The Student Government Association (SGA) is getting ready for the upcoming fall semester at APSU. There are numerous events and programs this association provides that students can take advantage of, such as the Peay Pickup.
“There are so many opportunities to become involved, and students really need to begin taking advantage of that,” said Jessi Dillingham, vice president of the SGA. “I would also like to see a greater amount of students who participate in weekend events.”
Some of these upcoming events include the Back to School Picnic on Sunday, Aug. 25, at 11 a.m. in the UC and the Rec Crawl on Monday, Aug. 26, at 6 p.m. in the Foy Fitness Center.
“Many students leave APSU on the weekends,” Dillingham said, “and I would love to see that change. There are many weekend events this fall, and I hope that students will stay in town for those events.”
Christopher Hayes, senior senator of the SGA said he wants to see the APSU “expand its presence” in a variety of ways.
“[These ways] could include coordinating more community based events such as G.H.O.S.T.,” Hayes said, “or by pioneering ideas that are ‘outside of the box.’”
Hayes also mentioned new ideas for events such as building a potato cannon or bike races that could “raise awareness for a specific cause and also benefit our community as a whole.”
Hayes predicted students will be most excited about Mudbowl and Homecoming Week.
“These events involve a lot of school tradition and spirit and always involve a significant part of the student population.”
Dillingham said she encourages students who are reluctant to become involved in campus life to give it a shot.
“Just do it.” Dillingham said. “Get involved on campus. Go to an involvement fair and attend any events that catch your eye. Many events on campus are free to students, so there is no excuse not to go.”
According to Dillingham, students should find a few organizations or events that they would like to become a part of, and join in.
Hayes wants students to follow their passions, he said.
“By following their passions, they will be led to organizations filled with people who have similar interests. Surrounding yourself with people that share your interests can help provide that first step into involvement on campus while removing a sense of anxiety.”
