Want To Be President? SGA Is Accepting Candidate Applications

Student government association is accepting applications for the 2018-19 school year at each campus’ Student Life department until March 12 at 4 p.m.

The SGA serves as a conduit between administration and students. To hold a position, students must complete office hours and attend meetings.

Applicants must have a high school diploma or its equivalent, earned at least nine college credits. They also must be enrolled in at least six credits at the campus they’re running for office for during the candidacy period and during their office term.

Depending on each campus’ SGA constitution, the minimum required GPA to run ranges from 2.5 to 3.0.

For specific information pertaining to each campus’ elections, students can call or visit their respective Student Life office. Students can also find out what positions are up for election at the campus, accompanied by a detailed description of each post.

To apply, candidates must turn in their declaration of candidacy, a copy of the candidate’s degree audit, a validated class schedule and a letter of recommendation from a faculty member.

Applicants will be notified of their eligibility status by email on March 16. Campaigning will run from March 19 through April 1 and the election will be held from April 2 to April 4. All enrolled students will be able to vote online by logging in with their Miami Dade College student portal credentials.

During the 2017-18 election, voter turnout was dismal. At Hialeah Campus, the total voter turnout was 156.

The number of candidates during elections also wavered. At Kendall Campus, every position except the presidential ticket ran unopposed and at West Campus, the president, treasurer and secretary tickets had no opponents.

“We hope to increase this [year’s] turnout by increasing the time we have voting tables set up and a focus will be placed on encouraging the candidates to campaign,” said Hialeah Campus Student Life director Kimberly Tupy. “They are the best to inform their peers about the election and educate them about the importance, motivating fellow students to get out and cast a vote.”

Results will be announced on April 6.