I. Introduction: A New Voice for the Student Body
The Lynn University Student Government Association (SGA) is proud to introduce its newly elected leadership team for the 2025-2026 academic year, with President Maria Rodriguez at the helm. Under President Rodriguez’s leadership, the SGA has adopted the theme “Connect, Engage, Empower” to guide their initiatives and efforts throughout the coming year.
The new executive board represents diverse academic interests and backgrounds, reflecting the rich makeup of the Fighting Knights community. This year’s team is united by a shared commitment to enhancing student life through meaningful action and collaboration with university administration. Their priorities were developed based on feedback from surveys distributed to the entire student body during the spring semester.
“Our theme of ‘Connect, Engage, Empower’ represents our commitment to building stronger connections within our campus community, increasing student engagement in university life, and empowering students to make their voices heard,” said President Rodriguez. “We’re excited to work with our fellow students to make this year exceptional.”
II. Priority 1: Enhancing Campus Sustainability
The SGA’s first priority is to significantly enhance campus sustainability through a multi-faceted approach. Key initiatives include launching new recycling programs that will expand beyond the current paper and plastic options to include electronics and batteries. The team plans to install new recycling stations in all residence halls and academic buildings.
A major component of the sustainability plan is the development of a campus community garden. Located near the new Snyder Wellness Center, the garden will provide students with opportunities to grow fresh produce while learning about sustainable agriculture. The garden will also serve as an outdoor classroom for environmental science courses.
To reduce single-use plastics on campus, the SGA is working with Dining Services to introduce reusable container programs and incentives for students who bring their own water bottles and coffee cups. The team also plans to advocate for more sustainable purchasing policies from campus vendors and suppliers.
III. Priority 2: Expanding Mental Health Resources
Recognizing the growing mental health challenges faced by college students, the SGA has prioritized expanding access to mental health resources and support. The team plans to increase the number of counselors available at the Student Health Center and extend operating hours for mental health services.
In addition to expanding professional services, the SGA will launch peer support programs and wellness events throughout the academic year. These initiatives include stress management workshops, mindfulness meditation sessions, and peer-led support groups for various challenges students face. The team will also advocate for more mental health training for resident assistants and other student leaders.
The SGA will also push for the creation of more quiet spaces on campus designed for relaxation and stress relief, including technology-free zones where students can decompress between classes or during study sessions.
IV. Priority 3: Boosting Student Engagement
The SGA’s third priority focuses on increasing student engagement across all aspects of campus life. To achieve this, they plan to implement more inclusive campus events that are accessible to students from all backgrounds and interests. This means offering a more diverse range of activities that appeal to different cultural groups and interests.
The team will work to revitalize club funding by making the allocation process more transparent and accessible to new organizations. They also plan to create a new mobile app for student life that will serve as a centralized platform for event announcements, club information, and student services. This app will help students stay connected and informed about opportunities on campus.
To improve communication and student input, the SGA will host monthly “Coffee with SGA” sessions where students can speak directly with leadership about their concerns and suggestions. These informal meetings will occur in different locations across campus to increase accessibility.
V. Conclusion: A Call to Get Involved
The SGA’s priorities for 2025-2026 represent an ambitious but achievable agenda for improving student life at Lynn University. The success of these initiatives will depend largely on active participation from the entire Fighting Knights community. The SGA is committed to maintaining open communication with students throughout the year and adjusting their strategies based on feedback and results.
President Rodriguez emphasized that these priorities are not the work of SGA alone. “We want students to know that their voices matter and that they can help shape the direction of these initiatives. Whether it’s joining our committees, attending our events, or simply sharing their ideas, every student has an important role to play in our success.”
Students interested in getting involved with SGA initiatives can attend weekly meetings, join one of the standing committees, or reach out directly to SGA members. The SGA will also be hosting a “State of Student Affairs” address in the spring semester to report on progress and gather feedback for the following year.
