The Student Government Association (SGA) vice presidential debate at Ball State University took on a different format this year. Only one ticket — “Momentum” — is running in the spring 2025 election.
With no opposing candidates, the event, which took place on Feb. 13 in room 120 of the Teacher's College, became a moderated Q&A session featuring vice presidential candidate Shaina Miller.
Miller used the session to elaborate on her and presidential candidate Chelsea Murdock’s platform points and initiatives.
One of the key topics of discussion was the proposed SGA “complaint hour.” When asked how the initiative would encourage student participation, Miller emphasized the importance of flexibility and accessibility.
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“We actually plan to structure it not just as one event, but as multiple events, so we are able to best reach our students,” Miller said.
Miller mentioned talking to students at the Atrium, Scramble Light and other places on campus where they congregate to receive feedback on improving things for the student body.
“We are meeting students where they are, so they don’t always have to be coming to us,” she said.
Engagement was another critical issue raised during the session. Miller acknowledged the need for broader student involvement in senate meetings and expressed her ticket’s commitment to increasing transparency for students.
“We want to livestream our senate meetings for the students who cannot attend in person,” Miller said.
She also said “Momentum” intends to provide weekly senate updates via social media to inform students about the decisions being made.
Regarding inclusivity in decision-making, Miller discussed the importance of ensuring all senators have a voice in discussions.
She referenced Robert’s Rules of Order, explaining that the senate prioritizes individuals who have not spoken during senate meetings before revisiting those who have already contributed to the conversation.
When addressing her qualifications for the vice presidential role, Miller emphasized her extensive leadership experience within SGA and other campus organizations.
“I served as president pro tempore, and I also served as a senator for two years. I’ve been a caucus chair and a committee chair,” she said. “I also have a lot of outside experience. I’m president of my sorority, and I think that would be valuable as vice president because I’m used to having that personal and professional connection with individuals.”
Miller also spoke about her goals for student engagement, including a proposed “visibility leadership program” designed to recognize and uplift student leaders across campus.
“We know there are so many amazing leaders on this campus, and we want to make sure that we are recognizing those and engaging with organizations so that they feel recognized in their leadership,” Miller said.
She added that the initiative would include a “visible leader of the month” recognition, which would culminate in a “visible leader of the year” award presented at the end of the academic year.
Toward the end of the session, Miller was asked about the legacy she hopes to leave if elected.
“I think legacy has been such a heavy word, but I think I really want to leave a legacy of kindness,” she said. “When I first entered the student senate, it was a very hard environment to be in, and I’ve seen a large cultural shift in the senate over time. I want to make sure that we are not only creating an inviting space for senators to be in but also an inviting space for senators to achieve in.”
Miller encouraged all students to participate in the election process in her final remarks.
“I implore you all to vote,” she said. “Voting is such an important habit to engage in, and that starts on the student body level. Voting is how we express our voices [and] how we make change.”
Ball State students can vote in the SGA election from 8 a.m. Feb. 17 through 5 p.m. Feb 18. Voting instructions will be sent to students via their school email, and students experiencing issues can seek assistance at the Atrium polling location.
Contact Meghan Braddy via email at meghan.braddy@bsu.edu or on X @meghan_braddy.
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