Student Government Association Blog - Your Student Body. Your Student Voice. SGA.

Student Government Association Blog

Your Student Body. Your Student Voice. SGA.

How to Follow Campus Elections

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Hey Bears!  

This blog will outline three pieces of advice for you all to follow the upcoming spring SGA Election and prepare to vote. If you have questions about the election, please reach out to SGA Chief Elections Commissioner Emily Chandler ec6364s@MissouriState.edu. Chief Chandler oversees all details related to the Spring election including the candidates, elections code, and polling stations. Additionally, you can expect updates about the election on our Instagram, which is @mostatesga.  

  1. Understand the lingo. Campus elections involve terminology that you may or may not be familiar with. Below you can find definitions to key terms that are important to know.
General Terms
    • Ticket – A team of three individuals who have agreed to run a campaign together, and work alongside one another for the subsequent year. For Student Body includes a Student Body President Candidates, Student Body Vice President Candidate, and Campaign Manager. For Senior Class tickets, this includes a Senior Class Candidate, and Campaign Manager. The Campaign Manager for a Student Body ticket traditionally is appointed Chief of Staff if elected, but this is not required.
    • Platform – A list of projects, and initiatives a ticket hopes to complete, if elected.
    • Elections Code – An SGA document outlining all rules for the SGA Election. This document is open to the public and can be found on the SGA website. 
    • SGA Leadership – This often refers to the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Senior Class President, and Chief of Staff. This team is not required by the SGA Constitution, but often works together to make decisions for SGA, and the broader student body. 
Voting Terms
    • Abstain – Declining to vote on one question/issue on a ballot.
    • Vote No Confidence – A vote that expresses a lack of support for a candidate or issue on the ballot. 
  2. Follow campaign accounts and review each tickets platform. Campaign accounts are where you can learn more about Candidates.  Platforms are your way to know what you are voting for, and what Candidates hope to accomplish if elected. 
    • Student Body President/Vice President Campaign (on instagram) – @votecollinsam
    • Senior Class President Campaign (on instagram) – @Bekah4seniors
  3. Ask the candidates questions. Asking questions is a great way to better understand the Candidates. The perfect time to ask questions would be a Candidate Open Forum.  
    • Candidate open forums will be on March 25th, 2025, at 7pm in PSU 313.

Student Governor Search

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Hey Bears! We are in the process of selecting a new Student Governor. Check out this blog for more information on the position and learn how to apply!

Benefits

  • Board of Governors parking pass & Maroon parking pass
  • Personal invitations to university events, including athletic events
  • Member of the platform party at commencement ceremonies
  • Public recognition with an award and resolution at the end of term

Responsibilities

  • Attendance at all Board meetings, including an annual meeting on the West Plains campus and retreat.
    • Traveling expenses are reimbursed
  • Review pre-meeting materials

Application Process

  1. Submit you application by March 7th (the application can be found in a recent email sent out by Student Body President Schiele)
  2. Potentially attend an interview on the week for March 10th-14th

Questions? Contact a Former Student Governor (Acting and Appointed)

If you have questions feel free to reach out to Bradley Cooper, Briar Douglas, or Susan Hardy via email.

Susan Hardy – srh873s@missouristate.edu

  • Acting Student Governor (2024-2025)

Bradley Cooper – bcooper@hbstrategies.us

  • Appointed Student Governor (2023-2024)

Briar Douglas – briardouglas@missouristate.edu

  • Appointed Student Governor (2020-2023)

SGA Day at the Capitol Recap

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Hello, my name is Robert-Thomas Gumersell, and I am the Director of University Affairs for SGA. On February 5th, I joined about 36 student leaders from Missouri State to attend our annual Day at The Capitol event. In addition to attending the event, I also helped plan the events of the day and carried out these plans alongside Executive Vice President Zora Mulligan and Vice President for Student Affairs Dr. Siscoe.

We hit the ground running from start to finish, doing things ranging from being recognized by both the State House and Senate, to meeting several legislators, to receiving a free lunch, and finally, touring the state capitol. We also had the opportunity to speak to and hear from several Missouri State alumni, as well as former United States Senator Roy Blunt.

Overall, the event was a huge success and was filled with memorable moments. To anyone who has never attended this event before, I highly recommend that you do so next February. You can attend the event even if you’re not in the S.G.A., just as long as you sign up on time. 

Black History Month: A Legacy of Strength, A Future of Possibilities

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February is more than just another month, it’s a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration. Black History Month honors the resilience, brilliance, and impact of Black individuals throughout history. This month is an important reminder of how far we’ve come, how much we’ve overcome, and how much work still lies ahead. 

At Missouri State University, diversity is not just a word, it’s a commitment. This month gives us a chance to not only acknowledge Black history but to actively engage with it, learn from it, and carry its lessons forward. 

More Than a Month, More Than a Moment 

Black history is often reduced to a handful of names and events, but its influence runs far deeper. That influence is found in the creativity of artists, innovation of scientists, the leadership of activists, and everyday excellence of Black individuals pushing boundaries in every field. 

From the civil rights movement to present-day advocacy, Black change-makers have continuously shaped history. And that history is not just something to study, it’s something to live. Right here at MSU, Black students, faculty, and staff are making history in real-time, breaking barriers, leading organizations, and driving change on campus and beyond. 

The Power of Acknowledgment and Action 

Representation matters, but representation alone isn’t enough. True progress happens when we move beyond acknowledgment and take real action. That means creating spaces where Black voices are heard, where Black achievements are celebrated, and where systemic barriers are actively dismantled. 

This month, challenge yourself to do more than just observe. Engage. Educate yourself. Support Black businesses. Attend campus events. Have real conversations about race, equity, and inclusion. Most importantly, carry that energy beyond February because Black history is being made every single day. 

Ways to Get Involved This Month (and Beyond) 

Show Up & Learn – Attend events that highlight Black culture, history, and contributions. Listen to speakers, join discussions, and engage with new perspectives. 

Support Black Creators & Businesses – Whether it’s a local Black-owned business, an independent artist, or a content creator, your support makes a difference. 

Educate Yourself – Read books by Black authors, watch documentaries, and explore history that often is not taught in textbooks. Knowledge is power. 

Speak Up – Advocate for inclusivity, challenge bias, and amplify Black voices in your everyday conversations and spaces. 

A Collective Responsibility 

Black History Month is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward. It’s about recognizing the contributions of the past while actively shaping a future where equity, representation, and opportunity exist for everyone. 

At MSU, we have the power to foster an environment where diversity is celebrated not just in February but every single day. Let’s make that commitment together! 

– Christabel Ghansah, Director of Diversity and Inclusion, SGA 

Interpersonal Violence Prevention Events for Spring 2025

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Welcome back to school, Bears! My name is J Torres, and I am the Chief Interpersonal Violence Prevention (IVP) Commissioner in SGA. The SGA IVP Commission is a group of students who work on projects to prevent and bring awareness to interpersonal crimes. As the spring semester begins, I want to take a moment to share some notable events in the upcoming months to educate the student body about preventing interpersonal violence incidents and provide resources for survivors to utilize. 

January is Stalking Awareness Month, and on Thursday, January 30th – 6:00 PM in (PSU 400 – Union Club), we are thrilled to have Criminology professor, Paula Rector, talk to students about the serious crime of stalking. Young adults from ages 18-24 experience the highest rates of stalking, yet it is not talked about enough on college campuses. With the rise of newer technology and the use of social media, it is crucial that we properly address the dangers of stalking and ensure resources are available. Ms. Rector is involved in the local community, serving on the Greene County Domestic Violence Task Force, and contributing her time to a domestic violence shelter. She has also played a key role in the development of a local family justice center, and she is instrumental in organizing the exceedingly popular Stop the Violence conference held on the Missouri State campus. 

In February, we hope you’ll participate in our events for Healthy Relationships Week. This takes place around Valentine’s Day in February and aims to promote healthy relationships and prevent domestic violence and sexual assault. On Wednesday, February 12th – 4:30 PM  join us for “Mocktails & Memories” where we’ll have mocktail drinks and card-making to promote healthy relationships among your peers, and on Thursday, February 13th – 4:30 pm, through a short film, students can learn how to identify warning signs of an unhealthy relationship, help a friend experiencing abuse, and promote healthy relationship behaviors. Locations for these events will be announced on the SGA Instagram (mostatesga) closer to their event date. 

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and to recognize this month, SGA’s IVP commission will be hosting three events to provide an opportunity to connect with resources available across campus. On Monday, April 7th – 6 pm (PSU 314), we will be collaborating with different organizations across campus to host a discussion on sexual assault awareness and how we can build a stronger community for students during their time at Missouri State University. On Tuesday, April 8th – 7 pm, meet us at the plaza in front of Magers Health & Wellness. We will be taking a walk on campus to unite students and raise awareness of sexual violence as a concern for public health, safety, and social justice. The Counseling Center will be joining this event to host a relaxing activity after and provide an opportunity for students to speak to counselors if needed. Lastly, we ask that you wear denim this month to support victims of sexual assault. On Wednesday, April 9, 4:30 pm, we will host Denim Day, which highlights misconceptions about sexual violence. A location for this event will also be announced closer to the event date.  

The IVP Commission hopes that by planning and hosting these events, we can build a safer campus for students. There are many resources available on and off campus if you or somebody you know is going through a challenging time. SGA is committed to maintaining an environment that is safe and free from sexual violence, sexual harassment, and sexual assault including domestic or dating violence, and stalking. Take care of yourselves and your peers this semester. Below you will find a link to Missouri State Title IX Office which you can look into for resources.  

https://www.missouristate.edu/TitleIX/default.htm