On April 10th, 2024, James Madison University held its annual student body election. If you were not able to vote in this election, keep on reading to learn more about what the different positions in Student Government Association (SGA) do! It is really important to be an active and engaged citizen whether that is within university politics or government politics, because the people voted in are making decisions that directly affect you. Election results have yet to be announced, but stay up to date about all things election and upcoming ways to be politically active on campus on the SGA Instagram @jmu_sga.
Following are the different roles that are on the ballot, their powers and duties, as well as this year’s 2024 SGA candidates and their platforms listed for you to get a better idea of what each role focuses on and how they directly impact you!
Presidential Candidates
Powers and Duties:
Position description from the official James Madison University website.
- Their duties shall include relaying student concerns to the James Madison University administration and overseeing all Student Government Association activities and inquiries.
- This person shall preside as chairperson of the Executive Council and of the Student Government Leadership meetings.
- This person shall delegate task when needed to the Executive Assistant.
- This person shall supervise and meet regularly with both the Executive Assistant and the Communications Director.
- This person shall have the power to add and/or subtract Executive Staff positions with the consent of two-thirds of the Student Senate. The President cannot subtract positions stated in the Constitution.
- They shall fulfill the five-hour office hour requirement.
- The President shall chair the Academic Council, which will be comprised of all Academic Senators and include the Academic Affairs Chairperson. Meeting times for this council shall be left to the discretion of the President, but shall not exceed two meetings per month.
Candidates and their Platforms:
Photo from @briellesaysgodukes on Instagram
Brielle Lacroix, current Chief of Staff for SGA, ran on a platform prioritizing sustainability education, community engagement, and student awareness of support services. If elected, Lacroix hopes to create a student organization that works to educate the JMU community about sustainability and the UN SDGS, plan and organize an event during homecoming weekend to invite Harrisonburg community members to engage with the JMU community on campus, and communicate with student organizations though a new top-down approach to create more awareness of support services for students. Continue to follow Brielle on Instagram @briellesaysgodukes
Photo from @blitzman200 on Instagram
Zachary Fleming ran on a platform of communication and inclusivity. Fleming writes in his mission statement, “As Student Body President, my mission is to serve as a voice for all students, ensuring their concerns are heard and addressed, I am committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus, and to fostering a culture of respect and unity. Through proactive leadership and open communication, I aim to empower students to thrive academically, socially, and personally during their time at JMU.” Continue to follow Zachary on Instagram @blitzman200
Vice Presidential Candidates
Powers and Duties:
Position description from the official James Madison University website.
- This person shall appoint and oversee student members to all University Commission and Committee meetings and external appointments and report to the Executive Council and to the Student Senate all issues that arise in these meetings. This person shall be held responsible for all University Commission and Committee meetings in which no student was appointed.
- Should a vacancy occur in the office of the Student Government Association President, this person shall assume all responsibilities of that office until a new election can be held as stipulated by the bylaws.
- This person shall relay student concerns to the James Madison University administration.
- This person shall serve as the Director of Class Council and carry out duties associated with that position which shall include overseeing Class Council events.
- This person shall supervise and meet regularly with the FEB liaisons.
- They shall fulfill the five-hour office hour requirement.
Candidates and their Platforms:
Photo from @herbertsaysgodukes on Instagram
Abby Herbert ran on a platform prioritizing unification by bringing all class councils together, enhancing events such as Purple Out and Madison Majesties, and being a resource that the student body and faculty can rely on for support and aid. Continue to follow Abby on Instagram @herbertsaysgodukes
Treasurer
Powers and Duties:
Position description from the official James Madison University website.
- This person shall be responsible for and oversee the Finance Committee.
- This person in conjunction with the finance committee and the Treasurer Elect shall craft the proposed annual budget and present it to the Student Senate and appropriate administration.
- This person shall sign all purchase orders, travel authorizations, etc. made by the Student Government Association
- This person shall be responsible for all donations given to the Student Government Association
- This person shall be responsible for maintaining and overseeing all inventory held by the Student Government Association.
- This person shall publicly display updated budgets of all FEB organization, Program Grant Funds, and Contingency Funds.
- This person will be responsible for all internal financial proceedings.
- This person shall oversee the Finance Liaison to follow all proceedings for contingency funds.
- This person shall be responsible for Program Grants.
- This person shall oversee the Front-End Budget process.
- They shall fulfill the five-hour office hour requirement.
Candidates and their Platforms:
Photo from LinkedIn
Carson Tighe ran on a platform aimed to empower student organizations by bringing more awareness of the financial support SGA is able to provide them. Tighe emphasizes the importance of marketing the resources SGA provides to be more accessible to the student body.
Student Representative to the Board of Visitors
Powers and Duties:
Position description from the official James Madison University website.
“In addition to the 15 members appointed by the governor of Virginia, a student representative is chosen for the Board of Visitors each year by the student body during Spring Elections. The Student Representative attends BOV meetings and submits regular reports to the board through the board’s Education and Student Life Committee. At present, the Student Representative is not a voting member of the BOV.”
Candidates and their Platforms:
Photo from @reagan.for.jmu on Instagram
Reagan Polarek, current Class of 2026 president, ran on a platform focused on making JMU students feel safe, secure, and supported. Polarek plans to create more effective mental health services and awareness, as well as an awareness for other campus resources and student organizations so everyone can feel like they belong at JMU. Continue to follow Reagan @reagan.for.jmu
Photo from @sydney4jmu on Instagram
Sydney Stafford, current legislative affairs committee member, ran on a platform to increase Board of Visitors visibility so information is accessible to students, bridge the gap between students, administration, and the Board of Visitors, and use student voices to advocate for tuition transparency. Stafford expresses that she values connections with students and wants to welcome new perspectives by creating a forum that will meet 1-2 times a month. Continue to follow Sydney on Instagram @sydney4jmu
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