Welcome to the Student Government Association Newsletter!
 

As the semester progresses, the Student Government Association is excited to present the March edition of the newsletter. March proved to be a dynamic and engaging month for both SGA and the wider campus community, filled with opportunities for connection, advocacy, and student recognition. 

Inside this month’s edition, you’ll find highlights from our March Town Hall and Social Hour, as well as special features like the Bran Flakezz Q&A and Meet and Greet. We also highlight our recent trip to the Harrisburg Capitol, where student leaders advocated for the needs and future of PASSHE students. From sweet treats with Dia Doce cupcakes to important initiatives like the AI survey and Landlord survey, this month showcased the many ways students can get involved and make their voices heard. 

 Stay tuned for upcoming opportunities to get involved, share your perspective, and continue shaping the future of student life at West Chester University.  

                      
March Town Hall
The Student Government Association's March Town Hall, held on March 3rd, focused on career readiness and professional development. Students heard from representatives of the Greater West Chester Chamber of Commerce, NextGen, and the Twardowski Career Development Center, who shared insights on networking, employer expectations, internships, and job preparation. The Town Hall also featured guidance on building strong LinkedIn profiles, translating student organization involvement into resume skills, and preparing for career fairs. The evening concluded with the State of the SGA Address, highlighting recent initiatives, accomplishments, and upcoming goals focused on student engagement and advocacy.  

                        
March Social Hour 

Before Town Hall on March 3rd, the Student Government Association held a social hour in Sykes 115. This social hour provided the opportunity to network with other students from across campus. Also, students who attended were able to put their names into a raffle, which was announced after the Town Hall concluded. After socializing, creating connections, and getting a quick snack, everyone at the social hour transitioned into the Town Hall.  

Dia Doce Cupcakes

On April 1st, SGA hosted Dia Doce Gourmet Cupcakes and Coffee to come onto campus and hand out cupcakes in support of our executive committee elections. Students were able to vote on D2L for the upcoming executive team and received a free cupcake in return. It was an amazing turnout with a constant line of people waiting at the truck, later selling out of cupcakes before the event even ended! Continue to vote for the new SGA executive team – elections close April 3 at 4 pm! 

                 
The Experimental Learning and Artificial Intelligence Committee's AI Survey

The Student Government Association's Experiential Learning & AI committee has been working to garner student-wide input regarding the use and prevalence of AI on WCU’s campus. Their “AI Policy” survey was released this past month and has allowed WCU students to make their voices heard regarding this novel technology. Are you a WCU student who has not yet filled out the survey? Do you have strong opinions regarding the use of AI in your courses? Use this link to fill out the short, 10-minute survey: https://wcupa.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_8ps747qudTlyjzM 

Any student who completes this survey and provides their contact information will be entered into a raffle to win one of many $25 campus store gift cards. Don’t miss out on this chance to bring your opinions to WCU’s executive leadership! Help shape the future of AI policy at WCU!  

The 38th Assembly goes to Harrisburg!

WCU’s Student Government Association recently traveled to the Pennsylvania State Capitol in Harrisburg on March 24, 2026, to advocate for the future of affordable higher education. During the trip, student senators met with influential leaders, including Education Committee Chair Senator Lynda Schlegel Culver and Minority Chair Senator Lindsey Williams, and were officially introduced on the Senate floor by Chester County’s own Senator Carolyn Comitta. The delegation focused on two critical pillars: securing a 5% increase in state appropriations to maintain tuition affordability and expanding funding for paid experiential learning. Advocacy groups highlighted that PASSHE universities provide a massive $8.30 return for every $1 of public investment, yet state funding currently covers only about one-third of operating budgets. By meeting with numerous representatives throughout the afternoon, students emphasized that transitioning to paid internships and campus employment is essential for the 75% of PASSHE students who are financially independent or working while enrolled, ensuring that career-ready opportunities remain accessible to all West Chester Rams. 

                                

Senator of The Month- Lylah Shotto

This month, we are celebrating Lylah Shotto, the College of Science and Mathematics senator. Throughout her time as a senator, she has consistently met with faculty to create new initiatives to better aid students in their college career and professional life. Her goal is to create more events that are targeted to networking with alumni in their desired profession. She has also been working with the CSM student ambassadors to figure out ways to distribute information about scholarships and grants to students. 

                             
Sakina’s TED Talk

This past week, Sakina Zaidi (At-Large Senator) gave a talk at the TEDxWestChesterUniversity event! This incredible opportunity allowed her to share her passion for both her hobby of calligraphy alongside her interests in science and medicine. Through her talk, she highlighted how two seemingly unrelated disciplines, biology and calligraphy, actually hold many similarities in common. As a senator on the Experiential Learning & AI Committee, she is committed to initiating events and opportunities that allow students to get hands-on experience. This talk allowed her to apply the skills she has gained as a leader in the SGA to a larger audience and gain meaningful experience. Missed the talk but want to watch it? Watch the entire event at this link: https://youtu.be/pXMZHPvHRlU?t=9254 

The Office of Student Experience's Landlord Survey.

Major Spotlight: Urban & Community Change — Featuring George Svetovich (He/Him) 

This month, we are excited to highlight the Urban & Community Change major through the experience of a student double-majoring in Political Science, who is passionate about service, advocacy, and community impact. 

Why Urban & Community Change? 

What drew this student to the major was its strong emphasis on community engagement, especially the senior capstone requirement, which involves extensive volunteer fieldwork. The opportunity to actively give back while earning a degree stood out as both meaningful and practical. Additionally, the overlap with Political Science made it a perfect complement, allowing for a deeper understanding of how policy and community needs intersect. 

What They Love About the Major 

One of the most rewarding aspects of the program is the small class sizes, which create space for meaningful discussions and the sharing of diverse perspectives. The major encourages students to think critically about communities and their roles within them. Mentorship and faculty support also play a key role in shaping a positive and impactful academic experience. 

Challenges in the Major 

The program encourages openness and self-reflection, which can sometimes be challenging. Being vulnerable in class discussions and sharing personal experiences pushes students outside of their comfort zones, but it also fosters personal growth and confidence. 

Course Structure & Class Sizes 

Class sizes typically range from about 10 to 30 students, with smaller, more intimate classes as students progress through the major. Early courses often overlap with general education requirements, while upper-level courses become more specialized and discussion-based, focusing on real-world applications and community work. 

Career Outlook 

This major prepares students for a variety of career paths centered around advocacy, service, and social impact. For those interested in law—particularly areas like family law—it provides valuable insight into how different communities experience and navigate challenges. The skills gained help build empathy, communication, and a deeper understanding of people from all backgrounds. 

Why Highlight Urban & Community Change? 

This major stands out because of its focus on service, empathy, and social responsibility. In a time where division and individualism can feel overwhelming, this program emphasizes the importance of community, understanding, and collective growth. It equips students with the mindset and tools to make meaningful change. 

Final Thoughts 

Students in fields such as education, political science, social work, criminal justice, nutrition, and public health can greatly benefit from exploring this major or taking related courses. It offers valuable skills and perspectives that extend far beyond the classroom and into everyday life. 

                    
We are proud to recognize Raina Wall-Williams, SGA Director of Communications, on her recent achievement of joining Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. on March 20th. Congratulations on this exciting milestone. Wishing you continued success, growth, and excellence in all that you do!