The Student Government Association (SGA) gathered to discuss critical topics concerning student life, including updates on community events, mental health initiatives, and student engagement. The meeting allowed SGA members to present new ideas and address challenges facing the student body.
One of the highlights was the success of Career Day, which 80 students attended across two sessions. The event received positive feedback, showcasing the importance of student participation in campus activities. SGA members were tasked with encouraging other student clubs to become more actively involved in upcoming initiatives.
Among these initiatives is the One Stop Community Christmas Event, for which a toy drive donation is planned for children between 5 and 9 years old. Fundraising efforts could also match donations, emphasizing the need for strong student involvement. Additionally, plans for the upcoming Red Cross Blood Drives were discussed, with events scheduled for Jan. 28 and April 17. These initiatives reflect the SGA’s ongoing commitment to fostering community engagement.
Another critical initiative involves the “Stuff the Turkey” event, which will run from Nov. 4th to Nov. 27th. Each participating club or group will be given a box and some supplies to decorate it like a turkey. They will then give the box back to us. Each turkey will have a sign-in sheet to track what is donated. Students may then “stuff” the turkeys with their donations. The turkey that receives the most donations will win a prize.
Active Minds humbly asks for help collecting donations, spreading the word, and creating box kits for each participating club or group. This fundraiser will support the Mattoon Food Pantry, the LLC Food Pantry, and One Stop Community Christmas. Everyone on campus is encouraged to contribute to the success of this community-driven initiative.
During the meeting, students raised concerns about the bookstore’s lack of fresh coffee options, including the absence of K-Cups, which could inconvenience those needing quick refreshments between classes. These issues were brought to the attention of SGA members for future consideration.
The meeting also focused on enhancing student safety and mental health. Members presented proposals to Dr. Bullock, outlining ways to implement mental health training for students and staff. Following the Active Minds model, the goal is to address mental health challenges through resources and support initiatives. Dr. Bullock emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of declining student attendance, noting that more effort needs to be put into engaging students and promoting participation across campus.
Looking ahead, the SGA discussed ideas to boost student participation. One initiative proposed was the “Attendance Matters” campaign, which promotes the value of regular class attendance. Potential motivators included gift cards or recognition for students who maintain good attendance.
Additional feedback included fulfilling student requests for more microwaves in the west building and addressing issues with the ice machine. Progress was also made on completing the memorial wall for student trustees, which is a meaningful addition to campus life.
Looking ahead, the SGA is focused on improving campus life. They want to increase community involvement and support student well-being. A lot is happening, and student involvement is crucial to their success. The upcoming events will only thrive if everyone participates.
