Deadline To Apply For 2016-17 Student Government Office Set For February 26

Candidates interested in running for a 2016-17 Student Government Association office position need to apply by Feb. 26.

Applicants at all Miami Dade College campuses must be in clear academic standing, have at least a cumulative GPA of 2.5, be enrolled in at least six credits, with the majority of the classes being at the campus they are campaigning for, and they must have a high school diploma or the equivalent.  

Election packets are available at all MDC Student Life departments. Among the positions available are: president, vice president, secretary, treasurer, public relations director and governmental relations director.

If any position is unopposed, the candidate would need at least 50 percent of their campus vote to win.

“It’s been almost a year since I received the email that I was elected…” said Stephanie Nolasco, SGA president at North Campus. “Ever since then, I have grown so much as an individual and student leader. I have met a lot of amazing people and created more meaningful friendships, had a chance to make improvements in the issues that I was passionate about, and have better organizational and leadership skills.”

Each position allows the candidate to develop themselves into more effective leaders. Students are given an opportunity to create positive change in their community.

Student Government Association offers community service opportunities, leadership development and a chance to create more meaningful relationships with like-minded people who want to better their campus and community.

One example of campus correlation is when the SGA presidents from all different campuses coordinated a college-wide Awareness and Preparedness Against School Shootings (APASS) forum to webcam and hear about concerns and opinions on gun violence. Through the voices of the students, SGA was able to inform administration with how students feel.

“Joining SGA is a great opportunity because as an individual it lets you network with different people in and out of campus,” said Vernika Chalumeau, SGA vice president at Homestead Campus. “You get the chance to let your senators hear your voice [on] different topics.”

Selected candidates will undergo officer training and plan initiatives and events for the upcoming school year. Elections will take place from March 21 through March 23.

Winners will be notified by April 8.