From The Torch Podcast Network, This is The Chimes Weekly.
I’m Matthew, and welcome to our bonus episode. It’s Tuesday, April 14.

Biola’s student government association, or SGA, is a group of undergraduate students elected by the student body to be responsible for governing student interests, advocating for student concerns, providing support and recognition for recognized student organizations, and serving students by hosting activities and events that enhance student life. They held their annual elections from March 23 to Wednesday, April 1. Current Heart Senator Jackson Hibbard and Stewart Senator Lucas Brown won uncontested for president and vice president, respectively. As for senators, Zoey Batrez, Heather Calhoun, current commuter senator Gustavo Serrato, current Sigma senator Jake Lucero, current Alpha Senator Howard Nicholas, Jonathan Troutner, Julianne Wong, and Alvia Woolard won.

Today, I’ll talk with SGA President TJ Malley about his experience in the role, highs and lows, structure changes that have occurred, hopes for the future of SGA, and how students can be involved.

Here’s our conversation.

1.What is your name, major, and year?
2. Transition into the role
You applied for the position of President and didn’t run for election—what was it like stepping into that role?
3. Experience overview
Can you tell me more about your experience this past year as president?

4. Highs and challenges
What is one thing you’ve enjoyed about being SGA president, and what has been a challenge?
5. Impact and accomplishments
What is something you were able to accomplish during your time as president?

6. Structural/organizational question
There have been recent structural changes in SGA, like combining positions and moving away from dorm-, apartment-, and commuter-based senators to general senators. What led to that shift?

7. Forward-looking (institutional)
What are your hopes for next year’s SGA administration?
What is one thing you would encourage next year’s administration to prioritize?

8. Broader student application (end strong and outward-focused)
How can students get involved in student government, and how would you encourage them to participate?

Thanks for listening! As always, if you enjoyed this episode, leave us a review and share it with a friend or a roommate.

To read stories from The Chimes, see our show notes, or head over to our website at ChimesNewspaper.com. If you haven't listened to episode 9 of the Chimes Weekly, check it out at chimesnewspaper.com/torch or anywhere you listen to podcasts. The Chimes Weekly is a production of The Chimes Media Group and The Torch Podcast Network. 

This episode was produced by me, Matthew Garcia. The interview was conducted by me. This episode was audio-engineered by Jason Lee.  Our theme music is from Warner Chappell [“chapel”] Productions. Our editor–in-chief is Thomas Rakhola, and the managing producer is Reagan Glidewell. I’m Matthew Garcia. We'll see you all on Monday.