SGA Leaders Work With Faculty to Improve Student Life
SGA President-Elect, Cade Chezem, and Vice President of Student Affairs, Dr. Frank Ross, answer questions regarding the event on 4/15. They each address how they want to improve the Butler student experience and what changes they plan to implement.
Heidi Copple | hcopple@butler.edu
Cade Chezem, SGA President-Elect, and Dr. Frank Ross, Vice President of Student Affairs, held an event on Friday, April 15, in an effort to create a dialogue between students and Student Affairs leadership. The past two academic years have presented a unique set of challenges that have made this type of student-staff interaction difficult. With the possibility of the fall semester being the first normal semester since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, SGA and Student Affairs are looking for more opportunities to engage with students and improve the student experience.
With increasing normalcy, student organizations have been hosting events to bring students closer together. Chezem believes that right now is the perfect time to work on improving student and staff relationships.
“As we begin to emerge from the pandemic, I believe the relations between the student body and high level administrators will continue to improve. This year, we have constantly seen these officials participate in student focused events,” he stated.
With our first (hopefully) fully normal fall semester approaching, SGA and staff are working to revamp old campus traditions.
“I am very excited for us to return to the vibrant Homecoming week for which Butler is known, as it is a great celebration for our students and brings back alumni and families to the campus,” Dr. Ross emphasized.
He also expressed how important communication is between students and staff members. He believes that if a student has had a problem with a faculty or staff member, they should speak with them directly to solve the issue at hand. Dr. Ross wants to remind students that the faculty and staff members at Butler are working to better their experience, and that students should use that to their advantage.
“I also encourage students to get to know the Dean of their college who is the academic leader that works with the faculty in their degree program. They are a great resource for students,” he expressed.
Chezem mentioned how dedicated staff members like Dr. Ross and Dr. Barnett are to the well-being of students. They have both been working hard to engage with the student body. Through speaking to the Student Senate, participating in various organizations’ functions, and hosting outreach events, they have both demonstrated the importance of interacting with the student body in meaningful ways outside of the classroom.
Chezem believes that events like this are crucial to fostering the relationship between staff and students. Both Dr. Ross and Chezem are dedicated to improving the lives of every Butler student.