New SGA leaders elected; student fee increase gets voter approval

The 65^th Student Government Association administration and passage of a referendum are what Claflin University has to look forward to in the 2023-24 academic year.

On Wednesday, April 5, Claflin announced that Jabez Roberson is the new SGA president and Amari Walker is vice president, and a vote in favor of increasing the student activities fee.

“It is truly a privilege to serve and represent my student body and university,” Roberson said.

Some of the main goals for his administration are:

• Support student life and organizations.
• Maintain and uplift the Claflin brand by promoting its unique attributes.
• Advocate for students’ needs and work to improve issues with residential life, dining hall, financial aid and public safety.
• Cultivate fruitful relationships between faculty/administration as well as alumni to foster opportunities for student development.

Roberson plans to uphold his platform by holding not only his cabinet accountable, but also class officers.

 “I will do this by utilizing joint programming to tackle a number of interests of the student body,” Roberson said.

As vice president Walker’s main goal is to enhance the sense of community and improve everyone’s experience at Claflin. “My platform is called ‘Helping Build Claflin University,’ and that is exactly what I plan to do,” Walker said.

She hopes to foster a learning environment where everyone’s voice is heard and opinions are considered.

Walker plans to uphold her platform by following her three guiding principles — progress, security and collaboration. “These words embody what I wish to do for our university and how I wish to serve as your vice president,” Walker said.

With their election also came the student body vote to increase the student activity fee.

“The student activities fee increase was needed because it creates more flexibility in the budget to develop programming as well as create activities to enhance the student experience,” Roberson said.

“An example of this would be to have a spring fest where we'd be able to potentially book an artist to come put on a concert just like for homecoming to boost campus morale and student engagement,” Roberson said.

Walker is also in favor of the increase.

She said, “It gives students the privilege to take advantage of the amenities offered to Claflin students. I am confident that this will be a positive and productive change for us all!”

The increase in activity fee will also:

• Establish new programs, initiatives and events.
• Increase funding for additional social events.
• Help finance items for branding and student services.
• Support diversity and inclusion efforts and programs for students.

The referendum vote supports increasing the student activities fee to $150 dollars per semester totaling $300 a year.

“Students can look forward to an improved and expanded assortment of activities, programs, incentives and much more. With the approval of this referendum, students have unlocked capabilities that previous students did not have access to during their matriculation,” Roberson said.

“Our goal is to make your time at Claflin the best that it can be. If we work together, I know we can reach the common goal — build Claflin University,” Walker said.