SGA welcomes new members, event proposals in the works

_{College of Education Senator Ximena Larios (from left), College of Fine Arts Senator Victoria Lynn Rivera, School of Nursing Senator Rensanali Dela Cruz and College of Liberal Arts Senator Alexa Desiree Alvarez are shown during the 2023-2024 Student Government Association Inauguration Ceremony last Tuesday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus.}_{Aurora Acevedo/THE RIDER PHOTOS}

The Student Government Association’s newly elected executive officers and senators took the oath of office during the inauguration ceremony last Tuesday in the Performing Arts Complex on the
Edinburg campus.

The new executive team is composed of Odalys Anahi Saenz, who will serve as president, alongside Ihssan Omar Al-Qudah and Juana Elena Jimenez L., who were elected as internal and external vice presidents, respectively, for the 2023-2024 term.

The new term will begin at noon May 1.

Saenz thanked everyone who attended the inauguration and who voted for the executive team before directing her speech to the newly elected senators.

“I encourage you to embrace your roles with purpose, passion and dedication, but let’s work together to create that bright future for our UTRGV community by leading with example in everything we do,” Saenz said. “The student body has elected you to represent them by speaking on issues that affect students’ everyday lives. Together, we will create a stronger voice for the student body.”

Senate meeting

During the April 14 SGA meeting, Kimberly Escalante, vice president for Internal Affairs, said there are 30 new SGA members who are being ushered in for the upcoming ninth legislative season.

“Currently, we’re just working on transitioning the new executives to the new roles, duties and responsibilities,” Escalante said in her president’s report.

Elijah Gonzalez, senator-at-large for Edinburg, announced during the meeting that the Financial Affairs Standing Committee no longer has spring funds but summer funds are still available. The committee is also waiting on approval for its $3,625 summer fund application.

“There are still opportunities for students to travel during their summer semester,” Gonzalez said regarding SGA funds.

Joselyn Rodriguez, senator for the College of Sciences, spoke on behalf of Julianna Castillo, chair of the Campus Life and Community Affairs Standing Committee and senator for the College of Health Professions.

Rodriguez said the committee is working on three proposal drafts, which are a Pet Picnic in association with the Athletics Department, an Entrepreneur Fair and a Health Fair.

The last Campus Life and Community Affairs Standing Committee meeting for the term will be at 5:15 p.m. Wednesday.

_{Student Government Association Vice President Ihssan Omar Al-Qudah (from left), President Odalys Anahi Saenz and Vice President Juana Elena Jimenez are shown during the 2023-2024 Student Government Association Inauguration Ceremony last Tuesday in the Performing Arts Complex on the Edinburg campus.}

During the March 31 SGA meeting, Sergeant-at-Arms Omar Salgado gave the Internal Affairs Standing Committee report. The committee also discussed updating the senators’ training.

The last Internal Affairs Standing Committeemeeting for the term will be at 11 a.m. April 21.

The SGA’s next meeting is at 2:30 p.m. Friday in Student Academic Center Room 2.130 on the Edinburg campus.

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