SGA — your voice in Houston!
The Student Government Association (SGA) consists of executive officers plus a representative body made up of students from the various academic disciplines. The executive board includes the President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer. This past year we also elected two Activity Coordinators. These offices are filled by an annual October election open to the entire student body. SGA meets the second and fourth Monday of each month and welcomes attendance by all on campus with an interest.
Students who participate in SGA have made a commitment in a leadership role to promote cooperation among students, staff and faculty, as well as to improve the overall environment for the physical, social and academic welfare of those taking classes. SGA, by its very nature, is a vehicle to focus into a single voice the ideas and opinions of students to other institutions as well as to the general administration. Student input will continue to be vital and sought out as decisions are made about the physical structure and use of this state-of-the-art building.
EVENING Students – There are opportunities for you to get involved in Student Government by participating in the SGA Online Forum. For more details contact Jessica Gonzalez Pons, your SGA V.P. Send inquiries to: StudentLifeHouston@mail.twu.edu.
Services of the Heart
Community involvement is integral to the heart of SGA. Every Fall, SGA sponsors a competition among the academic departments to gather food staples for the Houston Food Bank. In the Spring, Valentine Cards are made for the patients at Texas Children's Hospital. SGA will set out a table of card-making supplies for students to create as their time permits over a period of about 10 - 14 days. Students delight in putting a smile on the faces of others, and make the most of a break from the rigors of academia in-between classes. In the past, SGA has additionally risen to the needs of others. In the aftermath of Katrina, SGA organized a collection of everyday items for individuals who were temporarily residing in Houston as part of a huge relief effort. During one holiday season, SGA sponsored a toy drive for the Houston Area Women's Center. Faculty and staff got behind the effort as well, and the net result was a van full of articles that children and youth would certainly find useful and delightful!
Programs
Activities are also high on their priority list. Set aside a Monday of each month for something special sponsored by Student Government: a "welcome back" at the beginning of Fall and Spring semesters, Egg Hunt, monthly birthday celebrations, cultural events, financial seminars, peanut butter and jelly bars, musicians including karaoke opportunities as well as comedians, to name just a few. Every semester, the student body can also count on SGA to organize a "De-Stress Day" the Monday prior to final exams. Massage therapists are available for neck and shoulder massages, along with relaxation giveaways, treats to eat, plus electric foot and back massage stations. It is one of the delights that students look forward to each and every semester!
SGA Meeting Dates Fall 2011
With the exception of December and May, SGA meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month during the Fall and Spring Semester.
Fall Dates:
- September 12 & 26
- October 10 &24
- November 14 & 28
Meet the EXECUTIVE OFFICERS for 2011 - 2012!!!
President: Paige Fisher
"I want to become more active in the TWU community and help more students get involved as well. At my previous university, I was very active in Student Life and helped organize trips to the lake, picnics, potluck dinners, meet & greets, as well as holding weekly prayer group meetings at my house. I have good interpersonal skills and enjoy meeting new people and making them feel welcomed. I have already started a weekly study group at my place on Wednesday afternoons, and look forward to doing more at TWU. I am a member of TNSA and have volunteered at my previous school, church and community."
Qualifications: "I have worked in many organizations throughout my high school and college career that have prepared me to coordinate activities at TWU. My last job was as a payroll clerk for 150 plus emloyees. This position required various responsibilities and discretion with employee information. As a member of the HR department, I organized company picnics, Christmas parties and other company activities. I helped to reduce overtime and initiated the complete overhaul of the company's process. Lastly, I really enjoy spending time with people."
Vice President: Jessica Gonzalez Pons"I would be honored by representing TWU as the SGA Vice President. TWU gave me an opportunity to fulfill my dream of becoming a physical therapist when they enrolled me in the DPT program. I would love to give something back to the school by getting involved in the Student government Association; I would like to find ways to give back to my school, all the departments, and the students. As the SGA Vice President I will strive to make a positive impact on the students, faculty and all the people I have to interact with. I would also like to serve my school as the SGA Vice President to represent the minority population on campus as well as the PT department; I would like to act as a voice of my fellow students to the university's administration."
Qualifications:
Miss Louisiana Latina 2011
S.A.A.C (Student Athlete Advisory Committee) Vice-President Jan 2009-Dec 2009
S.A.A.C Secretary Jan 2007-Dec 2007
MSU Athletic Training Society 2006-2011
During my undergraduate and graduate school careers I was a part of several campus wide organizations in which I represented the student athletes and the athletic training students from McNeese State University. I was involved in putting together and helping with volunteer/social work, promoting athletics through the delegation of advertising committees, as well as forwarding the student concerns to our higher ranked members or professors. One of the organizations I liked the most was the Miss Latina US organization because I got the opportunity of having a voice for the minority population in Louisiana; I was looked up as a role model by many hispanic young girls. I got to do volunteer work with Big Brother Big Sister and Kids Fit walk for Obesity. I liked seeing myself as a leader primarily because it gives me the opportunity to put a voice in people's thoughts to make changes for a greater good and express their concerns. I do feel that all those opportunities have shaped my character and have make me become a better person, more responsible, organized, caring, friendly and open to diversity.
Secretary: Abbigail Dotson
"It has always been a passion of mine to interact and aid others of all backgrounds, beliefs, and disciplines, and thus, this passion has led to my interest in Student Government. When it comes to aiding peers who may have issues that need to be brought forward and/or simply need to talk, I have an open-door policy while consistently practicing complete confidentiality. I believe the position of Secretary will allow me to connect with my peers in this positive and open manner.
In addition to aiding my peers, the secretarial position intrigues me due to my motivation to promote Texas Woman’s University and its values to other professional organizations in a positive, respectful manner. This has also fed my determination to promote Student Government in professional settings within and outside of the University in the same manner. With that promotion comes the responsibility of ensuring effective communication, which is a staple I strive to consistently apply in my everyday life. Just as in healthcare, I believe it is essential to practice effective and efficient communication between all disciplines, and I believe that type of communication begins here during our educational experiences.
I would like to serve as Secretary of the Student Government Association in order to support this institution through the effective, open interaction of each discipline within Texas Woman’s University and professional organizations outside of these walls."
Qualifications: First and foremost, I hold the quality of responsibility to the utmost importance and strive to be as responsible as possible. I am always prompt and prepared for any given situation and believe it to be unprofessional to be anything less. With that, I strive to be responsible and mindful in all situations and settings.
I have attained a great deal of secretarial skills through positions at work and through leadership positions during my undergraduate education. This summer, I held the position of front desk specialist at multiple physical therapy clinics throughout Houston. This position allowed me to learn to adjust to numerous styles of documenting, professional note taking, filing, and computer entry. Also, from this experience, I now have a greater ability to communicate effectively and adapt when interacting with different departments, facilities, and professionals, so I will be quite comfortable interacting with faculty, staff, and any discipline within or outside of Texas Woman’s University.
During my undergraduate education, I was a member of multiple organizations. In my sorority, Chi Omega, I separately held the positions of Social Chair and Recruitment Chair. Through these experiences, I was responsible for 50 or more women while organizing different events in which they were to participate. Through these experiences, I became extremely comfortable communicating with individuals, large groups, and campus-wide while becoming more comfortable with delegating if needed. I was also a member of the University of Wyoming’s Sophomore, Junior, and Senior Honoraries. I held the position of Ritual Chair in the Junior Honorary which allowed me to perfect my organizational and communication skills.
Treasurer: April Fisher
"I would like to be more involved with school and get to know more people. I have a lot of ideas for fun activities we can do on and off campus. I have a very gregarious personality and like to spend time getting to know different types of people."
Qualifications:
Student Council 2001
Key Club 2005-2007
Girl Scout Silver Award
"In high school, I did lots of volunteer work, and participated in student body activities. I am a bargain shopper. At a previous job, by making a few calls and using coupons, I was able to reduce spending from $800 a month to less than $200 on office supplies."
Activity Coordinator: Hyesook "Stella" An
"I take this opportunity not to be served, but to serve, and my commitment will improve your involvement in school through more diverse events and activities. Being in school can be tiring and stressful, but if you give me a chance to be your motivator, I can promise you that I will do my best to make TWU fun."
Qualifications:
Key Club 2005-2007
Helping Hands at TWU in Denton 2009-2011
Vice President of Nursing Student Organization 2010-2011
“I have always worked in teams, and my ability to bring new ideas to the team can make a difference. I am ready to amend to this role.”
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Activity Coordinator: Jodi-Ann Bailey
"I would like the opportunity to be a Student Government Association Executive Officer because as a student, I think it is very important to find a balance between school, work, and your social life. Being a good student doesn't mean you have to drop everything else. It's possible to have a healthy social life while earning good grades. As an Activity Coordinator, I will help creative events that give students the opportunity to engage in fun, educational, and relaxing activities that will give them a breather from all the stresses of the various academic programs. Research shows that making friends with other people in your program can really be beneficial to your success, so one of my main goals would be to incorporate events that create a social setting which will make it easier to meet new people. As a previous student of the Denton campus, I am very aware of the impact that Student Government has on the student's overall experience and success. I believe that I am an ideal candidate because as a representative of the student population, I will not only take into account the various ideas and opinions that are shared to me but I will also examine our diverse student body and create programs that are geared not just towards traditional students but towards students with families, students who are working, and towards students who live beyond the medical center. I hope you will give me the opportunity to be involved in your experience at TWU Houston! Go Pioneers!!!"
Qualifications:
I think I am qualified for this position because I have several years of experience in working with the student body and programming for various organizations. They include:
Pioneer Ambassador 2011 Denton, TX
I was a representative for the university. I promoted our school at high school college fairs and gave weekly tours to prospective students.
Resident Assistant 2010-2011 Denton, TX
As a RA, my job was to work as unifying force for the floor or unit while promoting a sense of community for the floor, the residence hall, and the university. I was responsible for creating at least three events per month that were geared towards my residents' needs.
Student Assistant for the Center for Student Development 2009-2011 Denton, TX
I worked in the office that housed all the various branches of Student Government, so I was very involved in the process of promoting events and being a resource to students.
Residence Hall Association 2009-2011 Denton, TX
This organization is designed and implemented to improve the community within the residence hall. As a staff member, my responsibility was to help govern, serve, represent, and promote the interests of all residential students at TWU.
Helping Hands 2009-2011 Denton, TX
A Center for Student Development student organization dedicated to students interested in learning about volunteerism & participating in community service.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS:
Resourceful Computer skills Responsible
Motivated Positive attitude Team player
Cheerful Punctual Quick learner
Dependable Multitask Approachable
Special Mention - SGA Officers: 2006–2007
- President: Marchele Ayinde
- Vice President: Stella Irabor
- Secretary: Chinelo Agwuegbo
- Co-Treasurers: Katy Dow & Lauren Disler
A very special heart-felt thanks is extended to these five women for ushering us all into the new building with strong leadership, purpose, grace and maturity. The responsibility they took on to look out for the entire student body as needs were identified and issues were worked through to resolution were HUGE! Yet each of them took the reins in hand and steered us to a more productive, effective and usable campus. We are incredibly thankful for the hours of dedication and steadfast commitment they offered to better the TWU ~ Houston community. Our gratitude abounds!
Leadership Shimmers * Visions Emerge into Form * Setting Dreams in Flight
page last updated 2/8/2012 9:50 AM
