Students interested in becoming Student Government Association officers for the 2020-2021 school year have until March 16 at 4 p.m. to apply.
Open positions include: president, vice president, treasurer, secretary and public relations director.
Election packets, which differ across Miami Dade College’s eight campuses, can be found in the Student Life department. They list position descriptions, responsibilities, requirements and campaigning procedures.
“An SGA president needs to understand how diverse MDC is, and have a grasp on the population on their campus specifically,” said Kendall Campus SGA President Samantha Hernandez. “Understanding MDC is a big part of the job. Also, the traditional qualities, like leading a big group of people, being understanding, patient.”
The SGA represents the interests and concerns of students to the College’s leadership and state legislative bodies. Officers attend weekly meetings, participate in leadership seminars, coordinate campus events and organize service initiatives.
Genesis Johnson, the SGA president at North Campus, believes officers must be well-organized, responsible and have a genuine interest in finding out what students need.
“You have to have a natural easiness with everyone on campus, really get to know the students that attend your campus, really get to know the culture and have a basic understanding of the culture [at MDC],” she said.
Applicants must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at MDC while they serve. They must be in good academic standing, have a high school diploma or equivalent and have at least a 2.0 to 3.0 grade point average, depending on the requirement at their respective campus.
Candidates will be notified if their name will appear on the ballot by March 20.
Campaigning will take place March 23 through April 8. Students are only allowed to campaign in areas approved by Student Life, and need permission from professors to advertise in their classrooms. Applicants are prohibited from campaigning in the library, at any Student Life office or within 100 feet of any voting sites.
Voting will take place between April 6-8 on the MDC website through a link provided by Student Life. Students can also vote at a computer station that will be present at each campus during election season.
Results will be announced on April 9.
“I’ve learned a lot in the position,” Hernandez said. “If you’re a traditional student—think of non-traditional students when you make decisions. When you speak to administrators, think about the moms, people who work 9-5 and come later in the evening.”
For more information about SGA elections, contact the Student Life department at any MDC campus.
