{"id":175143,"date":"2026-03-02T16:42:06","date_gmt":"2026-03-02T16:42:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/175143\/"},"modified":"2026-03-02T16:42:06","modified_gmt":"2026-03-02T16:42:06","slug":"usf-students-should-take-this-years-sg-elections-seriously","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-fl\/175143\/","title":{"rendered":"USF students should take this year\u2019s SG elections seriously"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/a>Being thoughtful about the candidates you vote for in this week\u2019s Student Government elections can have a significant impact. ORACLE GRAPHIC\/DYLAN SABOL<\/p>\n

I didn\u2019t completely understand how crucial Student Government elections were until I attended my first presidential debate on Wednesday.\u00a0<\/p>\n

The debate<\/a>, held at the Oval Theatre in the Marshall Student Center, allowed candidates to discuss their campaign goals and policies.\u00a0<\/p>\n

As I listened to three of the five presidential candidate groups discuss their campaigns, I was shocked to learn about the impact that SG leaders can have on our campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n

SG is run by over 120<\/a> students, employees and volunteers. They represent the student body in allocating the annual budget<\/a> to 12 student success departments and over 250 student organizations.<\/p>\n

This budget is funded by the activities and services fee, which is collected as part of student tuition at a rate of $7 plus an additional $12.08 per credit hour, according to SG<\/a>.<\/p>\n

After a nearly 50% decrease in student organization budgets in the 2025-26 Fiscal Year<\/a>, voting for the right leaders to properly manage this budget is crucial.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Voting in SG elections allows students to choose leaders who will represent the goals and changes they want to see at USF.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Related: USF SG shares tips for submitting A&S budget requests as deadline nears<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Many roles in SG play a part in funding decisions, but the presidential roles have the strongest influence on how funds are used.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While campus council, senate and gubernatorial positions are campus-specific, presidential candidates represent the Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.<\/p>\n

Once elected, the student body president is also granted a seat on the USF Board of Trustees.<\/a><\/p>\n

This is highly impactful, as the BOT makes key decisions about how costs and funding are distributed at the university, according to its website.\u00a0<\/a><\/p>\n

With continued reductions in funding and budget cuts<\/a> over the last few years, the financial decisions these candidates make can significantly impact students.<\/p>\n

But students also need to take the time to understand each candidate\u2019s goals and policies.<\/a><\/p>\n

As a freshman, choosing a candidate that aligns with the direction I want to see USF go in my remaining three years is a meaningful opportunity for me.<\/p>\n

Voting in this upcoming SG election allows my voice to be heard and represented by other student leaders.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Towards the end of Wednesday\u2019s debate, questions were opened to the audience.<\/p>\n

During this portion of the debate, I had the opportunity to ask the candidates how they would address student concerns about the changes in on-campus housing occurring next fall.<\/p>\n

USF Housing and Residential Education recently announced<\/a> that on-campus housing would be limited for upperclassmen in the 2026-27 room selection process.<\/p>\n

Related: USF Student Government gubernatorial candidates discuss budget allocation<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

As an incoming sophomore planning to live on campus next year, these changes have left me with a lot of uncertainty.<\/p>\n

I asked the candidates how they would advocate for students, specifically upperclassmen, amidst these changes.<\/p>\n

Each pair of candidates gave a unique response that provided further insight into how they plan to help students and even advocate for change.\u00a0<\/p>\n

While the candidates explained that they can\u2019t make significant changes within USF Housing, some expressed hope to learn more about the issue and to communicate how students are feeling to the department.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Listening to each response face-to-face allowed me not only to connect with the candidates but also to fully understand how their policies would apply to my specific concern.\u00a0<\/p>\n

By taking the time to understand each candidate\u2019s policies and goals before voting, students can help ensure their voices are heard and represented well at USF.<\/p>\n

Students can also learn more about the candidates through bios featured on the SG Instagram<\/a> and their personal campaign profiles.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Elections will occur in-person from March 2-5 at a variety of locations<\/a> across Tampa, St. Pete and Sarasota-Manatee campuses.<\/p>\n

With 2026 being a year of change at USF \u2014 from funding reductions<\/a> to a new president<\/a> \u2014 choosing the right leaders to represent the student body is critical. <\/p>\n