Sidney Dement, a senior political science major, wants to see more parking spaces for commuter students. He also thinks synchronized traffic lights on campus would be a good idea, so motorists could drive through Harrison Street without having to stop at each block.
If he were elected into the Student Government Association, Dement might just be able to propose such changes. Now, all he needs are 75 signatures.
The SGA held an information session Monday for students interested in running for Senate. Current senators told the 15 students in attendance the requirements and application process for candidacy. One requirement is for each potential candidate to amass 75 signatures from students.
Dement, who plans to enter politics when he graduates, said being involved in the SGA would allow him to get his feet wet.
“Plus,” he added, “it looks good on the resume.”
Derek Austin, chair of the publicity and joint elections committees, broke down the application process at the meeting. Candidates for Senate need 75 signatures by Friday to be eligible to vie for 25 of 50 seats. All candidates must then attend mandatory information sessions.
The SGA, Austin said, allows students to voice their concerns to the administration.
To print out an application or to find more information, visit www.vcusga.com
“We are the representatives of the entire student body,” he said. “The SGA is the conduit for those concerns to the administration.”
Students must be registered for at least one credit on the Monroe Park Campus to run. Undergraduates need a cumulative grade point average of 2.0, and graduate students must have at least a 3.0.
John Michelli, a third-year computer engineering major, said the SGA seems to embody exactly what he’s looking for.
“I’d be able to surround myself with other motivated people who like fighting for causes,” he said. “I like those kind of people.”