UnitedSGA intends to develop new ways to become involved with students on campus through their leadership experience with the addition of a 24-hour study facility and new programs for student achievement.
Kirsten Kube, UnitedSGA vice presidential candidate, said that she wants to see the students across campus become more connected as a Hokie community.
"I am very passionate about uniting all of the students, and I cannot stress that enough," Kube said. "A lot of students do not know what SGA does, and I think that SGA needs to reach out to students through our plans for a variety of programs for the students."
Kirsten added that she wants to start a program that would connect the students directly to the university.
"I am intending to start a program called 'Hokie Connect', which is my vision for how we would reach out to students," Kube said.
Bobby Thomas, UnitedSGA secretary candidate, said that another issue on campus is trying to connect the administration to what the students' needs are.
"Trying to connect the administration to the SGA, and then to the students is difficult," Thomas said. "A lot of issues, like the 24-hour study facility, do not surface to the dean. We need to be the bridge between the administration's concerns and the students' concerns, which is a big problem that is overlooked and expected. It is our job to be that bridge to make sure that the ideas and feedback are coming from both ends and not just one side."
Alex Miller, UnitedSGA presidential candidate, said that the addition of a 24-hour study facility was something that he wanted to see implemented next year on campus.
"When you look at campus there are approximately 9,000 students in a confined area," Miller said. "There is no other set area around Tech that has 9,000 students in one place. When you are on campus and you need to study, you need somewhere quiet and easily accessible to be able to do that."
Miller added that it is easier to study when you live off campus because there is more room to spread out in your apartment and you have your own room to yourself.
Ricardo Boulware, UnitedSGA treasurer candidate, said that having the study facility on campus would provide more convenience for those students who live in the dorms.
"We do not currently have a 24-hour bus system," Boulware said. "That is not a feasible option because there is not enough operational staffing, and the 24-hour service would not be cost effective to maintain."
Boulware added that the math emporium is available for student use 24-hours a day, but it is not convenient for all students who attend the university.
Kube said if Tech has a 24-hour study facility off campus, there should also be one campus.
"It is the issue of equality," Kube said. "There is no excuse because of the caliber of Tech. We are such an advanced and large university, so there is no reason why there should not be a 24-hour study facility on campus."
UnitedSGA presidential and vice presidential candidates also discussed the issue of prior leadership before entering a new SGA position.
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