Today marks the beginning of a new semester at the Capstone. For some students, this marks the beginning of the end, as seniors prepare for their last semesters on campus.  For others, this year is the start of a brand new journey. Regardless of where you are in your academic career, the Student Government Association wants to help you to reach your highest potential.

This summer, SGA officials have been busy working on numerous projects and programs that will directly benefit students. Through an executive order, we reformed the student organization committee and application to ensure that a wider variety of student groups receive seating on game day in Bryant-Denny Stadium. The application is available on sga.ua.edu, and I hope every interested student organization applies.

We have planned for new First Year Council selections in September. First Year Council, the SGA’s program designed for freshmen, will operate at greater heights due to a new emphasis on collaboration between the three branches within the SGA. Under our new constitution, the makeup of the selection committee now better reflects our campus community. I encourage all freshmen to apply today on sga.ua.edu and take an active role in their student government.

The SGA has also worked to secure an $80,000 increase in the amount of money the Financial Affairs Committee can allocate to student organizations. This increase will allow organizations to offer more programs, attend conferences and purchase new equipment that will in turn better their organizations. FAC funding speaks to the SGA’s focus on providing students with tools and resources to accomplish their goals.

While this administration has started off with important reforms, there is still much to be desired. As a leader, I think it is important to see the world as it really is, not how one wants it to be. I know that some students maintain a negative view of the SGA, and I am aware that some students have no idea what the SGA even is. I know that divisions exist on our campus that often seem impossible to bridge. I recognize there are multiple challenges facing this administration. Despite the challenges, I intend to fundamentally transform the way people view their SGA.

In a few weeks, the SGA will launch a campaign that is different from your traditional campus campaign. This campaign will not include elections, voting, stickers, or chalking.  This campaign will be much greater than a single candidate. This campaign will strive to connect every student with his or her student government. The “Campaign to Connect” will not center on talking with students, but rather listening to student concerns.

Whether it’s on the Quad, in the Ferg, or in a classroom, SGA officials want to be there to help students excel.  The SGA has immense resources and relationships with administrators so as to truly be an advocate for students; however, if we are to be your advocate, we must know your concerns.  Stop by the office in 231 Ferguson Center, send us an email, tweet us, or call us.  Through the Campaign to Connect, it is my hope that the SGA can truly become an advocate for all students.

On our campus, the term tradition seems to show up everywhere. The tradition includes success on the football field, in the classroom, and throughout the community.  Everywhere you walk on our campus, you are reminded of those who came before you and the paths they chose to take.

Tradition is not a bad thing, but it is important that we avoid complacency.  One must find the balance between honoring our past and pushing ahead toward a new and superior tomorrow.  It is time to embrace a fresh and united UA community.

Grant Cochran is a senior majoring in biochemistry.  He is the SGA president.