Few student organizations carry as much weight as the Student Government Association (SGA). At the University of Findlay, the SGA shapes what student leadership looks like, with senior Isiah Dante Hall leading the way.

Hall, who is studying exercise science, has been involved with the SGA for all four years of his UF journey. He currently serves as the organization’s president, a position he seemed destined to hold one day. Hall visited the SGA table at a campus fair during his first year and made a bold, predictive statement.

“I told them I wanted to be president [of SGA] one day—and here I am,” Hall said. “At the time, I didn’t even know why I was so drawn to it. I think it was a desire to belong and be involved.”

About SGA

Providing leadership for the student body, the SGA assists in many facets of student life. The governing body of the SGA is the Student Senate, which is composed of six executive board members, three senators from each undergraduate class, and one graduate senator.

The SGA also represents student interests on faculty committees and the Board of Trustees. Under the guidance of the University and SGA advisers, it allocates student activity fee funds to campus organizations. The organization may also propose policies affecting student life, which are reviewed by the Division of Student Affairs, faculty, or the Board for approval.

Hall highlights the SGA’s direct connection to University leadership as a key strength of the organization.

“We have a strong, open line of communication with University leadership,” he said. “For example, the SGA treasurer can sit on the University’s official budget committee. That level of access is rare and shows how much trust the University places in student leadership.”

Hall also appreciates that the SGA is made up of people committed to building a brighter future for other people.

“Our mission aligns closely with the University’s. For SGA, that means setting up student organizations for success, especially when it comes to planning events on campus,” Hall explained. “We provide structure and support for clubs, especially since many of them experience high turnover. SGA acts as a consistent resource that clubs can rely on. We’re the ‘go-to’ for new or confused members looking for guidance.”

Supporting the Student Body Beyond Clubs

The SGA also hosts its own programming, which includes marquee events throughout the year. One of which is Casino Night, held every spring, where students can win big prizes.

Another annual SGA event is Canstruction, where students build sculptures out of canned goods. This friendly competition supports the Helping Hands Food Drive, an annual initiative at UF.

Additionally, Hall said the SGA has partnered with the Buford Center to support the food pantry in the Alumni Memorial Union (AMU).

New Initiatives & Developments

A new development for the SGA is its office has moved to a more visible location. While still in the same building, the SGA office is now across from the print station in the AMU. Hall said he is looking forward to SGA serving in the new spot.

“Hopefully more students will stop by with questions or just to connect.” he said.

The SGA is also implementing a raffle ticket system this year. Students will earn tickets for attending SGA-funded events, which they can use to enter for prizes offered at Late Night Munchies, a popular end-of-year event hosted by the Student Activities Board.

Ways to Get Involved

Students can get involved with SGA in a variety of ways such as attending meetings and bringing their concerns or ideas, participating in SGA-funded events and showing support for student initiatives, and volunteering at SGA events. Hall noted students do not have to be an official member to help, as many individuals assist informally.

For those interested in formally becoming a part of SGA, the process is simple. Petitions are sent before each semester begins. Students submit a short application (two 100-word paragraphs: one introducing themselves and one describing a campus change they would like to see). Voting is conducted through Microsoft Forms and sent via email to each class.

Hall encourages students considering SGA to give it a try.

“If you’re thinking about joining—do it. Especially serving as a senator. It doesn’t take a lot of time, and it’s a great way to watch and learn from leaders,” Hall noted. “While Senate meetings are formal, you’ll get the opportunity to see students dress up, pitch budgets, and lead with professionalism. It’s an environment that pushes you to grow and become more organized.”

In fact, Hall said these types of formal settings proved to be transformative for him.

“SGA completely changed my college experience. I became more organized, improved my time management, and learned how to navigate professional settings.”

Future Aspirations

Hall said he plans to build on recent SGA accomplishments, including helping fund the pavilion and basketball courts at College Park. He also noted the Yung Gravy concert, organized by SGA a few years ago, as an example of the group’s capacity to create memorable campus experiences.

Looking ahead, Hall said he wants initiatives like these to become a regular part of student life. He emphasized that sustaining this momentum will require continued student involvement and awareness of what SGA can help achieve.

“SGA has allowed me to build connections and help others in ways I didn’t expect. I’ve grown so much through it. I’m grateful for the people I’ve met and the opportunities it’s given me.”

Click here to learn more about the SGA at UF.

In the featured image above: Members of Findlay’s SGA pause for a photo during this year’s Student Organization Fair. Left to right: Isiah Dante Hall, president, Sarah Rutledge, treasure, Madison Townsend, sergeant-at-arms, and Seth Dahlhausen, vice president.

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