SGA needs more openness, agendas posted

In order to have an open and honest student government on campus, the Student Government Association must post their agendas and meeting times at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.

The Texas Open Meetings Act’s purpose is to maintain an open government, where the public has knowledge on issues and pending legislation.

Even though it’s unclear if the TOMA applies to the SGA, meeting times and agendas are important to the student body for several reasons.

For University students, the SGA is the primary student organization that has the ear of President Rodney Mabry. At their meetings they vote on motions, pass resolutions and hear student’s concerns about the campus.

Many decisions they make must be approved by the president, but more often than not, the SGA gets a rubber stamp from the University administration.

It’s important for students to be aware of any pending resolutions before the SGA meeting occurs. If a student has an issue with the motion, they can bring their concerns to the meeting.

However, if the SGA continues to not post their meeting times, locations and agendas, students are in the dark about issues which may affect them.

One such issue is student fees.

SGAs across the state have passed resolutions to fund bonds to build recreational centers. While these SGA members are long gone, current and future students will foot the bill with tuition increases.

In addition, the SGA also decides which Cowan Center events are free for students. If students could know when and where the meeting is concerning the free tickets, they could petition for a specific event.

The SGA needs to hear from students and the only way to do that is to make their meeting times and agendas clear to the student body.

The SGA is the backbone of the student body and must represent student concerns to the administration.

As of now, students are in the dark about the SGA and it’s up to them to shine the light.