Bakersfield College hosted the American Student Government Association’s West Coast Student Government Training Conference on Jan. 28 in hope of helping student leaders from across the country become more effective in their student governments.
“We’re learning how to be a better SGA,” said BC SGA Secretary Micah Card.
The conference hosted about 75 students, 25 more than expected, who represented 12 schools from across the western United States, some coming from as far away as Louisiana and Colorado.
“It’s like a support group, someone is out there doing what you do. It’s nice to know that you’re not the only one,” said Erica Grall, SGA interim vice president.
Grall, who has been involved with other student government conferences, sees improvement in their efficiency, networking resources and ability to work together through participating in conferences.
“The goal is making student government better,” said ASGA Executive Director W.H. (Butch) Oxendine Jr.
Student leaders had the opportunity to attend workshops on topics, such as improving media relations, Web site construction, working with administration and a variety of other topics.
BC, one of the founding members of the ASGA, beat out Cal State Channel Islands to host the event. Grall expressed enthusiasm over the conference.
“We’ll be able to network with other colleges; in other situations we’d never meet,” Grall said.
Bethany University ASB President Josh Herndon said that the student government at his school has struggled a bit in the past few months and that the conference was a great “outside perspective” that will help them to make a “realistic change” at his school.
“It’s like a breath of fresh air when you’ve been drowning in the ocean for months,” Herndon said.