The Hornet Tribune

Issue date: 10/11/08 Section: University News

Media Credit: Perry Morgan SGA President Bryan Weaver delivers his first State of the Association Address in the Leila Barlow Theater

Speaking before a small crowd of approximately 100 students, Student Government Association President Bryan Weaver addressed the current "state of health" of the SGA in his State of the Association Address on Tuesday, Oct. 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Leila Barlow Theatre.

During the address, Weaver addressed several issues such as student quality of life, the SGA budget and the new programs that he plans to implement.

"For too long, and in too many ways our heritage has been abandoned, and as a result, our student government has somewhat drifted by the way side," Weaver said. "University administrators barely believe in our student government and the students that it should be serving have a very difficult time believing in the government."

Weaver said that student government has become a vehicle for recreation, instead of handling the business of the students.

"Instead of strengthening our government each year with new legislation, resolutions, proclamations, and revisions to our constitution for future students to come, SGA has centered on becoming an activities association, and as an activities association, we have lost sight of our mission - to create a better quality of life for the students who say that Alabama State University is their university," Weaver said. "I plan to implement new initiatives and new programs to restore the credibility of this student government."

Weaver believes that in order for students to progress, both administrators and students must be held to a certain standard.

"I feel that students as well as faculty have to be accountable," he said. "As long as you entrust this government, we will stay in line with the SGA Constitution."

As the SGA's chief executive officer, Weaver hopes to make the organization competitive with other Student Government Associations all across the country. In order to do that, he feels they must have a budget comparable with the Student Government Associations at other universities.

"In a few weeks, SGA Treasurer Tony Cobb will be presenting a budget to the Senate in a few weeks that represents a $100,000 increase," Weaver said. "We hope to receive this increase because students have gone too long without a competitive government.

Continued...

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