Student Government Elections Approach UTRGV - The Valley's Student Station

The Student Government Association elections are coming up, giving students a chance to choose their student leaders at the university.

According to its website, the SGA’s mission is to proactively represent and serve the collective means that address student concerns.

Ray Ruiz, a Student Government Association adviser, said elections are important because they allow students to select representatives who can bring their concerns to university leadership.

Ruiz said the election process began with candidate applications via V Link, which closed Feb. 25.

After being checked for eligibility, approved candidates attended a mandatory meeting to review election guidelines and campaign rules.

“Campaigning officially starts on March 23,” Ruiz said. “That’s the Monday right after Spring Break, and it continues all the way until April 9.”

He added students will be able to vote electronically via email.

Ruiz said students can meet candidates during meet-the-candidates events to ensure they vote for the representative that is right for them.

The first meet-the-candidates event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on March 24 in Brownsville’s Student Union and March 26 at Edinburg’s Student Union

The association’s adviser said a strong student leader is one who prioritizes listening to the people they represent.

“Being a leader requires you to listen more than to talk,” he said. “Being a student leader here at UTRGV means that you’re representing the collective needs of all 35,000 students.”

SGA Chief Justice Isabella Zapata said it is important for students to pay attention to the election process and participate in voting for candidates who may have similar interests and represent ideas.

Zapata said patience is an important quality for candidates running for office

“Having patience is a big part of SGA because things take time,” she said. “Everything’s a process, and understanding that is what makes a good leader or representative in SGA.”

She added students should also pay attention to campus issues during the election cycle.

Education junior Mia Espinosa said she will vote this election cycle because she wants to be part of something with meaning at UTRGV.