We know that something needs to change. While our campus stands on the pillars of diversity, inclusion, and advocacy, SGA's outdated structures don't adequately provide a platform for student voices to be heard or support the students already standing up. The strides that have been made must be upheld and the work that is yet to be done must be created with a realistic and revolutionary mindset.

We've seen the power of this student body as executive officers of SGA and student leaders of organizations across the campus, and we're equipped with a unique perspective to enact the tangible change UNT deserves. That's why we're Reforming the Norm.

 

Here's how...

Restructuring SGA:

  • Expanding the Executive Board from 8 to 13 student leaders without taking a penny more from student fees
  • Establish the Council of Delegates for student organizations to have a seat at the table
  • Create an online appointment system for students to meet directly with their Senators and SGA members that are meant to represent them
  • Implement an oversight committee to give the power to Senators to provide oversight and audit responsibilities of the Executive Board

 

Mental Health and Student Safety:

  • 2 unexcused absences per class at a minimum should be university-wide policy
  • Informing students of mental health resources by reevaluating the Therapy Assistance Online (TAO) screening tool
  • Hire a second full-time Survivors Advocate in the Dean of Students Office
  • Provide a space for advocates of mental health and survivors of interpersonal violence by establishing peer-ambassador programs for both the Counseling and Testing Center and Dean of Students to 
  • Create a 311 number so that students don't have to rely on police in non-threatening situation

 

Campus Life:

  • Increase the number of shuttle services to and from outer-lying parking lots
  • Decrease the fee and frequency of parking citations and demand for a public budget so students see where their money goes
  • Loosen the strict food vendor policies that create a barrier for cultural and identity-based organizations

 

Affordability:

  • Demand transparency of miscellaneous and indiscriminate fees
  • Expand work-study program promotions so students better understand their options
  • Fight for a feasible raise policy for student workers across every department and unit
  • Provide free clinics and find alternatives to the $20 copay at the Health and Wellness Center to ensure all students are cared for

 

Housing:

  • Establish a consistent database for student residency to provide transparency so that all students can love where they live
  • Fight for upper-classmen students who are being pushed out of on-campus housing
  • Improve Housing's online server to decrease delays with the application process

 

Accessibility:

  • Require closed captioning for all online courses offered by UNT to accommodate the needs of all students
  • Provide student organizations the resources they need to work with ODA
  • Ensure physical safety and disability accommodation for transportation services including bus stops, crosswalks, and protected bike lanes

 

Equity and Inclusion:

  • Hire additional trainers within the Division of Institutional Equity and Diversity - there are currently only 2 professionals for a community of over 42,000.
  • Expand the number of support groups offers by Counseling and Testing Services to include more diverse communities 
  • Reinforce our support for the Inclusion Demands Taskforce to ensure SGA's 2019 demands are fulfilled

 

Reforming the norm means shifting the power dynamic from closed doors to the student body - and we can't do that alone. Structural change takes all of us and we're dedicated to reforming the relationship with SGA and the student body. Where all students feel welcome to express their concerns, knowing something will be done about it. The students of UNT deserve the best and we know that we are better together.