About
SGA is the only student body representative organization dedicated to serving the interests and concerns of every student at WKU. SGA is a forum where student needs, interests, and opinions are addressed. Much like any representative body, SGA is made up of elected officers, appointed officers, and any student wishing to be involved.
SGA annually sponsors a number of signature services including Provide-A-Ride, the Hall of Distinguished Seniors, Scholar Development, Campus Clean-up, Organizational Aid, and the Campus Safety Walk.
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the history behind WKU SGA or read a message from the WKU SGA president, Kevin Smiley.
SGA Signature Services
Provide-A-Ride
Sponsored in part by the Student Government Association in an effort to reduce drinking and driving, a “Provide-A-Ride” service is available from 10:00 PM until 2:00 AM, Tuesday through Saturday. A free ride home is provided within the service area when you show your current WKU ID. Service is only provided during the academic year when classes are in session. Request service by calling, toll-free, 270-776-7777 or send a text message to 270-776-7777. You can also call 270-843-3232 to request service.
The Hall of Distinguished Seniors
This program was created to honor graduating seniors. The award is the highest recognition given to graduates by the student body. This award is intended to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of those seniors who have made significant contributions to the Hill.
Make A Difference Week
This year, the Student Government Association partnered with a number of organizations to promote Make A Difference Week. The week offered multiple causes and fundraisers for members of the WKU community to get involved in. Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life, Up 'til Dawn, Volunteering in Progress and United Way Worldwide were among the organizations involved in the community-changing initiative.
Campus Clean-up
Each year, the SGA sponsors this event that traces its roots to the presidency of Dr. Henry Hardin Cherry. Students begin at Cherry Hall and clean regions of the Hill.
Organizational Aid
SGA annually provides over $40,000 for campus organizations. Each organization can apply for up to $500. The contact for this program is Administrative Vice President Justin Thurman (justin.thurman@wku.edu). Download the application here.
Campus Safety Walk
Each fall, WKU officials and SGA representatives tour the campus in search of locations needing safety improvements. The 2009 Campus Safety Walk occurred on September 16. The 2009 Annual Campus Crime Awareness and Campus Security Report is available on the WKU Police Web site: http://www.wku.edu/police/2009%20Campus%20Security%20Reporting%202.pdf
Scholar Development
This year, the Academic Affairs committee and the Director of Academic and Student Affairs have been alloted $12,000 to spend on scholarships for the student body. Students will be eligible to apply for textbook, study abroad, field trip and research conference scholarships. Dave Vickery is the chairman of the Academic Affairs committee. Applications are currently available on the Web site.
Open Forum
Each Tuesday, any WKU student can address the Student Senate during the Special Orders portion of the meeting. According to the SGA Bylaws, "Any student of the University who has a matter to bring before the Senate shall be allowed to speak at this time for no longer than ten minutes."
Complimentary Test Materials
In September 2009, the Student Senate approved the purchase of 1,000 Scantron forms and 500 Blue Books. These test materials are now provided for free in convenient campus locations such as the fifteen residence halls, the Gatton Academy, the SGA office and the computer labs in Helm Library and Mass Media and Technology Hall.
DVDNow Kiosk
The DVD rental kiosk is conveniently located on the second floor of Downing University Center.
WKU Programs
License Plates
The SGA wishes to remind the community that Western Kentucky University alumni and supporters can now wave the red towel everywhere. Those purchasing the plates not only show school spirit, they help support scholarships. The tags cost $56 initially and $31 to renew. Of that, $10 each year goes to the general scholarship fund and to the Alumni Leadership Scholarship endowment.
MyStuff Storage
MyStuff is a file storage system where students, faculty, and staff can keep important files and documents and access them from anywhere with an active internet connection. As part of the Active Directory project, all student, faculty and staff have been allocated up to 1gig of individual file space. Visit www.wku.edu/mystuff for information.
Student Engagement Activities Transcript
The Student Government Association encourages all students to use the SEAT. Students now have the opportunity to record the kinds of engaged learning activities that take place outside the classroom on a transcript called the Student Engagement Activities Transcript (SEAT). Your academic transcript records your learning inside the classroom and your SEAT will record the activities that lead to your learning outside of the classroom. Visit www.wku.edu/seat for information.
Student Escort Service
Every student is eligible to use the student escort service provided by the WKU Police Department. The Student Escort Service is an on-campus program provided for the protection of students, faculty, staff and visitors of the Western Kentucky University campus. Individuals are urged not to walk alone and to practice personal security precautions, especially during evening/early morning hours. When an escort is requested, every effort is made to accommodate the request. The escort service is intended for on-campus use only, and the escort will be provided by either a Student Police Explorer or by a Police Officer. Escorts will be provided from dust until dawn by calling WKU Police Department at 270-745-2548.
Writing Center
The Student Government Association encourages all WKU students to use the Writing Center, which offers individual conferences about writing with the staff of English graduate students. For information, visit http://www.wku.edu/pcal/writing-center or call 270-745-5719.