Lucy Bonhaus is a junior majoring in cyber security and the current SGA vice president for student affairs. She is running uncontested to be the next SGA president.
Q: Why are you running to be the next SGA president?
A: As a Tuscaloosa native, I know firsthand that when the University does well, Tuscaloosa does well. As vice president for student affairs, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that the SGA can make on the student body. Whether this is through resolutions in the Senate or programming initiatives, we’re always looking for ways to improve the lives of the students on this campus. I have a true passion for service, and it truly brings me so much joy to see positive progress happen on our campus.
Q: What are the key parts of your platform?
A: My platform focuses on five key areas that aim to strengthen our campus. These include expanding student opportunities, improving the campus experience, highlighting academic achievement, ensuring internal transparency and strengthening community connections.
Q: What are two specific initiatives you want to accomplish in this position, and what time frames will you accomplish them in?
A: I think that we’re going to get started on these initiatives right off the bat. I am very excited about every initiative I’ve crafted under my platform, but there are two I’m looking forward to specifically. First, to address the needs that our out of state students face, I will work with administrators to negotiate discount shuttle services to and from the Birmingham International Airport during peak holiday travel. This increases access to affordable transportation for out-of-state and international students.
Also, as vice president for student affairs, I’ve noticed many areas of the game day experience that can be improved. I will work with athletics to increase the number of free water dispensers in Bryant-Denny Stadium to prevent dehydration and to ensure that each student has a shaker during home football games.
Q: With the rest of your goals, how will you work to ensure that they become a reality for students on campus?
A: As vice president for student affairs, I have seen firsthand what is feasible and what’s not. I know the timeframe of how things can get done, and I know that I have the resources and communication skills to do this properly. And I do believe that starting from Day 1 with hard work will help us achieve these goals.
Q: Your position this year is uncontested. Knowing this, how will student voters be able to hold you to your campaign promises?
A: I’m still focused on earning every student’s vote, and I’ve spent the week hosting events, visiting student organizations, sharing my platform on social media and talking to peers about why I’m the best person to serve SGA, with or without opposition. I’m focused on my race, and if I have the honor of serving as SGA president, I look forward to working and achieving my goals in this position.
Q: What differentiates you from previous SGA presidents?
A: I think what differentiates me is being a Tuscaloosa native, I have a unique perspective on both the UA and Tuscaloosa community, which will help better both our community and our university. For example, I would love to implement the high school SGA series, which will allow high school students to learn more about the inner workings of the SGA and also help benefit and recruit students to UA.
Q: One of your enhancing student opportunity platforms is better parking and the goal to advocate for more pay-to-park spots. Will increasing the amount of pay-to-park spots take away spots from those with parking passes?
A: So I’m really excited about this initiative, as parking is always a big problem. I do think that the addition of more pay-to-park spots doesn’t necessarily have to take away from already-standing parking spots. For those that do have parking passes, I believe that we have the space and resources available to advocate for more of these spots.
Q: Recently, the student code of conduct was changed to limit election intimidation from students. How will you help foster a campus community that discourages election intimidation?
A: I think transparency is the biggest way to help foster this environment. I do believe that anyone and everyone should join the SGA. It really has been such an amazing resource for me, and I love seeing each and every person around me get more involved and learn more about the SGA. I think that transparency is always something that organizations all over campus can work on, and if elected to serve as your next SGA president, I will ensure that this is always met.
Q: What’s one last thing you want voters to know about you?
A: I’m passionate about our motto of ‘Student serving students,’ and I’m honored by the opportunity to serve my peers. I want everyone to know that this will be a year of action, and I will not only listen to your concerns, but I will act on them. I’m here for you, and I care about you, and I hope that you will choose to Lead with Lucy on Feb. 25 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on myBama.
