{"id":9294,"date":"2026-04-10T20:35:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-11T00:35:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/?p=9294"},"modified":"2026-04-11T13:34:58","modified_gmt":"2026-04-11T17:34:58","slug":"sga-debate-2026-a-recap","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/2026\/04\/10\/sga-debate-2026-a-recap\/","title":{"rendered":"SGA Debate 2026: A Recap"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>by Charlesie Robison &amp; Ollie Gibson<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><em>Participants:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Logan Ward<\/strong> \u2013 Junior, Philosophy and Politics Major, <strong>Running for SGA President<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Focus<\/strong>: <strong>Safety, Accessibility, Community<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Increase Town Hall meetings with DPS and Title IX for student understanding and outreach<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Improve safety and accessibility for injured\/disabled students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Utilize social media to increase communication and awareness of SGA actions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>George Ferree<\/strong> \u2013 Junior,&nbsp; B&amp;B Major, <strong>Running for Speaker of the House<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Efficiency in SGA actions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Organizing focused efforts of SGA transparency and voting endeavors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Emily Immordino<\/strong> \u2013 Freshman, Prospective Chemistry Major, Tennis Team, Greek Life, SAC Committee; Running for <strong>Speaker of the House<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Transparency from professors, such as earlier syllabus reception<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helping future first years work with SGA and form communities including them<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Laura Linkous<\/strong> \u2013 Junior, Data Science and Math Major, <strong>Running for SAC President<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has been on SAC the last 3 years&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase participation through communication<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase partnership with local businesses and student organizations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><br><strong>Question for SGA President:<\/strong> <strong>Why are Safety, Accessibility, and Community the most important things to focus on?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW<\/strong>: These things aren\u2019t mutually exclusive, and can act as an umbrella for other important issues on campus. Accessibility and accommodations go hand in hand. I want to focus on campus improvements to help advocate for the funding of accommodation infrastructure. On community, I think prioritizing inclusivity also prioritizes wellness among the student body.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Candidates Question<\/strong>: <strong>Can you give one specific example of how you have positively impacted campus and student life? What makes you the best candidate for this position?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW<\/strong>:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Worked as a Writing Center consultant<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gained experience of being a student worker, important perspective<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has been on SGA before<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Helped with Emergency Funding Requests&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Prioritized upfront communication with clubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Worked on the Board of Trustees to allocate funds and assist clubs<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Mentorship of First Years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA is a long term commitment; wants to help develop the culture of Centre through SGA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Planned Farmers\u2019 Market event this year\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reached out to student body for vendors&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Showcased student talent<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Candidates Question:<\/strong> <strong>What is the biggest problem at Centre?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Students not feeling safe on campus<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Need a multifaceted approach: Town Halls with DPS for students to provide direct feedback to administration<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If safety concern emerges in the future, immediate Town Halls to have campus conversations<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Campus Involvement: Clubs and SGA<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Encourage students to join SGA and create an environment of fulfilling participation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Campus Cohesion<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA can help bring opposing groups together<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Academically, thinks professors need to be transparent with their syllabus and materials needed, and how hard it will be<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Student engagement<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>For SAC, starting earlier in the year to get feedback on what students enjoyed and attended<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Because of SAC\u2019s higher budget, working with clubs to bring participation up<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Candidates Question: Students are busy and becoming disconnected. How will you encourage students to engage?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Wellness week: great opportunity for students to de-stress, host activities, and community building events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA continue to ensure that students are engaged, healthy, maintaining a good life balance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA can do more to highlight student organizations and promote events.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It\u2019s easy to withdraw, but it\u2019s important for campus culture to participate, and a big part of that is events that people want to participate in<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>New to SGA, took making a change and wanting to be involved, because it\u2019s not hard to get involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SGA highlighting student organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Communications committee promotion to school-wide effort<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA exec working with student organizations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making an environment where it is cool to sit in on SGA meetings<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SAC needs to be more accessible to bring students in and meet their needs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Help clubs bring big ideas to life<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maintain tight schedule \u2013 time management<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SAC reaching out first to different clubs to see what they need help with<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>All Candidates Question<\/strong>: <strong>Students are discontented with a variety of things: tuition, meal plans, hate speech, car crashes, etc. What will you do in a moment of crisis?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Listen to student body and hear how they feel and respond to these things<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Make sure to take feedback about what he can do as president of SGA to help<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Important as president to be vigilant and persevere&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work with administration to keep them up to date about how student feel and promote student opinions<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Club representation in SGA to work through troubles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Accurately represent students when we hear their voices<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently met with ODI on student issues<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Connection between admin and students<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Administration sending more sincere emails for heavy topics<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Professors holding extra office hours, extensions<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Transparency with administration about how the student body is handling things<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>For SAC, promote and uplift campus culture<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Boardwalk bash, where people can get to know one another<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Reminds us why we love Centre and its community<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question from the Audience: The role of Speaker is constantly communicating with the president and other representatives, while also handling what happens in the moment. How do you as a leader handle surprises and adverse challenges?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Try and be prepared for every meeting<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work closely with Logan on agenda<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Know that I won\u2019t always have all the answers<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>In times of adversity, do not make decisions until you have full information<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Ensure full agreement on decisions so the speaker of the house does not speak for the whole student body<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Work closely with all members of exec before making informed decisions<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question from the Audience: Recently, there has been a large increase of hate speech on campus and a lack of conversation in response. How will you hold yourself accountable in your position to ensure minorities feel safe?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>After incident, SGA sponsored a resolution with one of the organizations that was targeted, and should be emulated in the future<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>In student affairs, brushed up on policies on campus speech\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Fine line between free speech and intolerable hate<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>GF:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current bias reporting system is convoluted and needs changing<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recently spoke about this with Title IX and ODI<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA cannot do anything until we meet with administrators first<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>We must hold each other accountable, as the impact is real and goes on records permanently<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Making reporting issues more accessible, ensuring everyone on SGA knows how to report an issue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Set an example by SGA response<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SAC partnering with clubs<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Shoutout Brother to Brother for their participation and great events<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Clubs that bring people together<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question from the Audience: Smoking cigarettes on campus is illegal. Why?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sorry, but topic is outside SGA president jurisdiction<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SGA doesn\u2019t decide that directly, but if that idea gets traction, we could talk to administration<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI<\/strong>:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Petition to go in front of SGA for that to be approved<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Everyone gets a voice in SGA<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question from the Audience<\/strong>: <strong>When certain groups of people continuously hurt the community and do not seem to face consequences, it can feel very frustrating to other, more peaceful groups. What will you do to help enforce justice on campus?&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SGA is made up of students on campus, things get around<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is the role of SGA to listen to the students affected by this behavior and stand up for justice<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Redoing bias reporting system&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increasing student judiciary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA will hit the ground running to help with this issue, it is very concerning<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>SGA putting pressure on people who make decisions to represent the student body<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SGA cannot take formal legal action, but we can make reporting more accessible<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Change is important, but goes above us<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Want to make it easier to report issues and for students to know resources<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Question from the Audience: How do you plan to retain first year and incoming student involvement for next year?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Has been in SGA since first year, and was so excited to be apart of it and effect policy<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Supporting first years\u2019 efforts and projects<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Demonstrating what first years can accomplish in SGA and beyond<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF:&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As speaker, work with first years as a mentor to make sure they have a positive SGA experience<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Uphold standard of SGA and foster community enjoyment in participation<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As a first year now, will be with incoming class for 3 years<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Serve as a mentor while working with and for them&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Forming long term relationship and encouraging them to do the same<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>SAC plans orientation week<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Increase advertisement so students know that they can help plan casino night, block party, etc.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Would love to work with FYC and SGA to get first years involved<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Closing Statements:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LW: <\/strong>I would like to focus for a second on my final tenant of my platform: Community. The community Centre fosters is our greatest asset, and it is so diverse in identities, interests, passions, values, and convictions. I want Centre to be a place where people can express who they are and what they believe without fear of retaliation and violence. I don\u2019t have all the answers, but I know I am not the only person who wants to do that, and I want to work to build that community. If you have any questions, reach out to me, I am happy to talk regardless of distance. I look forward to being back on campus and talking more with everyone.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GF: <\/strong>There have been highs and lows of my past three years of SGA, and I want to bring my knowledge to the role. Transparency and efficiency are my two main focuses. Feel free to reach out!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>EI: <\/strong>To me, this role is about bringing campus together, especially incoming first years. It will be my main priority to bring people together and represent students across campus. I will make sure that students have resources and information about textbooks and syllabi punctually. SGA strengthened by relationships with others, and I want to do the same for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>LL: <\/strong>SAC is a group of hardworking students who bring the best events to campus. As the only candidate, I am excited to start work. Do not be scared to reach out to me with any club event ideas!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>by Charlesie Robison &amp; Ollie Gibson Participants: Logan Ward \u2013 Junior, Philosophy and Politics Major, Running for SGA President Focus: Safety, Accessibility, Community George Ferree \u2013 Junior,&nbsp; B&amp;B Major, Running for Speaker of the House Emily Immordino \u2013 Freshman, Prospective Chemistry Major, Tennis Team, Greek Life, SAC Committee; Running for Speaker of the House Laura [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":9295,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[9,11],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9294","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","category-sga-debate"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9294","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9294"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9294\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":9297,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/9294\/revisions\/9297"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/9295"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9294"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=9294"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cento.centre.edu\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=9294"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}