Welcome to the first issue of SGA Insider!
We are excited to share with you SGA Insider, the official source for updates on everything happening in your Student Government Association! From new initiatives and events to important decisions and ways to get involved, SGA Insider keeps you connected to the work your student leaders are doing on your behalf.
Message from President Wang
Throughout the summer, Student Government Association has been busy preparing for the upcoming Session! These preparations are designed to serve the Student Body through its full capacity. These include planning for events, administrative processes, collaboration between branches, and more. Student voices are at the very core of the Wang-Nguyen administration, and we want to ensure that every student feels supported, seen, and heard. Enjoy the rest of summer break!
Executive Branch Report
The Student Body President and Vice President have been working actively to finalize all appointments, from the Executive Team to the Finance Commission. These appointments were made with the values of the Wang-Nguyen Administration in mind. In addition, the President has been conducting one-on-one check-ins with team members, establishing expectations for weekly office hours, and finalizing plans for the Fall semester. Outside of these appointments, the President has been involved in important campus conversations surrounding student well-being and academic support, working collaboratively with campus partners and administrators to explore improvements in areas such as health resources and inclusive learning environments. Below, you will find summaries of all Executive Branch initiatives.
If you, as a student, have any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to reach out to sga.president@wichita.edu.
Agency Budget
Agency Budget hearings have concluded, with funds allocated to support student led initiatives across campus. The overall budget was carefully reviewed and approved, ensuring resources are allocated fairly and effectively.
Organizations who were unable to apply to this process are encouraged to take advantage of rolling funding opportunities throughout the academic year under Organizational Funding!
Executive Initiatives
Student Body Treasurer Bumm has wrapped up summer funding and begun processing reimbursements for students and student organizations. With the application period for the Appropriations Process closed, additional information is being sent out to organizations who applied for this process.
Director Raju has been supporting the Menstrual Health Initiative, another SGA initiative, in addition to planning health programming throughout the academic year to promote preventive healthcare. She is also continuing to explore ways to improve student access to wellness resources, including potential updates to health services. Early planning is in progress for a student-focused clinic and better coverage options for students’ health needs.
Director Arens is filing legislation and setting up communication channels with campus media, other SGA leaders, and administration to keep students informed. Office hours and open meeting times are being scheduled to improve accessibility and transparency.
Director Xiong has been hard at work to create a more cohesive look for SGA through website updates, refreshed branding, and social media strategies. A graphics request system and team communication channels have been created to streamline internal processes. She is also directing this newsletter!
Director Gracia-Alvarez has begun planning for signature events aimed at connecting students with involvement opportunities and showcasing what student government has to offer, including SGA Week. Upcoming programming will include themed activities, community partnerships, and fun ways for students to meet their representatives and get involved.
Legislative Branch Report
The Legislative Branch consists of the Student Senate, which establishes policies through legislation and annually approves the allocation more than $9.5 million in student fees. The Senate is comprised of 52 Senate seats, each of which represents specified portions of the Student Body, including academic colleges and certain demographics such as out of state and underserved senators. The Student Senate holds a meeting every Wednesday during the academic year at 7:30 p.m in the Santa Fe Room of the Rhatigan Student Center unless notified otherwise. These meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed and recorded and posted to our YouTube Channel. Below, you will find summaries regarding all Senate Legislation passed this Session and reports from each Senate Committee. The first Senate meeting of the Fall Semester will take place on August 20, 2025 at 7:30pm.
For questions regarding the Legislative Branch report, you may contact the Speaker of the Senate Matthew Phan at sga.speaker@wichita.edu.
Legislation Summary
AR-68-001: The Association urges the Wichita State University Libraries to increase accountability and accessibility regarding library materials and resources.
SB-68-001: Holly Xiong is appointed as Media Relations Director.
SB-68-002: The Wellness and Sustainability Director position is removed from the list of permanent cabinet positions within the SGA bylaws.
SR-68-001: Senator Matthew Phan is appointed as Speaker of the Senate.
SB-68-003: Appointments are made to the Legislative Council.
SB-68-004: Kaylee Fritz is appointed as Chief of Staff.
SB-68-005: Lily Arens is appointed as Legislative Affairs and Policy Director.
SB-68-006: Jayden Island is appointed as Undergraduate Student Advocate.
SB-68-007: Luke Bumm is appointed as Student Body Treasurer.
SB-68-008: Senator Jasmine Peng is appointed as Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Chairperson.
SB-68-009: Senator Abdullah Tiwana is appointed as Government Oversight Chairperson.
SB-68-010: Senator Riley Hansen is appointed as Student Services Chairperson.
SB-68-011: Senator Nazanin Kasirosafar is appointed as Academic Affairs Chairperson.
SB-68-012: President’s Budget
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Staff Salaries | $573,000 |
| Programming | $10,000 |
| Office Operations | $10,500 |
| Support Locker | $50,000 |
| Elections | $8,000 |
| Agency Fund | $100,000 |
| Supreme Court | $1,500 |
| Freshman Council | $5,000 |
| Summer Funding | $7,500 |
| Special Projects Fund | $1,390,965 |
| Individual Funding | $30,000 |
| Organization Funding | $67,500 |
| Appropriations Fund | $300,000 |
| Student Advocate | $2,000 |
| Student Senate | $10,000 |
| Executive Cabinet | $15,000 |
| Student Organization Council | $2,000 |
| Scholarships | $50,000 |
| Capital Fund | $250,000 |
SB-68-013: Appointments are made to Senate Committees
Standing Senate Committees
The Legislative Branch has four Standing Committees of the Senate:
- Government Oversight
- Academic Affairs
- Student Services
- Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion
Each Standing Senate Committee shall research, report, and make recommendations to the Senate regarding action related to their respective areas of responsibility and undertake other efforts as decided by the Senate.
Senate Committees meet at 5:30 P.M. every Wednesday unless otherwise arranged by their respective Chairperson.
Senate Committee Reports
The Government Oversight Committee reviewed SGA Agency Bylaws and is now working with agency leadership with feedback and proposed changes. We are also reviewing and updating SGA Bylaws to address structural gaps and enhance clarity across student governance.
The Student Services Committee has been working on amending the bylaws for the ADHD, Autism, and Learning Disabilities Fund with Senator Izard and Health and Wellness Director Raju, meeting with the senators in the committee, and preparing for the upcoming Senate meetings.
The Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee has been scheduling one-on-one meetings with the agencies as well as senators within the committee to get to know them and see how SGA can help them achieve their goals and initiatives for the semester.
The Academic Affairs Committee has been scheduling one-on-one meetings with senators within the committee and preparing for goals and initiatives in the fall semester
Judicial Branch Report
For questions regarding the Judicial Branch report, you may contact sga@wichita.edu.
Standing Senate Committees
The Supreme Court has been busy this summer with Case no. 68-001 Appeal to the International Student Union Election Results. Upon receiving the appeal submitted by Speaker Matthew Phan and President Jia Wen Wang on May 28, 2025, the Court voted to place an injunction on the election results until the Court could reach a decision on the case. In accordance with SGA policy, the Court offered both parties involved an opportunity to speak before the Court in a formal hearing. After receiving interest from Speaker Matthew Phan, the formal hearing was scheduled for July 15, 2025, through Microsoft Teams. The Court deliberated and an interim order was filed with the Central Office on July 25, 2025. A formal order will be finalized and issued soon.
The involved parties were notified of the interim order on July 29, 2025. The order voids the International Student Union election results based on the International Student Union’s failure to comply with its Constitution. Therefore, Maneja Siddiqui remains president of the International Student Union and the appointed members of ISU have been deemed invalid and also vacated. The Supreme Court ordered ISU to conduct elections again with supervision in place. Student Body President Jia Wen Wang, as outlined by the Association Constitution, carries the responsibility of enforcing all Court decisions so she, and at least one Justice of the Court, have to be present at the new election in order to comply with the Court Order.
Any student interested in reading the interim order in full may reach out to the Clerk of the SGA Supreme Court at sga.judicialclerk@wichita.edu.
New Member Highlights
Ryan Nuckles joined the Supreme Court in the final weeks of the 67th session. He is a 3rd year Political Science student in the Legal Education Accelerated Degree Program. Justice Nuckles served as an Honors Senator in the Student Senate, making his perspective on cases unique and full of hands-on experience with serving the student body. He also serves on the Shockers Vote Coalition and was recently elected as President for the Pre-Law Association. The Court looks forward to having Justice Nuckles serve in the 68th session.
Sophia Vaughn joined the Supreme Court in the first few weeks of the 68th session following her appointment to the Court by Chief Justice Hernandez. She is a 3rd year Pre-Dental Hygiene major. This is Clerk Vaughn’s first position within the Student Government Association and she looks forward to learning more about how to serve students through her role as Clerk. The Court looks forward to having Clerk Vaughn serve in the 68th session.
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