SGA donated over $4,000 to the African-African American studies program on Feb. 28, 2022.

SGA matched up to $3,000 in student donations for the African-African American studies program, funds coming from the SGA reserves account — matching the donations from UCA Day of Giving.

SGA also allocated $1,031.24 to the African-African American studies society. These funds came from the emergency SAFA. 

Prism, a community brought together to support LGBTQIA students, spoke at the meeting about a formal event they plan on hosting on April 2.

Prism co-president, Sheri Darling, says the goal of this formal is to commemorate all of the hard work that PRISM does on campus to promote inclusivity and diversity. 

“I think by doing this,” Darling said, “We can promote a space for students to be positive self-accepting and further promote UCA as an inclusive and diverse campus.”

Prism hopes to impact the campus and create a tradition for years to come by hosting this event.

The event is for anyone, with the purpose of bringing people from different departments and diversity together.

“I thought that it would be really beneficial towards the program,” SGA Vice President Chenel Dale, “Considering that they are low in funds, and with students not going towards the program.”

Fernada Ruiz, a staff member at Teach for America and elementary school teacher, presented at the SGA meeting.

Ruiz explains TFA exists to fight against educational inequity — one of the greatest civil rights issues of our time.

“Every child should have access to an excellent education that can, and will, propel them forward,” Ruiz said, “With the resources and the knowledge that they need to excel and break out of intergenerational poverty.”

Ruiz said TFA is trying to change a broken system using three different ways. 

The first opportunity is paid fellowships and opportunities for students to work with communities TFA partners with.

The second is events and networking opportunities to help get started in a career in advocacy. The third is a paid, full-time postgraduate job opportunity for individuals looking towards a career where they can change systems of inequity.

“We do all of this so that one day all children can have a life full of choices,” Ruiz said, “The choice to go to college. The choice to live where and how they want to live, and the choice to thrive.”

On March 19, there will be a march to bring awareness to the homeless in downtown Conway. Purple ribbons will be passed out and tied to lampposts to make the unseen visible.