Student government announces agenda

A new group of officers is taking charge of the Student Government Association at North Lake College.

“I want to represent students and in the process become aware of my leadership [skills] and for them [students] to realize the leader in themselves,” said Secretary Muyassar “Mimi” El-Khalili.

Led by President Sibongile Mlambo, known to friends as “Sib,” the officers have developed an agenda aimed at bettering student life.

“We're all working together,” said Mlambo. Group members meet weekly to discuss their agenda and future plans for NLC.

“They understand the value of one [person] contributing to the power of the unit,” said Dawn Lassiter, department assistant with Student Programs and Resources. As a past president of SGA, Lassiter offers insight and experience to student leaders.

There are certain goals the officers of the SGA wish to attain before the end of their term. One goal is “to get eCampus working,” said El-Khalili. The SGA elections were delayed in September because of eCampus complications, although students have since reported improvements following upgrades made at the beginning of October.

Another objective involves public transportation. Students at El Centro College receive a free bus pass for taking six credit hours or more, according to the El Centro Web site. SGA leaders would like North Lake students to receive similar benefits for riding the DART system to and from school.

Working towards creating a Student Life Center has been a longtime goal for SGA and the campus community. Officers have suggested the inclusion of a “meditation room” in the student life center.

Additional goals include a scholarship fund for international students, the mentoring of high school students and addressing textbook costs.

SGA is a mystery to some students. Officers would like to change that by forming a committee to promote SGA.

“The power belongs to the students, and they need to know that,” said Lassiter. “Student government is the voice for them.” The SGA officers meet every Monday at 2 p.m. in room A-346. Students are welcome to participate.