The SGA Elections

ORLANDO, Fla. - Positions for the Student Government Association will soon be up for grabs. By this time in November, votes will be rolling in for the future leaders of Valencia Community College.

"There are spots available for positions as the president, vice president, secretary, chief of staff, and treasurer," says Edwin Harvey, the current student president of the Winter Park campus.

Several events and promotions are being scheduled in order to bring awareness of the SGA elections to the student body.

Student president of the West campus, Robert Stio, admits: "There are currently students who are getting nominations." Already, there are more students participating in the elections this year, than there were last term.

Every year, the SGA holds a holiday bash in the month of November, which usually takes place right before polls open up for new positions in the White House, as well as for the government of each individual state.

There was free miniature golf last year on the Osceola campus, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Raffle tickets were given away at the door, giving the students a chance to win a free vacation at the Gaylord Palms Resort. This package included a room for two, for two nights, and tickets to an "Ice" show. The prize was worth over $600 total.

There was also a holiday dinner from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., which included ham, turkey, mashed potatoes and more, for all who attended.

SGA does more than host fancy celebrations, though. The members also meet four times a year to discuss issues that affect both the school and the students, in the realm of finances, funds, and supplies.

The presidents of SGA are also taking a trip to Tallahassee, in April, to lobby a few bills and really analyze the candidates for the government of the United States. Valencia Community College even has its own personal lobbyist, Bill Mullowney, who may be attending.

"We want to look into each candidate and see if they have the same goals and ideals as we do," said the student president of Osceola campus, Frank Velez.

The student government hosts two job fairs per semester, to enlighten the students as to what careers are booming or dying. "We're going to touch upon each separate degree program," said Velez, referring to next year.

Applications for candidacy have already gone out to each respective campus, as well as to the education board of Valencia. Students can obtain them from SGA advisers, as well.

Some parting words from the Osceola student president, regarding the students who are looking to be nominated:

"We're looking at the ones who would like to step up and take our place, next year."