It's time to apply for elected positions in SGA for 2011-2012. In this and other posts this week, I'm looking at what it's like to serve in the various positions now available.
The Executive Branch, by far SGA’s largest, is where complex, ongoing programs and initiatives are implemented. Over 100 students serve as staff members in departments focused on academic affairs, health and wellness, environmental affairs, student organization supports, university facilities and operations, and other aspects of students’ experiences. Most students serving in the Executive Branch focus on one or two projects throughout the year with training and guidance from a more senior SGA member.
Only the top leadership positions in the Executive Branch are elected by the student body. Everybody else is appointed after the election by one of the leaders (or by one of their appointed department heads). The four elected positions are:
President
The SGA President takes the lead in setting SGA’s agenda, tone and strategy for the year; represents the entire undergraduate student body on formal occasions like Convocation and Commencement and in behind-the-scenes meetings about campus policies and plans; and manages a staff several layers deep, with over 100 members. The role of President is extraordinarily challenging, partly because you’re called upon to be so many things at once: a diplomat, a public speaker, a masterful organizer of people and information, a motivator and a mentor, all on top of your ongoing responsibilities as a student, a friend, etc. But the experience can be deeply rewarding and teach lessons for a lifetime.
Executive Vice President
Candidates for President and Executive Vice President run as teams. The Executive Vice President serves as the President’s partner and aide, with specific responsibilities depending on SGA’s needs and the individual leaders’ skills and interests. Executive Vice Presidents often play a large role in managing SGA’s internal operations while the President focuses on representing SGA and the student body to non-students. If you’re the Executive Vice President, you’ll play an integral part in shaping SGA’s culture and initiatives.
Vice President for Student Organizations
The VPSO guides the department of Student Organization Supports in providing information and help to UMBC’s 250+ student organizations. The VPSO also serves as a member of the SGA Finance Board and of the UMBC Student Organizations Committee, a student-staff group that manages the student organization recognition and registration processes. If you’re the VPSO, you’ll spend a lot of time each week in meetings, brainstorming and making plans and decisions with SGA colleagues, other students and staff.
Treasurer
The Treasurer is SGA’s chief financial officer, managing and tracking more than $750,000 in Student Activity Fee funds. This requires both diligent record-keeping and skill in communicating with the many people and organizations relying on the funds. The Treasurer provides training to all student organization Treasurers, serves as the first point of contact for student organizations’ funding requests, and serves as a member of the SGA Finance Board. If you are the SGA Treasurer, you’ll have your fingers on the pulse of campus life.
My favorite things about the Executive Branch leadership positions: These positions are responsible for managing a surprisingly complex enterprise, one that touches thousands of students and involves a budget in the hundreds of thousands of dollars. The positions’ extraordinary demands and challenges are matched by unparalleled opportunities to make a difference at UMBC and develop new skills. There is no better vantage from which to learn how UMBC works and become a part of campus history.
