WSU SGA Report Highlights Budget Reviews, New Student Wellness Initiatives, and Legislative Action

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.

President Wang & Vice President Nguyen
 

Executive Branch Report

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

For questions regarding the Executive Branch report, you may contact the Chief of Staff, Kaylee Fritz, at sga.cos@wichita.edu.

Executive Initiatives

Student Body President

President Wang had a meeting with Lyndsay Pletcher to review updated budget numbers. Pending Senate approval, all Student Fees entities will be asked to return to present again.

President Wang has also been engaged with discussing ongoing Campus Recreation funding, noting that SGA will move forward with a $100,000 request to the Senate on December 3. Additionally, President Wang recently met with Dean Genin from the Barton School of Business and is connecting Genin with Director Guthrie for future collaboration.

President Wang welcomed two new Cabinet members: Graduate Advocate Muhammad Abdullah Khan and Director of Transfer Student Experiences Caleb White while working to recruit new Justices for the SGA Supreme Court.

Student Body Vice President

Vice President Nguyen met with Dean Genin and also connected with a student from Kansas State University to learn more about their Food Security Scholars Program. VP Nguyen is currently handling logistical work, preparing for the upcoming Swipe Out Hunger meeting on November 17, where the Hunger Free Campus Bill will be discussed.

VP Nguyen will be meeting with Director Arens and Chief of Staff Fritz soon to review Executive Branch bylaws. Additionally, she has a meeting scheduled with Alicia Newell from the CARE Team to discuss meal swipe donations and other student support resources.

Chief of Staff

Chief Fritz continues to oversee Senate operations and one-on-one meetings with Cabinet members. She is working to ensure accountability and organization across all Executive Branch activities.

Legislative Policies and Affairs

Director Arens has begun planning for Higher Education Day.

Media Relations

Director Xiong is working on ongoing graphics projects, including Highlights and Senator edits. Director Xiong has been working on Community Garden and Social Safety Week photos and will begin on Supreme Court Justices Recruitment.

Community Engagement and Outreach

Director Gracia-Alvarez continues planning next semester’s events.

Health and Wellness

Director Raju has her Social Safety Week, sharing participation numbers:

Sip Safely (Alcohol Awareness): 63 attendees
Treat Yourself, Get Vaccinated: 46 vaccinated; 57 total visitors
Sweet Talk (Sexual Health & Wellness): 133 attendees
Fresh Start (Substance Use Awareness): held today
 

Director Raju is also planning for Wellness Week tentatively scheduled for March 2–6, 2026.

Student Organizations

Director Khan has his Event Planning Training on November 17.

International Student Affairs

Director Safdar attended a Kansas Leadership Center workshop on leadership and free expression. He is planning a leadership training for international RSOs in Spring 2026 and is confirming dates.

Director Safdar met with the Associate Director of Residential Life and Educational Engagement to plan collaborations aimed at improving the campus experience for international students. Ideas include a welcome event, a Cultural Ambassador Program, and a Cultural Night celebration.

Director Safdar is also coordinating a tax-filing workshop for international students with the United Way of the Plains, and connected with International Senator Tanisha Makuwere to plan a Spring career development and soft skills workshop.

Athletic Engagement

Director Murphy held a successful Athletics Tailgate with 201 sign-ins and 600 student tickets claimed (per Athletics). He is currently working on upcoming resolutions and meeting with Athletics to coordinate Spring 2026 plans.

Food Insecurity and Sustainability

Director Olalde-Taylor is planning events for next year and shared October’s update for the Shocker Support Locker:

Open for 18 days
Served 445 people
Gained 27 new users
Professional Opportunities

Director Guthrie completed his outreach plan and is working with Lauren to secure the Woolsey Hall venue for upcoming programming.

Undergraduate Student Advocate

Advocate Island had a successful academic appeal hearing. They currently have six active cases:

2 Academic Appeals
1 Academic Probation
2 Parking Appeals
1 Financial Concern
 

They are supporting a student completing an independent study and is preparing for ADPTF planning for the Spring semester.


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

 

Open Senate Seats

Senate is seeking motivated students to fill vacant Senate seats! If you are interested, please apply through ShockerSync under “68th Student Government General Application”.

Legislation Summary

Senate: October 29, 2025

SB-68-116: This Act adds language about the Community Garden to the WSU Bylaws. This language includes a description of Student Assistant duties, funding information, and a purposestatement for the Community Garden. The Act had its first read on Oct. 29 and was referred to the Government Oversight Committee on Nov. 5.

AR-68-003: This Association Resolution commended the Sunflower for their recent achievements and recognized their impact on campus. It had its first read and vote on Oct. 29 and was passed by the Senate.

Filed & Signed Legislation

The following legislation has been signed and filed as Law: SB-68-115 through SB-68-118 and SB-68-120.

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. every Wednesday unless otherwise arranged by their respective Chairperson.

Senate Committee Reports

Government Oversight Committee

The Government Oversight Committee meets in Smoky Hills Room, RSC 258.

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.

Over the past two weeks, three new senators, Senator Alex Le, Senator Aidan Thibodeau, and Senator Mason Fouquet, have joined the committee, bringing fresh perspectives and enthusiasm to our work. The committee held its first meeting with the new members last week, continuing discussions on ongoing legislative efforts. The Government Oversight Committee also presented the Freshman Definition Bill for its first and final read in Senate, aimed at clarifying eligibility criteria for first-year students.

Additionally, Chairperson Tiwana has appointed Senator Abby Otten as the Pro-Tempore for the Government Oversight Committee, which was approved by the Senate.

Student Services Committee

The Student Services Committee meets in the Meeker Room, RSC 238.

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.

Chairperson Hansen has continued to meet with her committee members. Dining Services Director Jamie Kraisinger joined the committee on November 5th for a presentation and Q&A.

Senator Miller’s TRIO legislation has successfully passed in the Senate.

The committee is currently working on gathering information to create a parking services infographic.

Additionally, Senator Argumedo has initiated discussions about providing HIPAA-compliant transportation for students on campus who need to attend specialty medical appointments off campus, including conversations with the Director of Student Health Services Heather Strafford regarding referral data and potential avenues.

Finally, Senator Braeden Miller was also chosen as the first Senator of the Month!

Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee

The Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee meets in Lancelot Room, RSC 203.

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

Currently, the Diversity, Empowerment, and Inclusion Committee is looking into the student handbook and university policies regarding students using the restroom that they prefer. Along with this, the committee continues to attend agencies’ meetings and events to continue showing their support.

Academic Affairs Committee

The Academic Affairs Committees meets in Mayfield Room, RSC 240.

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

Chairperson Kasirosafar has been working on several important initiatives. The Academic Affairs Committee is preparing to distribute a student survey on the proposed plus-minus grading system to collect feedback before moving forward with legislation to include an A+ grade.

From Monday’s Faculty Senate meeting, updates included a forthcoming workload policy survey, discussions about library fines and accessibility, and new leadership training for department chairs. The committee is also reviewing advising concerns across colleges to improve communication and scheduling. These efforts aim to strengthen academic policies and enhance the overall student experience at Wichita State University.  

Senator of the Month Spotlight

Maggie Hundley

Braeden Miller

Senator Braeden Miller

On October 29, 2025, Senate Leadership recognized Senator Braden Miller as the first ever senator of the month. Senator Miller was selected as the October Senator of the Month as result of his work in legislating and passing AR-68-002: An Association Resolution to Encourage the University to Stand with the TRIO Programs and his general engagement at Association events. Senator Miller conducted extensive research, collaborated with several senators, and communicated with several of the TRIO directors regarding the resolution, which passed unanimously at the October 22, 2025 Senate meeting. 

Senator Braeden Miller is a sophomore majoring in psychology. Miller is the president of the Psychology Club and before he was a Senator, he was a member of the Freshman Leadership Council in the 67th Session. Senator Miller joined the Senate to improve student quality of life and to expand student opportunities. Currently he is working on legislation to support undergraduate research.


Judicial Branch Report

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

 

The Supreme Court had the opportunity to chat with the Office of General Counsel over lunch on November 14th. There were discussions about recent Court activity, the recent work for the Office of General Counsel and personal accounts of law school and the law profession. This was a great opportunity to network and learn more about law within Higher Education. The Court is extremely grateful to General Counsel Stacia Bodena and her time for the opportunity to meet.
 
Supreme Court after chatting with the Office of General Counsel

Newsletter home All issues