Appropriations in Action: Empowering RSOs

Welcome to 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

Thank you to everyone for attending SGA Week! We hope you had fun and lots of yummy treats. We had so much fun meeting you all and can't wait to see you at our next event!

Appropriations
 

Executive Branch Report

Below, you will find summaries of all Executive Branch initiatives.

For questions regarding the Executive Branch report, you may contact the Student Body President Jia Wen Wang at sga.president@wichita.edu.

 

Open Positions

President Wang and Vice President Nguyen is launching a search for a Graduate Advocate! If you are interested, please apply through ShockerSync under “68th Student Government General Application”.

 

President's Cabinent Member Spotlight

Director of Community Engagement & Outreach | Fabian Gracia-Alvarez

Director of Community & Outreach Fabian Gracia-Alvarez

Fabian Gracia-Alvarez

Fabian Gracia-Alvarez is a third year student majoring in Cyberseurity with a minor in Computer Science and Emory Lindquist Honors Track. Below is Director Gracia-Alvarez's personal statement:

"I decided to join the SGA President’s Cabinet because I saw it as an opportunity to continue my personal goal of being intentional and impactful throughout my college career, while also widening my influence from my current organizations to the broader campus community.

As a student, I believe college is about more than just coursework. It is about growth, leadership, and the chance to be a catalyst for others to reach their full potential. I strive to embody that through my involvement in the Student Government Association as the Director of Community Engagement & Outreach, in Sigma Phi Epsilon as the Vice President of Programming, in the Honors College as an Honors Ambassador, and as a member and volunteer in SHPE, HSF, and Shocker Buddies.

Through these experiences, I have learned the importance of service, connection, and intentional leadership. By being a part of the President’s Cabinet, I will continue building on these values while contributing to meaningful initiatives that strengthen student life and create lasting impact at Wichita State."


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.

For questions regarding the Legislative Branch report, you may contact the Speaker of the Senate, Matthew Phan, at sga.speaker@wichita.edu

 

Mideterm Elections

The SGA 2025 Midterms elections are now open! If you are interested, you may declare your candidacy through ShockerSync under the “68th Session Midterm Election Declaration of Candidacy” Form. For questions regarding the Midterm Election, you may contact the SGA Elections Commission at sga.elections@wichita.edu.

Legislation Summary

 

Senate: August 20, 2025

SB-68-016: This Act appoints Tyler Beatty as Out-of-State Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

SB-68-017: This Act appoints Lily Arens as Fine Arts Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

SB-68-018: This Act appoints Jasmine Peng as Health Professions Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

SB-68-019: This Act appoints Brett Nyandoro as Engineering Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

SB-68-020: This Act appoints Rene Luna-Reyes as Business Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

SB-68-021: This Act appoints Jia Wen Wang as Underserved Commissioner on the Association’s Finance Commission

Senate: August 27, 2025

The Senate approved the Finance Commission’s Appropriations Funding Bills: SB-68-022 through SB-68-107. These bills allocated $300,000 to 85 Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) this year.

 

Standing Senate Committees

The Legislative Branch has four Standing Committees of the Senate:

  1. Government Oversight
  2. Academic Affairs
  3. Student Services
  4. 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. to 6:30 P.M. every Wednesday unless otherwise arranged by their respective Chairperson.

Senate Committee Reports

Government Oversight Committee

The Government Oversight Committee remains committed to reviewing, updating, and clarifying the policies that guide our student government—ensuring structure, compliance, and support for all members of SGA. If you have any questions, please contact Chairperson Tiwana at sga.govoversight@wichita.edu.

Chairperson Tiwana is currently in the process of scheduling 1:1s with senators and finalizing the agency constitution and bylaw reviews.

Meets in RSC 258

Student Services Committee

If any students have thoughts or concerns regarding services on campus, please do not hesitate to reach out to Chairperson Hansen at sga.studentservices@wichita.edu.

The Student Services Committee is brainstorming and preparing for various initiatives for this Session.

Meets in RSC 238

Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee

If you have any questions, please contact Chairperson Peng at sga.diversity@wichita.edu.

Chairperson Peng has met with majority of the agency presidents and their cabinets. Senators within the Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee have been assigned to an Agency for this Session and will soon begin working with each respective Agency. Chairperson Peng is looking forward to supporting each agency in their initiatives and efforts throughout the Session. Additionally, Chairperson Peng is finalizing her Agency bylaw and constitution review.

Meets in RSC 203

Academic Affairs Committee

If you have any questions, please contact Chairperson Kasirosafar at sga.academics@wichita.edu.

Chairperson Kasirosafar has been exploring ways to strengthen academic support at the University. The Rhatigan Student Center is considering outsourcing physical textbook sales to a third party, which reflects national trends toward digital textbooks but raises concerns about access and equity in courses with heavy lab requirements. A recent conversation with Faculty Senate President Dr. Christopher Stone highlighted ongoing discussions about the plus/minus grading system, noting its mixed history at WSU and varied practices across Kansas universities. Continued research, surveys, and dialogue with both faculty and students will be conducted before final decisions are made.

Meets in 240


Judicial Branch Report

For questions regarding the Judicial Branch report, you may contact sga.supremecourt@wichita.edu

 

Message from Chief Justice Hernandez

Hello everyone! I hope these first few weeks of school have been full of fun and exploration. As you continue with classes and involvments, I encourage you all to check in on yourselves and take time for yourself! I am incredibly excited for all the work left for the session! 
 
I hope you have enjoyed the member highlights thus far! We will be taking a slight break from them to address some future content from the Court.
 
In the next coming issues, I will be utilizing the Judicial Branch space to discuss our role and purpose within SGA. I want to ensure our students have access to the Court, so I will also be explaining our Maxient form. For now, students can reach out to me directly for the link to our Maxient form. We will be working to upload that link to our website soon!
 

Case Updates

There are no active cases.

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