'SGA' Means Student Government at Columbia by Nicholas D. Glenn, Marketing Communications

Columbia College Chicago has always strived to provide its students with the tools necessary to be ground-breaking, innovative and trend setting. As times change this responsibility falls to a new group of administrators, faculty and students. That is where you come in. Columbia College Student Government Association (SGA) puts students on the frontlines of making Columbia a more perfect institution. SGA members collaborate with faculty, administration and fellow students to ensure the student body is heard and properly represented.

Columbia College Chicago SGA is comprised of five executive officers and 34 elected senators, each representing the needs of students in specific academic departments and the student body at large. The main mission of these voting officers is to take on real issues facing Columbia and take binding action.

The SGA has three committees dedicated to advocate for the diverse needs of the student body of Columbia College Chicago. Each SGA member serves in at least one committee, and this is where the work gets done. Any student can become a committee member without going through the election process. Committee members would have a vote within the committee but not during senate assembles. All committee meetings are open to the public. If an individual would like to discuss a particular issue or idea with the SGA, they are encouraged to stop by a committee meeting and bring input.

Columbia College Chicago offers a wide array of student programs ranging from student government to martial arts. SGA president Jessica Valerio underscores the importance of student involvement. “By joining one of our 50-plus organizations, you are making valuable connections with fellow students,” said Valerio. “By applying the skills that you’ve learned in the classroom through hands-on experience, you become a part of something bigger than yourself.”

The SGA works hand in hand with the office of Student Engagement (OSE) to ensure that students have a chance to express themselves outside of the class room. Students are encouraged to not only to join a program, but also start programs if they feel a need on campus is not being met. The SGA has worked in the past with students and administration to start organizations and fund existing programs. The variety of programs offered to students provides an opportunity to determine what fits them best. “Columbia may be known for its award-winning faculty and unbeatable programs in the visual, performing, media, and communication arts,” said Valerio. "But student life at Columbia is the most exciting, creative, and rich community of innovative and intelligent young minds that exist today. Find your creative posse and live what you love; get involved!"

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