(Graphic by Jessica Lynch using images by Canva)
By Jessica Lynch
Following the resignation of former student body president Thalles DeSouza last spring, the state of the Student Government was left up in the air. An election was held late in the spring semester that saw new students take on roles within SGA, but some stepped down due to personal obligations. Now, a special election will be held next month to fill the vacant positions.
Those elected who remain in their posts are: Colby Firnrohr as vice president, Sara Guitierrez as student trustee, and Paisely Powers as head of public relations/social media. The following students were elected to senator roles: Mike Baldon, Miriam Humphreys, Ava Lucas, Alex O’Brien, Maggie Esposito Russell, and Vaness Schwenker.
The president role remains vacant, with Firnrohr standing in until the role is filled in the special election to be held Oct 8 and 9. Voting opens at 9 a.m. on Oct 8 and closes at 5 p.m the following day.
“It’s a new year for SGA!” Firnrohr says. “I’m happy to be back with an amazing team and more students coming soon from our special elections. It’s our mission that each and every student feels safe and heard when voicing anything to SGA, and that what matters to you, matters to us.”
In addition to filling the role of president, SGA is looking for nominations for eight senator seats, as well as the treasurer and secretary roles.
To be nominated for a senate seat, students must hold a GPA of 2.0 or higher and be enrolled in at least three credits per semester. To be nominated for any other role, students must hold a GPA of 2.5 or higher and be enrolled in at least six credits per semester. Any student running for SGA must be in good standing with 4Cs.
“SGA is like a big continuous group project,” Firnrohr says. “If a student is looking to learn or improve a skill they have in group work, SGA is the perfect place to do it. From planning to public speaking, there are dozens of opportunities in SGA to explore. We have committees that plan parties, plan our meeting agendas, discuss and review the SGA Constitution, and more! Students should consider running for a position if they are dedicated to upholding the missions of our campus and to be proactive in listening to students and turning plans into action.”
Nominations for SGA opened at 9 a.m. Sept 22 and close at 3 p.m. Oct 3. Nomination papers can be filled out here: https://forms.office.com/r/LSwiF876b7. They should include at least 10 signatures from currently enrolled 4Cs students as well as an overview of 2-3 topics that are of interest to the nominee and uphold the goal of meeting the student body’s needs. Students that are interested in running for office can get more information at capecod.edu/sganomination.
The Student Government Association meets every other Thursday from 2 p.m. to 3:15 p.m. on Zoom at https://capecod.zoom.us/j/95016037244#success and in-person at the Lorusso Tech Building (No. 9) Room No. 114. Meetings are open to all 4Cs students. “Even if running isn’t for you, we welcome you to a seat at the table! … Coming to a meeting is a great way to meet your SGA and learn what’s going on behind the scenes.” says Firnrohr.
Further information regarding voting in the election on Oct. 8 and 9 will be sent to all students.
“You can be the change you want to see,” Firnrohr says. “Regardless of the position you are elected in, it is the size of the fight in the dog that will show. As an elected SGA member, you must fulfill certain duties, but you are never limited in what you can do!”
