Press Clipping: Central Michigan University - SGA Cabinet members spotlight: What are the goals for spring 2024?

SGA Cabinet members spotlight: What are the goals for spring 2024?

January 01, 2024
By Courtney Boyd

Central Michigan Life spoke with three leading cabinet members: President Tyler Zimmerman, Vice President Ryan Biller and Treasurer Natalie Brant to discuss their upcoming plans and goals for SGA in the spring semester, as well as offer advice to students.

CM Life: What are your goals for SGA this semester?

Zimmerman: "We want to continue to support students. There are some policy changes that were made this semester that students aren't happy with, and we want to continue fighting for them and their voices."

    - Zimmerman also spoke about being excited for the upcoming election cycle in SGA.
    - One of his personal goals is to host a "Presidents Round Table" were he meets with the presidents of all the RSOs and learns how SGA can serve them better.

Biller: "My job is to oversee internal operations, or committee chairs, and helping them achieve their goals and make things happen. I'm hoping to help them further push those ideas along this semester. Something more personal to me is the constitution and bylaws changes. The committee and I have been working really hard to get it right and I'm excited to see it pass." Biller briefly discussed some of these changes, such as:

    - The implementation of a judicial system alongside the current executive and legislative branches
    - Creating new committees.

Brant: "I've been working on two big things this year. SBAC (Student Budget Allocation Committee) is one of those, and we've been doing really well managing our funds this year. We're sitting nicely on applications right now, RSOs are getting the funds they need, and we're hoping to continue that success. I'm also a part of the Menstrual Hygiene Initiative on campus, and we're working to expand the distribution of menstrual products across campus."

    - Brant explained that funds are limiting this initiative.
    - She said menstrual products are distributed in the University Center bathrooms roughly three times a week
    - They are working on expanding distribution to the Student Activity Center and campus library.

CM Life: In what ways do you see SGA improving from last semester into this one?

Zimmerman: "We're gonna try to improve our overall projects within committees. I know we have the Hack-a-thon event coming up, date to be determined, that the business college is hosting, and we're just hoping to see some community involvement. Maybe the winner of that event can bring some new ideas to SGA as well."

Biller: "As you know we attended ASGA (the American Student Government Association conference) last semester. I think during that audit we found places that we need to improve, and by making our documents up to date we can achieve those goals and bring more clarity to students."

Brant: "Everyone's in a comfortable position now. At the start of the year, everyone in new and getting used to things, but now that they know what they're doing I'm hoping they can execute their passion projects within committees and maybe beyond SGA."

CM Life: What's one thing you want to say to the CMU student body going into this semester?

Zimmerman: "We're here to support you, whatever your issues are, and advocate on your behalf. Don't be shy. Our office is always open, and feel free to email us. We'll hear your concerns and fight on your behalf."

Biller: "It's the last one before summer, so make it the best (semester). Make sure to take care of your classes and health, and if there's anything you'd like to see done (at CMU) you can reach out to us."

Brant: "Something that's unique to right now is being excited to be back on campus again. We're in this place after about four years of struggle were it's exciting to be here again. I think students getting fired up is a good thing to do this semester."