Q&A with Student Government Association’s 2018-19 President Lyndsey Clos
By Lauren fitch//Organizations Editor
As the school year comes to a close, the Student Government Association is getting ready to hand off duties to a new executive council. Lyndsey Clos was recently elected to become the next president of SGA. Here are some of her plans for next year as president of the association.
Q: Why did you run for President of SGA?
A: My motivation to run for SGA president began before I even arrived at HPU in 2015. Student council in high school was one of my biggest passions, and I wanted to continue to make a difference on my college campus. I never would have dreamed of actually becoming the SGA President, but I always aim high. I unsuccessfully ran for freshman class representative, and although I was upset, I channeled this defeat and got involved in other areas on campus, such as becoming a resident assistant and a student justice. My passion for student government became even deeper when I was nominated to be the chief justice under the Callaway Administration, and from there, I realized that SGA is an avenue for me to help other students gain a holistic education during their time here on campus. After being vice president for the 2017-18 year, my knowledge of SGA and representing student organizations grew even deeper, pushing me to run for president. My goals post-grad are to attend law school and continue to represent constituents and clients as I work in the realm of civil rights and civil liberties, so my position as SGA president is only the beginning.
Q: What are you looking forward to the most next year?
A: I am most looking forward to working with my executive council. Every year, each EC member has a tremendous impact on the initiatives of the president, and I know that I would absolutely drown if it weren’t for the support and help from all of them. I truly believe that every member of the EC has the knowledge to best guide them in their roles, and by working together, we can get things done quickly and efficiently on behalf of the student body.
Q: Is SGA going to be making any changes this year?
A: SGA will definitely have changes coming within the next year, though they have not all been confirmed yet since I am still working on many of them with the new EC. One of the changes that I have already been able to accomplish is an idea originally from the outgoing president, Alex Archuleta, which is implementing “committee liaisons” to oversee different divisions within the Senate. These committee liaisons will serve as a “point person” in the sense that they will work with their designated organizations (one committee liaison to 10 organizations within a division) to make sure that bills are properly set up and submitted on time. I also envision that these committee liaisons will foster healthy discussion about issues in our community so that these thoughts can be brought to our meetings on Thursdays. This idea arose from Senate feedback about the current system and how meetings are run. As stated on our website, the purpose of SGA is as follows: To develop honor and self-control; to encourage wholesome ideals and personal responsibility; to exercise those executive, legislative, judicial and social responsibilities vested in the Student Government Association; to enhance the quality of campus life; to encourage community on campus; to budget and administer resources; to appropriate funds, where deemed appropriate, to campus organizations and other campus activities; and to facilitate open and effective communication among students, faculty, staff and administrators at High Point University. I want to ensure that we are following all points in our purpose so that we can properly represent our student body.
Q: How can students get involved in SGA if they are not an SGA representative for a club?
A: There are many ways to get involved in SGA. One thing that students may not realize is that our Senate meetings are open to all students on campus in Phillips 120 every other Thursday (meeting dates will be on our SGA website). We encourage all students who are interested to attend and voice their concerns and opinions, regardless of whether or not they have a vote. Another way is through the chair committees, since each chair on the EC has a committee to aid in their specific tasks. The best way to get involved with SGA is by reaching out to an EC member or myself, and I would be more than happy to speak with students about the many different opportunities.
Q: How will you work to make sure that every HPU student is represented?
A: My biggest focus is to ensure that every single HPU student is being represented. I want students to feel involved, included and cared about during their time on campus. Through my various positions in organizations and in the Office of Student Life, I have been training over the last three years to effectively communicate. If I cannot answer a student’s concern or question, I will immediately direct them to someone who can. I never want a student to feel like he or she is left hanging, and I will do my best to see through every concern that comes to me or my EC. I will be working through ways to best represent the students, and have already proposed that the Student Services and Diversity Chair be split into two separate positions so that each chair can focus on his or her position as they pertain to the student body. I also have already received some feedback from the Senate regarding the committee liaison plan for next year, and I have been making changes to the plan as the suggestions continue to come in. I want to do what is best for the student body as a whole, so I am always open to suggestions and critique. I encourage all students to reach out to me, and I will happily meet and work with them to make campus a better place for every student.