he says he will make sure SGA follows its organizational values of inclusion, collaboration, advocacy, integrity and engagement.

“The student body needs to know who we are, so they know where to bring their ideas and concerns,” says Littleton. “We can’t fix a problem if we don’t know what the problem is, and we have a responsibility of ensuring that everyone on this campus feels like they belong and matter. We might be governing at a macro level, but the micro matters too.”

Lastly, he says he will support the SGA president’s intent, because “a house divided will fall.” He promises that his dedication to SGA will be “unwavering and constant.”

Senate Chair Candidates

The senate chair works closely with the executive council, student leaders within SGA, to guide the organization’s legislative branch. The role includes presiding over legislative meetings and representative council meetings and serving as the interim president in the president’s absence.

Four candidates are running for this position: marketing major Presley Bartkow, freshman regents engineering pathways major Sydney Kennedy, junior biology major Jordan Dorsey and freshman security and strategic studies major Sal Pietrosanti.

Presley Bartkow

Presley Bartkow, a member of the Phi Mu sorority who serves on the Panhellenic Executive Council, is campaigning on a plan to break down the legislative process into manageable steps.

“I would motivate senators by making the legislative process clear, collaborative and impactful,” says Bartkow. “I’d start by helping them identify real student concerns they’re passionate about, so their work feels meaningful.”

She says her approach would include frequent check-ins, collaborative brainstorming sessions and recognizing progress. She would also implement a structured research, drafting and revising protocol during legislation development.

Sydney Kennedy

Sydney Kennedy, a 29-year old part-time student who also works full-time, says her campaign focuses on “making sure all students on campus have as much opportunity as possible to succeed while balancing their lives.”

She draws on her own experience as a nontraditional student attending UNG Gainesville, a commuter campus, to advocate for accessibility for support for students like herself.

“Everyone here is trying to balance classes and extracurriculars with jobs, family, et cetera,” says Kennedy. “UNG has so many opportunities for everyone to thrive, and I want to help with that.”

Jordan Dorsey

Jordan Dorsey, a biology major who works within the Northeast Georgia Health System, says his professional experience has taught him to “balance a busy schedule while staying focused on his goals.” He says he plans to create a structured environment in SGA where Senators feel confident contributing to the legislative process.

“I think one of my biggest things is making sure everyone understands the legislative process and how their work actually impacts students, because it’s easier to stay motivated when you see the purpose behind what you’re doing,” Dorsey says.

To make that process more manageable, he says he will break it down into smaller steps. He also plans to encourage communication among Senators and recognize when their efforts are successful.

“I believe that when people feel supported but also responsible, they’re more motivated to stay engaged and actually follow through with their work,” Dorsey says.

Sal Pietrosanti

Sal Pietrosanti, a member of the Corp of Cadets who serves as the academic chairman of his fraternity, is campaigning on organization, communication and building a strong support system for Senators.

Pietrosanti says he has been interested in politics throughout his life, and loves “getting to know as many people as possible and learning all he can about the school he goes to.”

“I have a true passion for making positive change and am willing to dedicate myself to serving the students of UNG,” he says.

To support Senators, Pietrosanti says he plans to be reachable at all times, break down issues into manageable steps, encourage collaboration, recognize hard work and independently research legislation topics as necessary.

“The main goals I set out to achieve are building a good culture for Senators to work in so they feel more confident and motivated, fostering open, clear communication and, overall, running as efficiently as possible for the students of UNG.

All candidates will continue campaigning throughout the week as voting remains open through April 3. To access the ballot, visit UNG Connect.