The Student Government Association (SGA) functions as a primary department within college communities. They take on the responsibility of making influential changes that will last and spark interest among the student body. Here at Eastern University, student leaders are ready to listen up and tackle big and small issues alike, with the hopes to see the college reach its full potential.
Many freshmen may not know this, but visitation did not always have such flexible timing. The old policy hours were 4:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday (excluding Wednesday), and 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Due to the persistence of last year’s SGA executive board, visitation took off in another direction that most say is for the better. SGA President Gianna D’afflisio and Executive Board VP Rachael Graham were willing to provide that side of the policy change process.
A debate over what hours benefit the campus community as a whole was what spurred SGA action. D’afflisio says, “From all of the issues at hand, visitation policy was the biggest area of dissatisfaction.” Once SGA received comments regarding the matter, they immediately went straight to work. The board decided to collect feedback and data from the students to know the range of hours they felt was most appropriate and considerate to others. A survey was conducted and word quickly spread, recommending every student participate in a one-time chance. D’afflisio emphasized, “The policy was about 12 years over from its previous change. We collected much research from students, staff, and the CCU (Council for Christian Colleges and Universities), which is a policy system used to compare with other Christian Universities around the country.”
For best results, a trial run had to take place in order to determine its success at EU. The trial run for visitation was a huge factor in the voting process. SGA and staff paid close attention to see whether changed hours would increase the amount of fines and rules broken; if so, the proposal would have been denied. Graham concluded that, “The numbers stood quite low for the trail run, would supported the decision to stay permanent once complete. Two meetings were held for the change; first discussion then voting. This was very significant because most policy changes do not occur only after two meetings.”
What’s next? SGA has potential future projects, and hopes to better the EU community. Two possible upcoming goals are to create a solid recycling program at Eastern, such as more green bin access around campus, and accommodate a new policy for on-campus apartment residence in regards to meal plans. No promises have been made regarding when or how these may be accomplished. Both D’afflisio and Graham are happy to be leading the way for Eastern’s student government, and they encourage students to voice their opinions in order to help fulfill their dreams.