The Herald Editorial Board met with members of the Executive Cabinet of the WKU Student Government Association following the first Senate meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
Leaders who sat down with the Herald were Student Body President Sam Kurtz, Student Body Vice President Donte Reed, SGA Chief Financial Officer Ethan Taylor, Speaker of the Senate Sarah Vincent and Judicial Council Chief Justice Ellen Henderson.
Each of the leaders, who represent SGA’s three branches, expressed their excitement for the new academic year and for continuing to serve Hilltoppers.
“SGA is just a vessel for good,” Kurtz said. “We have been extremely fortunate to have a large budget…[SGA] is a group of 45 to 50 people this year that try to come together and advocate for students, provide hope for students and use all of our resources to benefit the everyday life of every student on this campus.”
Taylor walked through the intricacies of the organization’s $100,000 budget, which was passed by the Senate during its meeting that day. The 2024-2025 SGA budget includes $20,000 for organizational aid, $23,500 for scholarships and $10,705 in legislative discretionary funding. Other budgetary items include office supplies, public relations, and project funds, which are used on projects like last year’s Uber vouchers program.
“With this budget, we try to use 100% of it to the best of our ability to help as many students as we can,” Reed said.
Taylor agreed, and said one of his main goals for the year is to spend all of the money SGA is allocated.
“That’s super important to the student body, and we need to represent them in that way,” Taylor said.
Kurtz said the SGA budget has been $100,000 for several years, despite spending reallocations in different departments and areas.
“President Caboni has been very good to us in making sure our number stays untouched, which we really appreciate, and I really thank him for that,” said Kurtz.
Kurtz and Vincent spoke on the youth and talent of the current Senate and their excitement for its work this year. While last year’s Senate consisted of many first year students and first year senators, the 24th Senate is composed of many who have returned for their second year of service.
“I think that’s a really great opportunity for the traditions that we’ve helped establish to continue to be an important part of SGA,” Vincent said.
These traditions include projects like the Pink Walk and the organization’s Christmas toy drive, which leaders are planning to bring back this year. Reed stated how he was working to expand the Pink Walk to be more representative of the WKU and Bowling Green communities by bringing in groups like the National Pan-Hellenic Council and Cultivate BG.
Elections for new senators are expected to take place at the end of September, according to Henderson. The Senate plans to vote to approve election codes at its Sept. 3 Senate meeting.
Henderson also expressed her excitement for the Judicial Council to get more involved and visible with outreach while emphasizing the council’s necessary independence in the Senate’s and executive cabinet’s day-to-day operations.
“I sincerely hope [the Judicial Council] is not busy, because if we’re not busy, that means everyone is doing what they’re supposed to do,” Henderson said. “I hope we can focus on attending events and be involved with the other branches of SGA because, historically, [the Judicial Council] has not been super involved.”
Each executive member emphasized their intent to be “for the students,” which is SGA’s motto.
“I think this cabinet is committed to leaving a legacy that is one of effective change,” said Vincent. “We’re committed to tradition and preserving those traditions that are actually making effective change here, and that’s something I’m looking forward to.”
Kurtz reflected Vincent’s sentiments while reaffirming his desire to serve the student body effectively as student body president and student regent.
“I just want to advocate for the student body at every level that I can,” Kurtz said.
