Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Lily Huynh/The Cougar

After the Student Government Association’s 61st administration failed to pass their new constitution in two student referendums following a mandate from student affairs, the administration was ordered to cease operation and vacate their offices.

What’s next?

Following the end of the 61st administration, UH is moving to rebuild the SGA and facilitate its return in the fall.

The focal point of the University’s efforts to rebuild the organization will be driven by an external review committee, and input from student leaders and stakeholders in the SGA. The University has not specified who these stakeholders are. 

“SGA is a vital part of the UH community and plays a critical role in student representation,” said Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. “We are actively working to re-establish that foundation and ensure students have confidence in their student government”

The review’s goal is to create a new SGA that functions independently, while still being effective in fulfilling their duties as a student government. The SGA will continue to operate largely autonomously.

“Striking a balance between institutional support and student-led autonomy is central to that conversation,” Kittle said. “The review will help us determine how best to support that balance moving forward, and ensure the SGA is positioned to evolve and thrive for years to come.”

The external committee will review the SGA’s current state and procedures. Governing documents, including the constitution, bylaws and election code, will be revised over the summer.

Functioning committees

University committees, which consist of SGA representatives, will continue to function despite the end of the 61st administration. 

A student work group will be formed by Student Affairs to determine assignments for University committees, ensuring their continued function and role in rebuilding the organization.

“We are committed to setting up the incoming SGA administration for success,” Kittle said. “That includes ensuring the governing framework is sound and equipping student leaders with clear guidance and institutional support.”

Additionally, student ambassadors, appointed by Student Affairs, will be present at UH’s summer student orientations to create awareness and encourage SGA participation.

“This is not just about outreach — it’s about reaffirming that student voices matter and that UH is committed to restoring and strengthening this institution,” Kittle said.

Next semester

The SGA will return to full function in the fall, following elections for the upcoming 62nd administration. 

The voting method will be announced following the University’s review of the SGA.

“The goal is to ensure a process that reflects best practices and offers students a fair, just and transparent system for selecting their representatives,” Kittle said.

Candidates will be recruited from Aug. 25 to Sep. 12, and candidates will be able to campaign from Sep. 15 up until the end of elections.

Elections will take place from Sep. 22 to 25, and the winners will be announced on Sep. 26.

“By establishing well-defined roles, creating opportunities for training and facilitating early engagement through summer initiatives, we are laying the groundwork for a more functional, responsive and accountable student government,” Kittle said.

news@thedailycougar.com

—
“What’s next for SGA? UH launches review to rebuild student government” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Wednesday, Mar. 26, the Student Government Association convened for their last Senate meeting. As of now, the 61st administration ceases to exist. 

SGA needed to pass their new constitution with the student body in order to continue operating as an organization. However, despite holding two student referendums, the constitution failed to pass.

“No constitution, no organization,” said former Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. “March 31, the executive offices will be locked. We’re starting the process of clearing our offices out.”

The total student population of the University as of Fall 2024 is 52,516, according to Forbes. 

However, in the final vote, only 457 students participated which constitutes for a low percentage of just 0.87. Out of this, only 188 students voted for passing the constitution. 

What led to the end of 61st Administration

The SGA was put under a mandate by Student Affairs on Nov. 6, 2024, upon receiving a letter authored by Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. 

This mandate required the organization to create and pass a new set of bylaws and constitution in order to operate as an organization.

The mandate was a result of weakened checks and balances in SGA bylaws and the failure to fill vacant positions in a timely manner.

SGA lifted their mandate on Feb. 12, after 98 days of deliberation, by passing the new bylaws and constitution. However, despite this, the organization still required the student body to approve the constitution.

Since the student body did not pass the constitution, the 61st administration no longer exists.

“I feel beaten, battered and bruised,” said former Vice President Austin Craig. “I hope the organization can continue to grow, and will get where it needs to be in providing for the student body.”

New future of SGA moving forward

SGA’s Executive branch and Senate will remain vacant for the rest of the spring semester and the upcoming summer.

“This is what you would say is f—- around and finding out. We f—- around, and now we’re finding out,” Cockrell said. “There’s nothing any of us up here or any of you out there can do about it.”

Elections for the 62nd administration will take place in fall 2025, which will then fill the vacant positions.

Ten external consultants from similar SGAs of other public colleges will be brought in to give recommendations and advise UH’s SGA on how best to move forward.

“We are looking for advisors at similar types of public sized schools that have a similar SGA structure,” said Legislative branch advisor and Student Center Executive Director Eve Esch. “They’ll review all previous documents, meetings and things like that so we can get everything started back up again in the fall.”

Not all SGA members will be leaving the organization as Judicial branch members and SGA committee representatives will continue to serve.

Because of this, former SGA President Diego Arriaga will continue to serve in the SGA as the student representative on the President’s Task Force.

Student Ambassadors will be selected by administration and be present at orientations to encourage involvement in the fall when the organization resumes normal operations.

Final legislation, bills, decisions

The SGA passed four bills in their last two meetings before the dissolution.

“We had a good run, let’s wrap it up and hope for the best,” Cockrell said at a previous meeting on Mar. 19. “We can lay down and die, or try again.”

The Improving Visibility and Lighting of Emergency Poles on Campus Act was passed. The University will re-wrap the poles in a red color which will turn pink in order to increase visibility of emergency poles on campus. 

The UHPD Transparency and Accountability Act was passed as well, which requires a UHPD report in the first 3 months of every semester regarding crime and how the department plans to address it.

The third bill was The SGA Sexual Emergency Preparedness Act, which would make emergency contraception such as Plan B and condoms available in the SGA offices. 

The SGA would maintain a discreet and accessible system for students to obtain these resources.

The fourth bill passed was the SGA Unlocked Podcast. This will enable the organization to create video podcasts to provide an accessible platform for all members to communicate directly with students.

The bill was passed to provide transparency, insights into ongoing SGA projects and discuss key on-campus issues.

“It’s been a great run. It’s truly been an honor to serve and represent, and I mean that, even if things got cloudy,” Cockrell said. “Maybe more like a thunderstorm.”

Final reports

At the meeting, executive branch members gave their farewell speeches during the final reports.

“I’ve had great times, I’ve had horrible times, but I’m here at the end of it which is something I’m proud of,” Craig said. “At the end of the day, I was here for the students. I wish I could have done ten times more things despite those obstacles.”

Cockrell addressed the senate at the end of the meeting, congratulating SGA members who stayed throughout the administration.

“Everybody hears a plethora of things about SGA, some good, some bad,” Cockrell said. “I want you all to leave this administration and really think that no matter what hardships we faced, you were still here and you were able to represent.”

news@thedailycougar.com

—
““Beaten, battered, bruised”: SGA officially shuts down” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Wednesday, Mar. 26, the Student Government Association convened for their last Senate meeting. As of now, the 61st administration ceases to exist. 

SGA needed to pass their new constitution with the student body in order to continue operating as an organization. However, despite holding two student referendums, the constitution failed to pass.

“No constitution, no organization,” said former Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. “March 31, the executive offices will be locked. We’re starting the process of clearing our offices out.”

The total student population of the University as of Fall 2024 is 52,516, according to Forbes. 

However, in the final vote, only 457 students participated which constitutes for a low percentage of just 0.87. Out of this, only 188 students voted for passing the constitution. 

What led to the end of 61st Administration

The SGA was put under a mandate by Student Affairs on Nov. 6, 2024, upon receiving a letter authored by Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. 

This mandate required the organization to create and pass a new set of bylaws and constitution in order to operate as an organization.

The mandate was a result of weakened checks and balances in SGA bylaws and the failure to fill vacant positions in a timely manner.

SGA lifted their mandate on Feb. 12, after 98 days of deliberation, by passing the new bylaws and constitution. However, despite this, the organization still required the student body to approve the constitution.

Since the student body did not pass the constitution, the 61st administration no longer exists.

“I feel beaten, battered and bruised,” said former Vice President Austin Craig. “I hope the organization can continue to grow, and will get where it needs to be in providing for the student body.”

New future of SGA moving forward

SGA’s Executive branch and Senate will remain vacant for the rest of the spring semester and the upcoming summer.

“This is what you would say is f—- around and finding out. We f—- around, and now we’re finding out,” Cockrell said. “There’s nothing any of us up here or any of you out there can do about it.”

Elections for the 62nd administration will take place in fall 2025, which will then fill the vacant positions.

Ten external consultants from similar SGAs of other public colleges will be brought in to give recommendations and advise UH’s SGA on how best to move forward.

“We are looking for advisors at similar types of public sized schools that have a similar SGA structure,” said Legislative branch advisor and Student Center Executive Director Eve Esch. “They’ll review all previous documents, meetings and things like that so we can get everything started back up again in the fall.”

Not all SGA members will be leaving the organization as Judicial branch members and SGA committee representatives will continue to serve.

Because of this, former SGA President Diego Arriaga will continue to serve in the SGA as the student representative on the President’s Task Force.

Student Ambassadors will be selected by administration and be present at orientations to encourage involvement in the fall when the organization resumes normal operations.

Final legislation, bills, decisions

The SGA passed four bills in their last two meetings before the dissolution.

“We had a good run, let’s wrap it up and hope for the best,” Cockrell said at a previous meeting on Mar. 19. “We can lay down and die, or try again.”

The Improving Visibility and Lighting of Emergency Poles on Campus Act was passed. The University will re-wrap the poles in a red color which will turn pink in order to increase visibility of emergency poles on campus. 

The UHPD Transparency and Accountability Act was passed as well, which requires a UHPD report in the first 3 months of every semester regarding crime and how the department plans to address it.

The third bill was The SGA Sexual Emergency Preparedness Act, which would make emergency contraception such as Plan B and condoms available in the SGA offices. 

The SGA would maintain a discreet and accessible system for students to obtain these resources.

The fourth bill passed was the SGA Unlocked Podcast. This will enable the organization to create video podcasts to provide an accessible platform for all members to communicate directly with students.

The bill was passed to provide transparency, insights into ongoing SGA projects and discuss key on-campus issues.

“It’s been a great run. It’s truly been an honor to serve and represent, and I mean that, even if things got cloudy,” Cockrell said. “Maybe more like a thunderstorm.”

Final reports

At the meeting, executive branch members gave their farewell speeches during the final reports.

“I’ve had great times, I’ve had horrible times, but I’m here at the end of it which is something I’m proud of,” Craig said. “At the end of the day, I was here for the students. I wish I could have done ten times more things despite those obstacles.”

Cockrell addressed the senate at the end of the meeting, congratulating SGA members who stayed throughout the administration.

“Everybody hears a plethora of things about SGA, some good, some bad,” Cockrell said. “I want you all to leave this administration and really think that no matter what hardships we faced, you were still here and you were able to represent.”

news@thedailycougar.com

—
““Beaten, battered, bruised”: SGA officially shuts down” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Wednesday, Mar. 26, the Student Government Association convened for their last Senate meeting. As of now, the 61st administration ceases to exist. 

SGA needed to pass their new constitution with the student body in order to continue operating as an organization. However, despite holding two student referendums, the constitution failed to pass.

“No constitution, no organization,” said former Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. “March 31, the executive offices will be locked. We’re starting the process of clearing our offices out.”

The total student population of the University as of Fall 2024 is 52,516, according to Forbes. 

However, in the final vote, only 457 students participated which constitutes for a low percentage of just 0.87. Out of this, only 188 students voted for passing the constitution. 

What led to the end of 61st Administration

The SGA was put under a mandate by Student Affairs on Nov. 6, 2024, upon receiving a letter authored by Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. 

This mandate required the organization to create and pass a new set of bylaws and constitution in order to operate as an organization.

The mandate was a result of weakened checks and balances in SGA bylaws and the failure to fill vacant positions in a timely manner.

SGA lifted their mandate on Feb. 12, after 98 days of deliberation, by passing the new bylaws and constitution. However, despite this, the organization still required the student body to approve the constitution.

Since the student body did not pass the constitution, the 61st administration no longer exists.

“I feel beaten, battered and bruised,” said former Vice President Austin Craig. “I hope the organization can continue to grow, and will get where it needs to be in providing for the student body.”

New future of SGA moving forward

SGA’s Executive branch and Senate will remain vacant for the rest of the spring semester and the upcoming summer.

“This is what you would say is f—- around and finding out. We f—- around, and now we’re finding out,” Cockrell said. “There’s nothing any of us up here or any of you out there can do about it.”

Elections for the 62nd administration will take place in fall 2025, which will then fill the vacant positions.

Ten external consultants from similar SGAs of other public colleges will be brought in to give recommendations and advise UH’s SGA on how best to move forward.

“We are looking for advisors at similar types of public sized schools that have a similar SGA structure,” said Legislative branch advisor and Student Center Executive Director Eve Esch. “They’ll review all previous documents, meetings and things like that so we can get everything started back up again in the fall.”

Not all SGA members will be leaving the organization as Judicial branch members and SGA committee representatives will continue to serve.

Because of this, former SGA President Diego Arriaga will continue to serve in the SGA as the student representative on the President’s Task Force.

Student Ambassadors will be selected by administration and be present at orientations to encourage involvement in the fall when the organization resumes normal operations.

Final legislation, bills, decisions

The SGA passed four bills in their last two meetings before the dissolution.

“We had a good run, let’s wrap it up and hope for the best,” Cockrell said at a previous meeting on Mar. 19. “We can lay down and die, or try again.”

The Improving Visibility and Lighting of Emergency Poles on Campus Act was passed. The University will re-wrap the poles in a red color which will turn pink in order to increase visibility of emergency poles on campus. 

The UHPD Transparency and Accountability Act was passed as well, which requires a UHPD report in the first 3 months of every semester regarding crime and how the department plans to address it.

The third bill was The SGA Sexual Emergency Preparedness Act, which would make emergency contraception such as Plan B and condoms available in the SGA offices. 

The SGA would maintain a discreet and accessible system for students to obtain these resources.

The fourth bill passed was the SGA Unlocked Podcast. This will enable the organization to create video podcasts to provide an accessible platform for all members to communicate directly with students.

The bill was passed to provide transparency, insights into ongoing SGA projects and discuss key on-campus issues.

“It’s been a great run. It’s truly been an honor to serve and represent, and I mean that, even if things got cloudy,” Cockrell said. “Maybe more like a thunderstorm.”

Final reports

At the meeting, executive branch members gave their farewell speeches during the final reports.

“I’ve had great times, I’ve had horrible times, but I’m here at the end of it which is something I’m proud of,” Craig said. “At the end of the day, I was here for the students. I wish I could have done ten times more things despite those obstacles.”

Cockrell addressed the senate at the end of the meeting, congratulating SGA members who stayed throughout the administration.

“Everybody hears a plethora of things about SGA, some good, some bad,” Cockrell said. “I want you all to leave this administration and really think that no matter what hardships we faced, you were still here and you were able to represent.”

news@thedailycougar.com

—
““Beaten, battered, bruised”: SGA officially shuts down” was originally posted on The Cougar

Jose Gonzalez-Campelo/The Cougar

Wednesday, Mar. 26, the Student Government Association convened for their last Senate meeting. As of now, the 61st administration ceases to exist. 

SGA needed to pass their new constitution with the student body in order to continue operating as an organization. However, despite holding two student referendums, the constitution failed to pass.

“No constitution, no organization,” said former Speaker of the Senate Tav Cockrell. “March 31, the executive offices will be locked. We’re starting the process of clearing our offices out.”

The total student population of the University as of Fall 2024 is 52,516, according to Forbes. 

However, in the final vote, only 457 students participated which constitutes for a low percentage of just 0.87. Out of this, only 188 students voted for passing the constitution. 

What led to the end of 61st Administration

The SGA was put under a mandate by Student Affairs on Nov. 6, 2024, upon receiving a letter authored by Vice President for Student Affairs Paul Kittle. 

This mandate required the organization to create and pass a new set of bylaws and constitution in order to operate as an organization.

The mandate was a result of weakened checks and balances in SGA bylaws and the failure to fill vacant positions in a timely manner.

SGA lifted their mandate on Feb. 12, after 98 days of deliberation, by passing the new bylaws and constitution. However, despite this, the organization still required the student body to approve the constitution.

Since the student body did not pass the constitution, the 61st administration no longer exists.

“I feel beaten, battered and bruised,” said former Vice President Austin Craig. “I hope the organization can continue to grow, and will get where it needs to be in providing for the student body.”

New future of SGA moving forward

SGA’s Executive branch and Senate will remain vacant for the rest of the spring semester and the upcoming summer.

“This is what you would say is f—- around and finding out. We f—- around, and now we’re finding out,” Cockrell said. “There’s nothing any of us up here or any of you out there can do about it.”

Elections for the 62nd administration will take place in fall 2025, which will then fill the vacant positions.

Ten external consultants from similar SGAs of other public colleges will be brought in to give recommendations and advise UH’s SGA on how best to move forward.

“We are looking for advisors at similar types of public sized schools that have a similar SGA structure,” said Legislative branch advisor and Student Center Executive Director Eve Esch. “They’ll review all previous documents, meetings and things like that so we can get everything started back up again in the fall.”

Not all SGA members will be leaving the organization as Judicial branch members and SGA committee representatives will continue to serve.

Because of this, former SGA President Diego Arriaga will continue to serve in the SGA as the student representative on the President’s Task Force.

Student Ambassadors will be selected by administration and be present at orientations to encourage involvement in the fall when the organization resumes normal operations.

Final legislation, bills, decisions

The SGA passed four bills in their last two meetings before the dissolution.

“We had a good run, let’s wrap it up and hope for the best,” Cockrell said at a previous meeting on Mar. 19. “We can lay down and die, or try again.”

The Improving Visibility and Lighting of Emergency Poles on Campus Act was passed. The University will re-wrap the poles in a red color which will turn pink in order to increase visibility of emergency poles on campus. 

The UHPD Transparency and Accountability Act was passed as well, which requires a UHPD report in the first 3 months of every semester regarding crime and how the department plans to address it.

The third bill was The SGA Sexual Emergency Preparedness Act, which would make emergency contraception such as Plan B and condoms available in the SGA offices. 

The SGA would maintain a discreet and accessible system for students to obtain these resources.

The fourth bill passed was the SGA Unlocked Podcast. This will enable the organization to create video podcasts to provide an accessible platform for all members to communicate directly with students.

The bill was passed to provide transparency, insights into ongoing SGA projects and discuss key on-campus issues.

“It’s been a great run. It’s truly been an honor to serve and represent, and I mean that, even if things got cloudy,” Cockrell said. “Maybe more like a thunderstorm.”

Final reports

At the meeting, executive branch members gave their farewell speeches during the final reports.

“I’ve had great times, I’ve had horrible times, but I’m here at the end of it which is something I’m proud of,” Craig said. “At the end of the day, I was here for the students. I wish I could have done ten times more things despite those obstacles.”

Cockrell addressed the senate at the end of the meeting, congratulating SGA members who stayed throughout the administration.

“Everybody hears a plethora of things about SGA, some good, some bad,” Cockrell said. “I want you all to leave this administration and really think that no matter what hardships we faced, you were still here and you were able to represent.”

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““Beaten, battered, bruised”: SGA officially shuts down” was originally posted on The Cougar