IUP SGA General Assembly Meeting Highlights New Club Approval and Leadership Changes

The Student Government Association (SGA) at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP) held its latest assembly this week, featuring updates from key university officials and significant organizational changes. Among the notable events were the approval of a new student club, the election of a new Student Co-op Senator, and a transition in Student Trustee positions. The meeting also included discussions on academic restructuring and system upgrades, as well as safety training initiatives for students. This gathering provided a platform for addressing various student concerns and implementing new measures to enhance campus life.

One of the most anticipated announcements was the introduction of the Video Game Club, led by Jaiden Johns, a sophomore majoring in criminology. The club aims to cater to casual gamers who are not involved in competitive gaming through existing groups like the Analog Game Club or E-Sports Club. With an already established executive board and 37 members signed up, the Video Game Club seeks to foster a welcoming environment where students can enjoy non-competitive gaming sessions and collaborate on popular titles such as Minecraft and Stardew Valley. The club's approval during the final moments of the SGA meeting marked a significant milestone for its founding members.

Another highlight of the meeting was the presence of Lara Leutkehans, Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, along with Registrar Mike Powell. They discussed recent developments within IUP’s academic structure, including ongoing efforts to streamline department names and college affiliations. Last year, the Academic Affairs team conducted a Program Array Review, which resulted in the discontinuation of approximately 11 programs. Additionally, they addressed the upcoming migration from Banner to OneSIS, a cloud-based system that will offer expanded course options for students across the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. This transition is expected to provide greater flexibility in class selection and access to online courses from other institutions.

Safety remains a top priority at IUP, and SGA President Kaylee Becker-George emphasized the importance of participating in Student Safety Week training sessions. Scheduled for March 3 to 6, these sessions will cover essential skills such as Narcan administration and CPR. All students are encouraged to sign up for these critical training opportunities, which will be held in Leonard Hall. Meanwhile, the SGA also welcomed Jackson White as the incoming Student Trustee, replacing Shagufta Haque, who is set to graduate this semester. White expressed his commitment to bridging the gap between students and university leadership, ensuring that student voices are heard in important decision-making processes.

Beyond these highlights, the SGA explored potential adjustments to meeting formats and report durations. Advisor Donovan Daniel suggested focusing more on written reports to ensure broader dissemination of information without stifling open dialogue. Furthermore, Bayne Marshall successfully campaigned for the position of Student Co-op Senator, highlighting his desire to improve support systems for students seeking specific assistance. His official swearing-in concluded the eventful assembly, setting the stage for continued progress and innovation within the SGA.