The Marian Student Government Association (SGA) kicked off the school year Tuesday, Aug. 26, with a senate meeting focused on strengthening collaboration among students and university leaders.

The SGA serves as a bridge between the student body and administration, with a senate composed of representatives from every campus organization and an executive board elected annually by students.

During introductions, the executive board shared its priorities for the year, highlighting a desire to build stronger connections across campus. Vice President of Mission and Identity Liliana Popčak said the board wants to “break down those walls…with open, honest dialogue,” noting that students often feel divided.

The meeting opened with prayer, led by Popčak, before roll call and formal business. Student Body President Peter Waning reported on SGA’s summer activities, including hosting 19 student government organizations from across the country—among them Ball State University—at Marian.

Committees then presented their upcoming work: the constitution review committee, budget committee, election committee and unity committee. Each is chaired by an executive board member, and senators were invited to join.

Waning opened the floor to discussion, where senators raised issues such as weekend programming and encouraging President Daniel Elsener and other administrators to attend SGA meetings. Other suggestions included improving campus marketing, increasing the executive board’s presence at student events, and developing activities exploring Marian’s history.

One senator raised the issue of graduate student involvement. Waning responded that collaboration with the graduate school is already underway, with graduate students working to consolidate their organizations.

The meeting closed with general praise for the new executive board and optimism about increased unity on campus this year.