Illinois State University’s Alumni Association understands that the core values of the University do not go unrecognized after graduation. To align with the value of civic engagement, the association is launching a new monthly series, #ISUAdvocate, sharing advocacy best practices, civic engagement happenings on campus, important news from experts on campus, and how alumni can stay involved while having a voice for their alma mater. This month, the Redbird Engagement and Development Committee, a subcommittee of the Alumni Association Board of Directors, spoke with Illinois State Student Body President Patrick Walsh about what Student Government Association (SGA) is looking forward to in the spring 2023 semester. The Student Government Association at Illinois State is recognized as the official governing body of students. SGA works to ensure student voices are heard and student interests are met, advocating for students through university policies and working closely with university administrators and alumni.
Walsh started the conversation with the goals SGA has put forward for the spring semester.
“The Student Government is looking forward to a busy and productive semester! One of our goals is to continue advocating for student renters’ rights within our campus community. Ensuring that students understand the lease signing process and that they do not have to sign a lease immediately is the information we aim to continue sharing with the student body,” Walsh stated. “Additionally, we aim to continue advocating for mental health awareness here on campus. One avenue that can be taken to tackle this objective is by advocating our state legislators for excused mental health absences for Illinois public university students. Additionally, we aim to continue promoting transparency to our student body by increasing our social media presence through informational videos our students can easily access to stay up to date on university/SGA events.”
SGA is most excited to be working on advocating for excused mental health absences, like those that are associated with SB 1577, which gives K-12 students five excused absences for mental health-related issues. Walsh stated, “I am currently working with other students from public universities in Illinois to advocate for this important issue for college students within Illinois.”
When asked how Illinois State alumni can support SGA, Walsh spoke about how alumni have impacted him the most.
“I can speak from my personal experience to state that our ISU alumni have been a great help to me. I have received strong mentorship in my role as student body president from three former student body presidents, including Andrew Manno ’13, Michael Rubio ’19, and Rodrigo Villalobos ’22. What I would say is to continue what you all have been doing. Having resources in friends like this from my specific organization has greatly benefited me and others.”
To support SGA efforts or to reach out with any questions, visit the SGA website and fill out the contact form or send a direct email to the association.
