Fall 2021 SGA Semester Recap

FALL 2021 SEMESTER RECAP Newsletter of A&M-SA Student Government Association

Fall 2021 Volume No.1

Written and Produced by: Director of Communications, Brandan Salazar and Senators, Lanie Perez, Angela Diaz, Xochilt Garcia, Natali Acha, Andrea Rodriguez

The voices of today for the changes of tomorrow One University Way Central Academic Building, Suite 103 San Antonio, TX 78224 Email: sga@jaguar.tamu.edu Phone Number: 210-784-1333

@TAMUSASGA

by Natali Acha

Come out to keep the tradition of Madla Maroon Monday alive! Grab your free Madla Maroon gear!

Must present student ID at check-in to receive items.

First come, first serve.

January 31, 2022 February 28, 2022 March 28, 2022 April 25, 2022

by Angela Diaz

Come out to meet our SGA representatives! Share comments and concerns regarding your thoughts within the campus.

January 18, 2022 February 1, 2022 March 1, 2022 April 15, 2022

by Angela Diaz

MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Jacob Goldstein President

Iris Castillo Vice President

Faye Suficiencia Director of Diversity and Inclusion

by Andrea Rodriguez & Lanie Perez

Brandan Salazar Director of Communications

Deane Gumila Treasurer

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS REPS

Kirsten Garcia Speaker of the Senate

Mercedes Rodriguez C.O.E.H.D. Senator

Dennis Pendley C.O.B. Senator

Class senators:

Fayaz Lal Senior Senator

Angela Diaz Junior Senator

Irene Cena Freshman Senator

Not Pictured: C.O.B. Senator's: Adamary Olivares Ramos, Leila Muzquiz, Minahil Farhan Sophomore Senator: Haydee Gonzalez Cejas Esperanza Hall Senator's: Eliza Olvera, Josselyn Cervantes

by Andrea Rodriguez & Lanie Perez

STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATIONS REPS

Natali Acha C.O.A.S. Senator

Xochilt Garcia Senate Secretary

Andrea "Dre" Rodriguez C.O.A.S. Senator Not Pictured: C.O.A.S. Senator: Andrea "Drea" Martinez Chief Justice: Jacob Myerly Associate Justice: Vincent Vera

by Andrea Rodriguez & Lanie Perez

Lanie Perez C.O.A.S. Senator

Asher Honeycutt Associate Justice

On Tuesday, October 19, 2021, the Texas A&M University-San Antonio Student Government Association Senate held its 14th session to listen to the addressing of a 5% increase to the athletics fee within the student services fee, that would lead to the addition of two sports in order for the university to maintain National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics eligibility.

During the session, Mr. Darnell Smith was given the floor to propose the athletic fee increase and input how, when, and where the money will be used if the increase is used. He provided data analysis of how much would be increased, what sports would be added, and the comparison to other universities’ athletics fees. With the increase, Mr. Smith hopes to bring men’s and women’s sports to Texas A&M UniversitySan Antonio.

After the presentation of Mr. Smith, the floor was open to senators and the student body to get clarification and more information on what the increase will entail for present and future students of Texas A&M University-San Antonio. Once all the questions were asked and answered, the motion to vote on the resolution was passed, and the Senators cast their ballots.

After the ballots were gathered, the final vote on the Athletics Fee Increase Authorization was passed. The Student Government Association consented to the proposed increase on the Athletics Service Fee by 5% in the Fall of 2022. It will increase by another 5% in the Fall of 2023 to support the addition of women’s and men’s sports. Thus, the increase will be starting in the Fall of 2022.

by Natali Acha

Our Mission: To uphold the university's core value of promoting an equitable and inclusive campus community, ensuring that students are empowered and given equal opportunity to excel in a diverse setting regardless of their individual identity.

Our Purpose & Goals: To advocate for students and their concerns relating to DEI To collaborate with diverse groups, campus organizations, and university leadership to champion the needs of students To lead SGA's diversity initiatives; inform senate and board members of diversity climate Pillars of our Diversity Council: Council members are appointed liaisons (1) each from identity student organizations Conduct monthly meetings to encourage an exchange of ideas and to raise concerns/suggestions

fsuficienci@jaguar.tamu.edu

by Xochilt Garcia

Allow for SGA to better advocate for student identity groups and ensure their visibility and success.

Members include Mexican American Student Association, Black Student Union, Asian Student Association, Disability Support Services, Coalition, Beyond Borders, First Gen., International Students, etc.

LIST OF PARTNERSHIPS Mays Center Office of Civic Engagement DACA Center First Year Experience Common Experience President's Commission on Equity International Affairs Office Identity Student Organization

Faye Suficiencia, -the idea generator behind the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Commission,- is the first-ever director of the DEI Commission, as well as a representative for the President's Commission on Equity. In order to become the director of DEI, Faye stepped down from her secretary position within the Student Government Association. Faye initially joined SGA because of her passion for public service and advocacy. Recently, she decided to hone and focus her passions by creating the DEI initiative in order to cultivate an environment of acceptance and empowerment, ensuring SGA does not only represent the mainstream and majority of students. Faye hopes that this commission "paves the way for a culturally together campus where spaces are created for underrepresented students in our community." Faye also states that "to be seen and heard are two simple things, and as students, we need that."

UPCOMING EVENTS FOR DEI Heritage Month Celebration Events Women's Month Related Events Black History Month Events in collaboration with BSU Diversity and Cultural "Farmer's Market" Panels, Talks and Discussion Events Given on Diversity, Equity and Inclusivity Topics

by Xochilt Garcia

At the annual SGA Holiday Party, officers Jacob Goldstein, Iris Castillo, and Brandan Salazar, presented fun awards to everyone in SGA. We played a fun-fact game about each person, so we can get to know each other a bit more. Everyone in SGA participated in a secret stocking exchange, which we did towards the end of the party. Also, the Director of Communications, Brandan Salazar, was presented with the officer of the month award, which will be given out to an officer who showed exceptional work towards SGA. Congratulations Brandan!!

Newsletter of A&M-SA Student Government Association

Fall 2021 Volume No.1

KEEP A LOOK OUT FOR MORE SGA NEWS IN THIS UPCOMING SEMESTER

Written and Produced by: Director of Communications, Brandan Salazar and Senators, Lanie Perez, Angela Diaz, Xochilt Garcia, Natali Acha, Andrea Rodriguez