In my time here at the Capstone, I have always strived to better serve my students through the SGA. During my tenure as a First Year Councilor, I planned “Throwdown for Your Hometown,” a freshman-wide mixer that enabled students from diverse backgrounds to introduce themselves to one another. As the Associate Executive Vice President this year, I was able to direct a similar event this past fall. Both of these positions have equipped me with the necessary knowledge and experience in order to collaborate with others in the SGA, acquire funding and translate ideas into meaningful action.
Because of my love for both this campus and the SGA organization, I hope to employ these skills as VP of Academic Affairs. Academics form the linchpin of the college experience, and I intend to maximize this experience for students with a three-pronged approach: (1) Enabling students to succeed academically; (2) Enabling students to succeed in their careers; and (3) Providing students with ample scholarship opportunities.
First, I aim to maximize the academic experience here on campus by providing students with the proper academic resources. Unfortunately, facilities such as the Writing Center and Center for Academic Success are not fully utilized by students. I believe this is a direct result of poor advertising. As VP, I plan to fully advertise these resources by setting up information tables periodically in campus libraries, in residence halls and all over campus at the “Say Hey, SGA” tent. I also intend to oversee the completion of a new tutoring program, where students can tutor other students for SLPro hours, enhancing students’ knowledge while strengthening the bonds of community that tie us together.
Second, I hope to provide students with the proper tools for success in their careers. The Career Center, like the CAS and Writing Center, is likewise underutilized on campus. If elected, I would make sure students know how to make full use of the Career Center’s various services such as resume assessment and mock interview training. In addition, I desire to expand student access to graduate prep resources, namely Kaplan and TestMasters, to help students prepare for such tests as the GMAT, GRE and LSAT. I also aim to expand undergraduate research grant funding, so that more students will have the opportunity to start their own research projects and share the knowledge gained with their colleagues.
Last, I intend to expand access to student scholarships here at the Capstone. Thanks to the efforts of Mary Wills, the current SGA Chief of Staff, UA students now have access to over 1,000 scholarships via the “Compass” website. Next semester, I will consistently work with the MIS team to maintain the database, and I will also host the annual scholarship forum for students to learn about all of the scholarships available both on campus as well as nationally prestigious award opportunities.
I would be grateful for your support for VP of Academic Affairs. I intend to continue our tradition of excellence in academics and I believe my three-pronged approach detailed above will enable students to succeed both now and in the future. Please do not hesitate to find me on campus and tell me your ideas and concerns; my door is always open. After all, the Student Government Association is an organization by students, for students.
Addison Arnold is a candidate for the position of SGA Vice President of Academic Affairs. She is running unopposed.
