How Engaged is Lynchburg in Student Government?

Lynchburg, VA - The Student Government (SGA) at the University of Lynchburg is about representing the voice of the student body, advocating for their needs and concerns. However, How many students are actively involved?

According to the University of Lynchburg’s Student Government Association website, the SGA 

advocates for the entire student body, ensuring that all voices and concerns are heard and that campus policy is upheld to the institutional values set in place. The SGA emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and fellowship among its members. We advocate for, connect with, and serve all students on campus.” 

Participation: By the Numbers 

There is no precise data on the percentage of the student body participating in SGA and is not readily available. Most feedback is collected through Google forms or In-Person ballads.

• Elected and Appointed Positions: SGA has a structure that includes a President, Vice Presidents (Internal and External Affairs), a Director of Administration, and other roles. These positions are filled through elections.

• General Student Body: All full-time undergraduate students are members of  SGA and have the right to vote and hold office, according to the Student Government Association Constitution and Bylaws. 

• Challenges in Measuring Engagement 

  • Short voting periods

  • Student interest in SGA

  • Specific amount of students are allowed to vote 

  
  

  After the polls are close the two advisors of SGA Kristen Cooper and Emily Velilla are responsible for counting the voting ballads. “I was able to secure email addresses and student information to cross-check through Google forms to ensure students are only submitting the voting form once,” said Cooper. 

  
  

  SGA decides how the student body gets to vote, this year students voted through an online ballot. 

  
  

  Senior, Marques Armstrong president of SGA said, “the voter turnout percentage for this year was lower, we post on social media, send out emails, and hold tabling events, and each candidate has an opportunity to answer questions from the student body.”

  
  

  For more specific data, such as past election results, legislative actions, or meeting minutes, you would likely need to consult the SGA directly. You can reach them via email at sga@lynchburg.edu or contact Emily Velilla.