SGA looks to rebuild engagement
Efforts will be refocused.
Yoga, part of mental health
awareness, slated for May 12.
By Noah Lopez
Knightly News Reporter
Central Penn College’s Student Government Association is continuing its efforts to strengthen student engagement on campus, with a renewed focus on awareness, connection and student-driven initiatives.
SGA, which works to address student concerns and improve everyday campus life, is building plans around what students want to see, while also creating opportunities for involvement and growth.
“Our goal is to increase student engagement and give people a place to go to in order to voice their opinions,” Abbee Breski, SGA adviser and athletic success coach, said.
Student-driven direction
A major part of the SGA’s approach is keeping the organization centered on student input. Meetings throughout the term are used to gather feedback, discuss ideas and shape future events.
The first meeting of the term, which is not open to general attendance, focuses on identifying student needs. A midterm meeting is open to the public and allows students to hear updates and share their thoughts. The final meeting of the term is also a private meeting of SGA with college leadership to discuss larger initiatives and concerns.
SGA members said these conversations help guide what the organization works on, including event planning and campus improvements.
Breski said SGA open meetings are announced on the CPC app, in emails and by resident assistants. The organization holds elections in the summer term.
An SGA office candidate must:
- Have a GPA of at least 2.8.
- Be enrolled in at least 6 credits per term.
- Be able to attend meetings.
- Present a petition signed by at least 10 students.
- Be recommended by a faculty member.
Events with purpose
This term, the SGA is placing an emphasis on events that not only bring students together but also provide useful takeaways.
One of the main initiatives is a mental-health and sleep-health awareness campaign planned for May. The campaign will include sleep checklists posted across campus, along with a yoga event aimed at helping students manage stress and improve sleep habits.
The yoga session is scheduled for May 12, from 4 to 4:45 p.m., and organizers expect it to include 12 to 15 participants. Students will need to sign up in advance and to bring their own towel or blanket.
“The plans are to not only bring awareness to mental health, but to bring awareness to sleep health, which is extremely important,” Jalicia Johnson, SGA social media coordinator, said.
Johnson said a class project focused on sleep health, along with her own personal experience, generated the idea for the activities.
“I struggle with sleep health myself, so I figured it would be good to bring attention to it,” she said.
The campaign will be promoted through bulletin boards, social media and outreach by resident assistants.
Photo by Noah Lopez
Building on past ideas
The SGA is also looking to expand on ideas from previous terms, including workshops and events that connect more directly to students’ majors and interests.
After seeing strong engagement from events like panel-style discussions, the group is exploring ways to create more opportunities for students to hear from people in specific fields of study.
These types of events are meant to be more relatable and useful, giving students a better sense of direction and connection in their academic paths.
Role on campus
While the Activities Advisory Board focuses more on social and recreational events, SGA’s role centers on advocacy, awareness and improving the student experience.
This includes addressing concerns, bringing attention to important topics and creating educational opportunities, such as initiatives focused on mental health, life skills and student success.
“I think there is a serious power in talking to people and learning their stories,” Breski said. “I think engagement comes from first building relationships.”
Looking ahead
With a focus on connection and student voice, the SGA leaders say they are continuing to build momentum throughout the term and into the future.
The organization wants new members, with plans to recruit students starting this summer.
Through events, outreach and conversations, the SGA hopes to continue creating a space where students feel heard, supported and more connected to campus life.
Club co-vice president and secretary Alex Foley contributed reporting.
Lopez is president of The Knightly News Media Club @ Central Penn College.
Comment or story idea? Contact [email protected].
Edited by media-club co-adviser and this blog’s editor, Professor Michael Lear-Olimpi.
