The Intricate Dance of Elon’s Student Government: Choosing Leaders Outside the Ballot Booth

When you think of college leadership, what comes to mind? Elections, rallies, spirited debates? At Elon University, it’s a bit different.

Behind the Curtain: Selecting the VP Roles 🏛️

Come April 10th, the Student Government Association (SGA) executive positions of president and vice president are ready to be spotlighted. But what’s happening behind closed doors is an equally theatrical show. The vice president of finance and the vice president of communications, two critical roles, are chosen not through a ballot but by an exclusive committee. This allows for a more curated selection, ensuring the fit is just right for this prestigious institution.

The Finance Job: A Numbers Game

Handling the dough isn’t for the faint-hearted. The vice president of finance reviews funding requests, ensuring allocations stick to bylaws. They’re like the gatekeeper of Elon’s student activity treasure trove, determining which organizations cash in on the action. Their role involves collaboration with the finance board, wrapping all directives in a neat, financial package.

Communications: Between Tweets and Chats 📱

Meanwhile, the communication VP strides across Elon’s digital landscape, connecting dots via social media and other platforms. Current VP, Ella Kucera made it her mission to make SGA faces recognizable and break down barriers. She wasn’t just a name on a bulletin – she was the bridge between the student body and the senators who serve them. Ella believed that knowing who your senate members are is half the battle in student governance.

Decisions Without Drama: The Application Process

This year, competition was modest. Four candidates had their sights set on finance, while the communications office saw a lone enthusiast brave the application. Resumes, skill questionnaires, and face-to-face interviews painted the picture for the selection committee, which included outgoing finance VP and the finance board advisor.

A Sneak Peek Into The Interview Room

To find the perfect match, it’s not just a gut feeling—there’s a whole line-up of decision-makers. Turn your attention to the finance board adviser, SGA adviser, the administrative assistant, and administrative associate. Anya Bratic, the executive president-elect with an eye for talent, eventually made the call. She had discerning criteria, evaluating strengths and weaknesses to find the cream of the crop.

Looking to the Future: Trust in Talent

Trust is key when the pool’s shallow. Only a single applicant stood for communications, but that didn’t shake SGA’s self-assurance. At Elon, talent runs deep, and skills speak louder than numbers. “We trust the students know their potential,” says Ella.

“At Elon, many students are so talented and passionate, so it doesn’t matter if it’s one or two applicants,” Kucera mentioned, highlighting the depth of student passion here.

The Senators Await: An Exciting Chapter Begins

April 10 isn’t just about new titles; it’s the dawn of a fresh chapter. Bratic can’t wait to get the ball rolling with the newly minted senators. Her sights are set on unleashing their potential, knowing that passion and drive are the ingredients of future success.

Bratic confidently exclaimed, “I’m looking forward to watching them shine… I will be available to work with them.”

Wages and Workload 💼

These positions don’t just come with prestige; they come with paychecks. Earning $15 an hour, officers work ten hours weekly, yielding an annual sum of $7,800. While it might seem modest, remember Elon’s minimum student wage sits at $13. Not bad for what’s almost a diplomatic mission.

In the end, Elon’s approach to leadership selection demonstrates a balance of trust, oversight, and opportunity. That’s the typical New York way, where decisions are equal parts art and science, ensuring only the finest at the helm.