April 1, 2025 by

When I think back to my visits to Cedarville University during my senior year of high school, one thing I distinctly remember is the welcoming, joyful culture around campus. Even though I was technically an “outsider,” I never felt like such because of how everyone welcomed me into the lively student life on campus. And one of the main contributors to student life on Cedarville University’s campus is SGA. 

The 2024-2025 Student Government Association officers pose for a group photo by the lake.

What is SGA? 

The Student Government Association, more commonly referred to as SGA, creates and promotes events around campus to keep the student body informed. SGA falls under the umbrella of Campus Experience, meaning that its main job is to enhance students’ lives on campus and to make the atmosphere more enjoyable.  

SGA’s main purpose is to be the student body’s voice and promote campus morale. Each year, the elected SGA President and SGA Vice President decide the vision statement for the year. This year, the vision statement for SGA is “Loved Big, Loving Big.” In pursuing their vision, the Student Government Association strives to provide students with more opportunities to get involved around campus.  

This year’s focus has been on ways to love each other as Christ has loved us. The events that have been arranged by SGA during this school year have all focused on loving our peers well and living out 1 John 4:19, which says, “We love because he first loved us.” (ESV) One new initiative this year provides opportunities to show Christ’s love to each other is Buzz Stop. Buzz Stop is a new initiative that promotes the attendance of other events happening around campus to help us build community and highlight different parts of student life on campus. This event helps us to love others by showing up for one another.  

Another portion of SGA is the SGA-run chapels, which happen periodically throughout the year. The goal of this year’s sermon series — led by SGA Chaplain Trey Storr — is to walk us through the names of God found throughout the Bible. During the most recent SGA chapel, Trey covered God as “El Olam,” which means The Everlasting God.  

How can you get involved with SGA?  

The student body has an active role in choosing their SGA representatives. Every spring semester, students vote for leadership for the next school year. Any student can run for an SGA position during SGA elections since the student body gets full control over who is chosen to fill those roles.  

Below is a basic description of the positions and roles of SGA: 

  • President
    The President of SGA sets the mission for the school year. As previously stated, the 2024–25 mission statement is “Loved Big, Loving Big.” Another role that SGA President has is discussing matters that affect the student body with Christian Ministries and Student Life staff, including Dr. Wood.
  • Vice President
    The SGA Vice President oversees the SGA website, ensuring that information is correct and that the calendar of events stays up-to-date and accurate. Also, the SGA Vice President bolsters campus morale and supports the SGA President in his or her task load.
  • Chaplain
    The SGA Chaplain oversees SGA chapels and preaches a sermon series throughout the year. The chaplain also assists with planning the Manhood events held on campus.
    Student Government Association chaplain Trey Storr preaching in chapel.
  • Senior Class President
    The role of Senior Class President is to lead Class Council and head up events, including freshman elections, Cedarville’s Got Talent, JS, and others. The Senior Class President also provides planning help for events held by Class Council, like SoFresh, the 100 Day Party, and the senior class gift.
  • Involvement Directors
    The Involvement Directors oversee the coordination of student organization activities and assist in the administrative side of student org planning.
  • Community Coordinator
    The Community Coordinator oversees the planning of community-building activities on campus. Some of these include Buzz Stop and ‘Round the Lake.’
  • Worship Director
    The Worship Director organizes worship for SGA chapels and works with Cedarville’s Production Services Group on logistics for SGA chapels.
  • Events Coordinator
    The Events Coordinator plans the annual events on campus like Mission Impossible and Elliv.
  • Support Advisor
    The Support Advisor advises the SGA President and provide workload management and emotional support.

What are some upcoming events from SGA? 

One of Cedarville’s biggest spring events is Elliv, this year on April 26. Elliv (which is Ville spelled backward) lets students celebrate the school year with friends tby showcasing their talents in an exciting live show! Two more events planned for April 5 are JS, which is a formal for junior and senior students, and SoFresh, which is a party for freshmen and sophomores that takes place on campus. If you want more information on campus events, check out the SGA website, where you will find a calendar of everything happening on and around campus, or check out their Instagram page (@sgaville) to see promotions for upcoming events. 

A group of students pose for photos at JS, the formal event for juniors and seniors.

Tags: , , , ,
Posted in: , ,