Sophomore Cole Weiland assumed the role of the Student Government Association’s (SGA) president last semester, succeeding senior Paige Debias.
Weiland has been involved in SGA since his first year at SFU when he participated in the Freshman Fellow Program and ran for chief senator for Residence Life.
“I started in SGA after looking at different ways to get involved on campus,” said Weiland. “I didn’t really know much about it.
“I figured I’d try it and ended up really liking it.
“With the presidency, you have a lot more responsibility, but also a lot more opportunity.”
Weiland is involved in many extracurricular activities on campus, including the Honors Program, Marching and Pep Band and the Chemistry Club.
He is currently conducting research with faculty in the Chemistry Department and assists in the ROCK (Rural Outreach Chemistry for Kids) Program. He is also a Resident Assistant at SFU.
“Cole is an exceptional student and role model and I am looking forward to his tenure as the SGA president,” said Kristen Corcoran, SFU’s Director of Student Engagement.
This semester, Weiland is hoping to finish projects that were started last fall with the help of Debias.
Some of these projects include funding a CPR class, revising the University’s Thanksgiving Break, and addressing issues related to fire alarms within some campus buildings.
He is also looking forward to tackling new projects.
“Our E-Board seems to really be engaged,” said Weiland.
Weiland said that he has received support from Debias and other Executive Board members and faculty members.
“[Paige] helped me a lot with the transition,” said Weiland. “There’s been a lot of support from the Executive Board too, as well as our SGA advisor, Mrs. Corcoran.
“Everyone’s been really cohesive. If there’s something that I need help with, I have no shortage of volunteers.”
Weiland said he wants students to know that SGA is there for them and that the group will advocate on their behalf.
“We have representatives from almost every organization on campus,” said Weiland. “We want to be the people who get stuff done.”
