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Student Government Association takes on new name, new location

January 13, 2020

An important NIU organization has a new name and a new location.

Effective immediately, NIU Student Association is now NIU Student Government Association (SGA), a name change that more accurately reflects the organization’s role on campus.

“I am proud of the Student Government Association for recognizing the needs of the student body and making this change,” said Rene Fuqua, Student Government Association adviser. “SGA is a very important organization and needs to be recognizable, open and available to all students.”

Students gather in the new OASIS space on the ground floor of the Holmes Student Center.

Established in 1968, the Student Government Association plays a critical role in the university’s system of shared governance. The organization is structured to mirror the three branches of the national government, including the executive, legislative and judicial branches. Students hold positions within SGA as president, vice president, treasurer, student trustee, chief of staff, directors, senators, and judges.

“Your voice is truly our mission,” said Naomi Bolden, SGA president. “As president, I vowed to be your voice as well as to make the SGA a resource for the student body; I hope that this name change will provide clarity to students on what the purpose of our organization is and encourage more students become members.”

Ian Pearson, speaker of the SGA Senate, shared the sentiment.

“The Student Government Association exists to represent the voice of students,” Pearson said. “With this name change we will be better equipped to advertise, recruit, and help grow the next generation of student leaders.”

The Student Government Association provides a number of services that support the student body. With a budget of more than $1 million, SGA offers funding to more than 200 student organizations on campus, advocates for the student body to the administration, governs student organizations and offers inclusive programming.

“We encourage students to visit us during our office hours so we can hear their input on what types of events they are interested in and what changes they want to see on campus,” said Summer Ghoman, SGA director. “Understanding our students’ concerns and presenting solutions is a key role of the Student Government Association. I enjoy being able to effectively collaborate with student organizations and the student body as a whole.”

SGA is now located in the OASIS space on the ground floor of the Holmes Student Center. Members of the campus community are invited to attend an formal opening of the OASIS space from 5 to 6 p.m., following the 125th Anniversary Kick-Off and Reception on Thursday, Jan. 30. 

To learn more email studentassociation@niu.edu or call 815-753-0483.