On September 18 and 19, students at the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) participated in one of the cornerstones of campus democracy: the annual Student Government Association (SGA) elections. Through an online voting system, students selected their representatives to serve as voices for their peers and advocates for student needs across the university.
Four candidates vied for the position of Freshman Senator: Isaia Joseph Gauwitz, Sly Nana, David Greene, and Hamna Syed. For International Student Senator, Tharun Kumar Katabathina ran unopposed, while Corinna Thomas was the sole candidate for Senator-at-Large.
The election for Freshman Senator was especially spirited, ultimately resulting in a victory for Sly Nana, who shared his enthusiasm for representing the newest members of the UIS community.
“I want to be an advocate; I want to serve, and I would like to be the voice that represents all the needs and wants of my peers,” Nana said. “Although we are all new to this campus, I want to be part of the team that makes our stay here welcoming, comforting, and fulfilling.”
Nana also emphasized his goal to ensure freshmen have the tools and support they need to succeed.
“I want to serve the needs of all freshmen by helping to provide the resources that promote learning and community building,” he said. “It’s also important to highlight the resources that are already available to students.”
Freshman candidate Isaia Joseph Gauwitz, who also ran in the election, focused his campaign on sustainability and transportation.
“I would like to see serious improvement with waste management at UIS,” Gauwitz said. “While recycling isn’t done enough- especially in residence halls- I believe composting is a realistic goal. Neither the Union nor residential areas currently compost, and I think a program like that could make a big difference.”
Gauwitz also proposed campus infrastructure improvements.
“Making transportation easier for students, whether through subsidized SMTD bus passes or adding more bike lanes, would go a long way toward making UIS more accessible and sustainable,” he added.
SGA: Student voice in action
The Student Government Association exists to provide students with a democratic platform to influence campus life. According to SGA by-laws, elected representatives serve on committees that shape student experiences. Some include the Student Activities Committee, Student Organization Funding Association, and Campus Safety Committee. These groups collaborate with university faculty and staff to allocate funds, plan events, and promote safety and engagement on campus.
The recent election reflects the ongoing commitment of UIS students to leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement within their university community.
