The West Virginia University Student Government Association is the mediator between the student body and the administration.
SGA is broken up into three branches: executive, legislative and judicial.
Each February, a president and vice president are elected as the executive branch, as well as 15 Board of Governors and two athletic councilmen who make up the legislative branch.
The executive branch heads SGA and consists of President Jason Zuccari and Vice President Whitney Rae Peters.
Together, they meet with administration regularly to speak on students’ behalf.
In July, the pair met with University President James P. Clements at their retreat at Dorsey’s Knob to discuss student concerns.
SGA started an initiative in 2007 called "Speak Up" to "listen to every student voice" about issues around campus, according to its Web site.
"Speak Up" reports are complied and handed out to the appropriate administrators.
After presenting the report to Clements, Zuccari said Clements cares deeply about student concerns and wants to improve matters of transportation and diversity first.
Clements and SGA formed a partnership to resolve club sports funding issues.
During a two-week campaign, the governors run on platforms in which they work to resolve issues during their term.
The results of the work on their platforms is a reflection of the governors’ ability, according to SGA Gov. Kate Bostic.
"I probably shook 700 peoples’ hands during campaigning," Bostic said.
In order to run for president or vice president, the pair must collect 1,400 signatures, or signatures from 5 percent of the student body.
Each member vying for BOG or athletic council must collect 700 signatures, or 2.5 percent of the student body.
Those running for positions may not campaign while getting signatures but can talk about platform ideas.
"What I found was that people didn’t just want to give their signatures but wanted to find out what I was working on," Bostic said.
Working on platforms is just as important as networking, according to Gov. Molly Casto because resolving issues can lead to reelection in February.
Resolving issues goes smoother when the BOG does not fight, Casto said.
"This year, every governor is working together on the issues instead of working mostly individually," Casto said. "We haven’t had any fights or anything. So far, it’s been an absolute blast. We all really love each other."
Bostic, whose platform is club sports, also added that resolutions get solved faster when the administration hears students’ concerns.
"What’s great is that Clements is a big club sports supporter," Bostic said. "I didn’t have to do a lot to get something done. (Clements) vowed to work on club sports – it’s going to be great to work with him.
Athletic Council also runs on platforms.
The two councilman, Allie Crutchfield and A.J. Folio work on all matters of scholarship sports, according to Folio.
"The Council strives to improve the athletic department in the University by raising money," Folio said. "Right now, I’m hoping to see more money raised for intramurals. That way every student could participate in a sport."
After elected, the president and vice president appoint people to their executive committee.
These positions include: the attorney general, chief-of-staff, treasurer, secretary, off-campus housing director, communications director, outreach director, student health chair, public relations chair, elections chair, alcohol awareness coordinator and the executive director of the Mountaineer Maniacs.
The judicial branch of SGA is made up of the Judicial Board.Nine members make up the Judicial Board and are appointed by the president and vice president.
The current Judicial Board was appointed by the Parsons/Napier administration.
Zuccari and Peters will appoint new members before election time in February, Peters said.
SGA’s first meeting is tonight at 7:30 in the Rhododendron Room in the Mountainlair.
Students are encouraged to attend.
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