The Student Government Association has appointed two new senators and one new associate justice and is searching for a graduate student to join its Library Advisory Committee, as well as a fourth associate justice.
During its third meeting Aug. 12, the senate provided updates on upcoming events for the school year and introduced a new program coordinator.
After each nominee gave a short speech, the senate voted to appoint English junior Ayleen Canizales as associate justice; biology senior Jocelyn Rodriguez, senator for the College of Sciences; and marketing junior Elijah Gonzalez, senator-at-large for the Edinburg campus.
All three newly appointed students started their term that same day.
In his president’s report, Jonathan Dominguez said the executive team plans to host a basketball tournament between student leaders and staff during UTRGV Madness. Dominguez said the executive team is working on the details with the Athletics Department.
SGA’s Standing Committee provided some updates on upcoming events for this fall semester.
The committee plans to hold Meet the Deans Oct. 18 on the Brownsville campus and Oct. 20 on the Edinburg campus.
Committee members are looking into participating in Welcome Week, with an event called Toss for Luck. The event will consist of students throwing coins into a well; then, the money will be donated to a charity.
Plans for a blood drive were also discussed, but the Standing Committee has not set the event yet.
During the meeting, Associate Dean for Student Involvement and SGA Adviser Delma Olivarez introduced SGA’s new program coordinator, Kourtnie Hernandez.
“A big part of her responsibilities are supporting the day-to-day operations of [the] Student Government Association,” Olivarez said.
Hernandez received her bachelor of science degree in rehabilitation services in 2018 and a master of science degree in clinical rehabilitation counseling in 2021, both from UTRGV.
While studying, Hernandez worked as a student assistant for the Center for Student Involvement. Later, she became a mentor and lead mentor.
In 2019, Hernandez became an academic adviser in the Academic Advising Center.
