This week’s campus celebrity is Adam McCall ’12, the Student Government Association’s (SGA) president elect for 2011-2012. Of course, we all know SGA plays an integral part in student programming at Emory, but Her Campus Emory (HCE) wanted to learn more about what their jobs entail. In addition, this interview will give you a closer look at your newest president!
HCE: How does it feel to be elected to this position?
Adam McCall (AM): It feels great to be elected. I’m excited for the opportunities to make a difference next year within the Emory community.
HCE: We all know that SGA stands for Student Government Association but what do you guys actually do? How are you different than College Council?
AM: SGA is the umbrella organization for all student groups on campus, including the College Council. Along with chartering and funding every student group, SGA advocates for students to the university administration and provides programs and services to the student body at large, such as shuttles and speakers.
HCE: What have your past positions/responsibilities on SGA been?
AM: This past year, I served as the SGA Executive Vice President. The previous year I was Speaker of the Legislature. I got involved with SGA my freshman year as a freshman legislator.
HCE: What are your goals for next year’s SGA?
AM: I would like to ensure that students have more open lines of communication to top administrators and decision makers on campus. I would also like to hold more programs open to the entire community in order to bring students together at Emory.
HCE: How can students interested in student government become more involved with SGA?
AM: Students can get involved in SGA in a number of ways. First, they can apply to serve on the Executive Board either as an officer or as an executive assistant. Second, they can apply for one of the open legislative positions. Third, they can apply to be an SGA liaison to specific areas of campus.
HCE: Many students have complained about the dining on campus. They believe the DUC is repetitive, and that Emory dining halls have limited hours (especially on weekends). Has SGA addressed this issue? Do you think these issues will be discussed next year?
AM: SGA is constantly working on dining issues. In the past, initiatives have included promoting greater food safety and putting more area restaurants on the Emory Card. Next year, I plan on making food safety a priority. All vendors on campus are required to have a 90 health rating or above, and if Sodexo itself can’t meet this standard, the university should diversify the list of vendors allowed on campus. I also want to push for dining halls to remain open during Fall and Spring break so students who stay on campus have options.
HCE: Tell us a little bit about yourself—beyond your involvement with SGA.
AM: I’m a College Junior from the Greater Boston area, studying political science and economics. I’m a brother in ZBT, and I volunteer at PAWS Atlanta, occasionally write for the Wheel, and work at the Carter Center.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Emory chapter.