Zaria and Yolanda are dedicated to increasing representation and promoting inclusivity, particularly for marginalized students. They aim to collaborate with administration on policy changes and foster a stronger campus community through their advocacy efforts.

We've noticed many little changes that could improve the overall Ole experience. That's why our slogan is "Little changes, Big Impact!" We want to focus on what often gets overlooked in SGA. We'll address parking, with special passes; transportation, especially to the cities; and extended library and weight room hours. These "little things" work to strengthen our own community, so that we can focus on providing for the Northfield one. That's why we'll host two major town–wide events.

Our next academic year is a US election cycle. Think about what that means for our campus. It has never been more important to have a synergetic SGA that can bridge the gaps between us and the college administration—that is why we want to run. Our government will (1) push for student voices in the housing process, (2) fund transportation vouchers, (3) advocate for more indigenous student scholarships, (4) fund a 15% increase in DISC’s budget. Learn what more we plan to do at NchangOmar2024.com.

I am currently an active member and COO of OAI, member of the upcoming Barbershop, and tutor at the writing center. At my previous university, I was on the board for Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at Whitman College where myself, five other student leaders, and faulty worked to promote diversity without dominance, equity without benevolence, inclusion without othering, and belonging without assimilation.

I want to encourage multiculturalism by ensuring the protection of safe spaces for marginalized groups on campus. This includes finding better ways to support students by working with the VP of DEI to fix our Bias Report system. No student should be made to feel like they should “let it slide” and instead should feel empowered to prioritize their peace. If nothing else, students should feel protected by the institution knowing their identity is something to be celebrated and not dismissed.

St. Olaf has lots of course data, covering teaching quality (e.g. student evaluations) and grading difficulty (e.g. grade distributions). With Oracle replacing SIS soon, I want to make this information accessible to my peers to help us during registration. I will also support the Textbook Initiative to reduce textbook costs and establish a mechanism for the Smith Center to expand study abroad programs based on student interests—which builds upon my previous work of analyzing study abroad trends.

Academics are just one aspect of the St. Olaf experience, but they can often be one of the most demanding and stressful elements of an Ole’s day-to-day experience. As Secretary of Academic Affairs, I am committed to lowering the barrier between students and faculty. I hope to expand the scope of the Textbook Project, which helps provide free textbook rentals, to explore digital textbook rental options. Additionally, I aim to increase the SGA connection with low-income students to bridge the gap between material needs and access to learning materials.

Throughout my time within the student government, we have struggled to build a connection with both the student body and the college administration because we have failed to be an approachable space. I wish to change that by using this position to empower students with advocacy tools and information about college affairs. Within the new SGA restructure, I intend to create consistent campus updates and liaison with different groups to help them advocate for campus policy changes. One way I would like to do this is through a yearly, campus-wide discussion including members of the Board, Students, Faculty, and Staff. The goal of this meeting is for the various groups within the college to come together and collectively express their perspectives so our decision makers can make informed policy decisions. Additionally, I wish to continue progress toward accessible off-campus transportation that supports international and domestic students and discussions about dining, including advocating for student-run spaces. Holistically, I intend to use my position as the Secretary of Student Affairs to build an avenue for students, while also continuing to spearhead student-led projects that improve campus for future Oles.

We must create a stronger relationship between us as students and our Northfield community. I aim to bridge the gap between these two parties and connect with the Northfield government, businesses, and places of service. As a college, we have a lot of work to do to make intentional connections with the local community, and I plan to start creating those connections for students. If students have concerns or questions, my goal is to be able to get answers and deliver student input to the city.

I am deeply invested in the value of organizations on this campus and would like to provide an opportunity for everyone to form clubs based on expressing what they love. During the restructuring period of student government, I would also like to help manage and create a smooth transition by being communicative and organized. Working in government parks and recreation during the summer has shown me the value of planning ahead and organizing, in order to allow for teams and communities to thrive.

I will continue the great initiatives that the previous leaders in this position have done (global affairs sessions), while creatively reshaping the secretariat. Minnesota is home to many diasporas, and we are blessed to benefit from it. I want to leverage this to bring to the Hill musicians and personalities that are connected to us and a wider global discourse. I’m quite enthusiastic about new community impact grants to facilitate student projects, and ensuring that ALL Oles can access these.