Above: SGA president and vice president elect, Matthew Ardaugh and Kirti Mann. Photo courtesy of Sydnee Horstman.

Students are sharing their priorities for SGA’s newly elected Matthew Ardaugh as president and Kirti Mann as vice president.

Taylor Snook, a current freshman and exercise science major expressed his priorities. “I am looking for a more accessible SGA. When students see areas where they believe improvement could be made, I do not see a current way where they can let their voice rapidly be heard.

“I also would like to see greater unity between clubs and more support for clubs and organizations. In my time at SGA, multiple new clubs have been formed.

“I would also like to see a club-wide meeting where leaders from each club can gather to not only connect and hopefully plan joint events, but also offer an understanding of the resources that SGA offers to them such as money requests.”

Click here to watch SAU Weekly’s Grant Ward speak with newly-elected vice president Kirti Mann.

Addison Hendrick, a public relations and communications major also says, “We need leaders who are committed to working with students and collaborating with other clubs. It’s time for two people who can step up for us and make a lasting difference.”

Sophomore accounting and sales major Jaxson Eisenbarth says SGA can foster community.

“I am looking for a group of students, elected by our peers, that are dedicated to helping our campus live out the four pillars we are founded on. A campus that is dedicated to service, justice, wisdom, and courage. SGA has the opportunity to help make this campus become a community.”

Jaxson isn’t the only student who says they are looking for an SGA more focused on the four pillars of our university. Senior social work and Spanish major Julia Beltz expressed her desire to see more of the four pillars as well.

“I would like to see the Catholic traditions and values being upheld! Our Ambrosian values: service, justice, courage, and wisdom are not only pillars but guides to allow us to draw closer to Christ. No matter the religion of the student, I believe that Catholic values help us to be better Ambrosians and better students.”

Some students say they wish to see more of the pillars in our student government, and some wish to see more active leadership among the clubs. There are students who are just looking for more of the good things. Eileen Elenteny a sophomore nursing major suggests that “Next year in SGA, I would like to continue to see good leadership on campus and create a fun and safe environment for all students to come together and be the Fighting Bee family we are.”

Newly elected president of SGA, Matthew Ardaugh, chips in his thoughts and goals for this upcoming year.

“I want to see SGA caring about the student experience again. I think our job is to serve the student body, listen to them, and bring their concerns to the table,” says the junior accounting, finance, and management major. “Whether that is improving the lounge spaces, bringing culture back to campus by getting kids out of their rooms and at events, or fighting to improve the dining experience, we are here for it.”

Felicity Emmerich, a sophomore biology and theology major suggests perhaps the first thing our newly elected president should focus on should be “…SGA working with administration to lower some of the excess fees for taking courses (lab, online, etc). If a class is required for your major it seems like you shouldn’t be charged extra to take it.”

With a new academic year right around the corner, the newly elected president and vice president have a lot of options to choose from when it comes to changes on campus. Ever-present student voices that long to be heard say they want change at a university that prioritizes those students and those voices.

Ellie Seberger is a staff writer for The Buzz.