UTSA’s Student Government Association (SGA) must re-align their forces in continuing service to the student body by holding a special election for vice president.
Recently, the vice president of SGA resigned, leaving the position unmanned. Despite the abrupt resignation, SGA is well versed in dealing with the unexpected and is changing ranks to continue moving forward.
John Montoya, assistant director of student leadership and the SGA, pointed out that SGA senators resign every semester explaining that the positions can be very demanding.
SGA President Xavier Johnson gave a similar response concerning the frequency and reasoning for SGA senators resigning. He then explained officer resignations.
“Members typically do not resign from officer positions, but they do occasionally resign from other positions such as senator positions, either to focus on classes, other organizations or other areas of campus involvement,” Johnson said. “The last time an officer resigned was in the 2009 to 2010 administration when the treasurer, Chris Kuta, resigned for personal reasons.”
The consensus on former SGA Vice President Victor Hinojosa’s resignation aligned with Kuta’s reasoning for stepping down. It was for personal reasons, but the specifics surrounding this reason are unknown. Though this resignation comes as a surprise to SGA members, it has not been met with criticism, as SGA members defend his need to resign.
A special vote will be held to fill the vacated position. The nominees include Kort Jackson, Boyd Garriott and Anthony Herrera.
The victor of this special election shall act as the official SGA VP for a total of three weeks until the SGA general elections in March. Despite this brief term, the winner will have the incumbent’s advantage against opponents during the official elections. Therefore, this special election will be a trial period for the winning candidate, offering UTSA’s student body an opportunity to preview the winner’s abilities.
If the student body disapproves, they need only wait three weeks to choose someone else.
Besides the adjustment in leadership, SGA has many other plans for change. Johnson brushed over a few of these plans.
“We are looking to get more food options at the downtown campus such as a Starbucks,” Johnson said, commenting on a much-needed change for the downtown campus.
Johnson touches on an issue that many students would like to see resolved.
“Establish a registration wait list so students don’t have to wait in the middle of the night to register for a class,” Johnson said.
He pointed out other advents SGA is exploring to include expansions and critique of the new +/- grading system. Students can vote on ASAP Feb. 21 through Feb. 22. Results of the election will be posted Feb. 23 by 3 p.m.
