What Do Students Actually Want From SGA?
By Oluwatoni Siyanbola
From parking concerns to campus dining, Barry University students have a voice in shaping their college experience. The Student Government Association is working to turn student feedback into action through monthly meetings with university leaders and campus outreach initiatives.
When students have concerns about campus life, they may not always know where to take them. Questions about parking, housing, meal plans and other campus services can sometimes feel like individual problems. At Barry University, however, the Student Government Association provides students with a way to bring those concerns forward.
But do students know that their concerns can lead to action?
SGA serves as a connection between students and university administration, giving students an opportunity to share suggestions and concerns about their experiences on campus. One of those efforts is Tell-it-Tabling, where students can stop by an SGA table and share concerns about campus life. This initiative once a month on a Tuesday at Landon Atrium. Students have expressed concerns about issues such as free parking and the quality and cleanliness of the cafeteria.
SGA representatives meet monthly with university vice presidents and the provost, giving student leaders an opportunity to bring student concerns directly to university administration. For students, that connection could provide a more direct path for addressing concerns that affect their everyday lives.
SGA President Amelia Thomas said one of her biggest goals is making sure students understand that speaking up is only the beginning.
“As SGA President, one of my biggest goals is to make sure students know that their voices are not only heard, but acted upon,” she said. “Students want change. They want their concerns and ideas to be brought to life, addressed, and actually dealt with, rather than simply acknowledged.”
Thomas said she and her board have been working hard to turn student concerns into solutions.
“We may not be able to change everything overnight, but we are committed to listening, creating action, and making sure students can see the impact of their voices,” she said.
Students can also choose to remain anonymous when sharing concerns, giving them additional comfort when discussing issues they may not want to attach their names to.
As the 2026–27 academic year continues, a survey of Barry students will provide another look at what students want their representatives to prioritize. The survey will examine issues including campus events, dining, housing, transportation, academic resources and campus safety.
For Thomas, the purpose of SGA goes beyond simply collecting complaints.
“At the end of the day, this is their campus, their experience, and their future,” she said. “My commitment as SGA President is to make sure their voices are at the table.”
For SGA, understanding what students want is only the first step. The larger challenge is making sure students know where to speak up, that someone is listening and, most importantly, what happens after they do.
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