SGA to return this fall
Six positions open; elections Sept. 17 & 18

By Matt Keyser, Staff Writer

The Student Government Association - disbanded in February - is back at North Lake College this semester. All six positions are open, and elections are scheduled for Sept. 18-19, campus officials said.

"Holding a SGA office is a wonderful opportunity to learn leadership skills and represent the student body at NLC, the [county college] district, and in the community," said Virginia Jones, director of Student Programs and Resources, or SPAR.

The SGA collapsed in February after elected officers faced scheduling confl icts, encountered academic concerns, transferred to another school or confronted other problems.

Dr. Gabriel Bach, then a SGA co-advisor, said at the time: "When I learned . the majority of SGA officers would be unable to return to the organization, I felt dispirited because the SGA no longer could voice its opinion to the administration."

But Jones remains optimistic that a new slate of SGA officers will be elected and pick up where the previous association left off - planning a Student Life Center for the campus and working to obtain free DART bus passes for all North Lake students.

The SGA program allows students to speak to the administration through their elected peers. Students vote each fall for a president, vice president, secretary, parliamentarian, historian, and treasurer.

Weekly meetings are held throughout the semester to let students voice their opinions on what could make NLC a better, more enjoyable campus.

Any student seeking election is encouraged to have a true passion for the students of NLC and government, Jones said. Holding office requires several hours each week.

Each officer also must be available to serve on college committees and attend conferences.

SGA candidates must register at the SPAR office, Room A-223, no later than Sept. 7.

Students can cast their ballots Sept. 18-19 outside that same office