ORLANDO, Fla. -- Robert Stio, vice president of Valencia's West Campus, assumed the role of Student Government Association president. A news conference was held on June 16 for him to discuss the goals and future of SGA.
Stio, 35, said he has an “extensive background” in the entertainment industry, working as a location manager in post production, as a video editor, also working on websites, full length feature films, commercials, and television.
“With that knowledge, with that experience, that’s what I’m bringing to the SGA,” said Stio.
Stio ran unopposed in the election. He started as senator of governmental affairs, quickly moving up to chief of staff. He explained that the former president was unable to fulfill his duties because of “personal issues,” and resigned, but declined to comment any further on the matter.
Stio said he believes that "mass media is the future,” and his first goal will be student awareness. “Not a lot of students know what student government is,” said Stio,”There’s means of communication to raise awareness."
Jessica Hill, a communications major at Valencia, thinks that the administration should be more active in the school. “I think that this school should be more accustomed to the people that actually run the school,” said Hill, 19,”They should make their faces known.”
There will be meetings to discuss promotions, future events, to allocate funding, and the campus' budget, which Stio says is $38,000. Meetings begin taking place this fall, and continue annually, every Wednesday, from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
“I will put aside five to ten minutes of each meeting for students to get up and talk,” said Stio,”We’re trying to get people involved, allowing that voice makes them feel they’re part of the system … making a difference on campus. We’re really going to listen, we’re really going implent their ideas.”
Hill also commented on the SGA provoking students to speak up. “It’d be cool if they could actually listen,” Hill said,”Instead of just talking amongst ourselves about it.”
“Everyone has an influence,” said Michael Scott, chief of staff, “If eveyone plays their part, we can actually have a change for the better for all students. I don’t just talk about getting involved, I really believe in it. It’s important to me.”
Scott, 27, said they’re still working on outlines and rough drafts. Stio said it’s described as the “mending the constitution” and is a “very lengthy process.”
A swearing in Ceremony will be held on June 30, to create a senate and executive board. Stio said once they do, they will start “nailing down” the event calendar. Stio’s term started in March and will end in March 2010.
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