At its Feb. 9 and Feb. 16 meetings, the Norwich University Student Government Association (SGA), with a total member count of 15, discussed how to distribute roughly $10,000 in remaining funds for this year including whether to direct increased support to student-run clubs. The group also explored ways to improve recruitment to SGA as participation remains low, discussed the possibility of using an AI program to help revise and streamline its constitution, and reviewed plans for upcoming events.
With $9,480 left in its budget, SGA discussed potential ways to spend the remaining funds before the end of the year. One idea included collaborating with student-run clubs by helping fund or host events, with the understanding that those clubs would, in turn, promote SGA and build stronger connections with the organization.
Recruitment, an ongoing challenge discussed in prior meetings, remained a key topic on Feb. 9. SGA members considered a range of incentives to attract new participants, including free parking passes (subject to administrative approval), work-study opportunities, and free textbooks for required courses. SGA President Hector Aponte said the group is aiming to at least keep their current number of members, first than recruit more members. However, the discussion also highlighted a tension: while incentives may help boost participation, members expressed concern about attracting students who may be motivated primarily by perks rather than a genuine interest in SGA’s work, potentially leading to lower engagement.
At their latest meeting, SGA members said they have already begun using an AI program to draft a revised version of the constitution, aiming to cut down on redundancy and make the document more streamlined. Members are now cross-checking the new draft against the current version to ensure no key information is lost. The group expects to finalize the revision by mid- to late March, with the potential for new content to be added.
SGA members also discussed plans for several upcoming events, including Giving Day on March 16, which will feature a fundraising hot chocolate and s’mores event from 4:30 to 6 p.m., as well as a possible raffle; a finals-week initiative to distribute free snacks to students; and an SGA information event aimed at introducing more of the student body to the organization through snacks and games.
