The Student Government Association hosted a Game Day Wednesday, Feb. 18, and Thursday, Feb. 19, to promote student engagement with the members.

Students were able to interact with SGA senators and representatives to discuss their concerns about the university. They were also invited for free food and to play board games.

Leslie Ramirez, senior biology major and senator-at-large for SGA, attended the event and said that the association plans various events every week at the university, where they can interact with the student body and broaden their reach.

“We want students to know that we are here and that we can make tangible changes,” Ramirez said. “During these events, students can talk to senators. We are all open for any of their suggestions, and we act on anything that we know we can help improve at UTEP.”

SGA’s goals are to improve the experience at the university for the entire staff and student body. They serve the university by representing the students, and helping them voice their concerns and suggestions. They also aid students with finance issues when it comes to educational travels or conferences.

Patrice Dewane, sophomore business major, went to the game day with concerns she had.

“We really need more quiet places for studying on campus. The library is supposed to be a quiet place, yet there is noise around every corner,” Dewane said. “I have not been able to find a quiet place where I can actually concentrate and study.”

Last semester, SGA was responsible for the implementation of bigger desks in certain classrooms, and they pushed for faster Wi-Fi connections across campus.

“I was invited today by a friend to come play board games and get free food,” Ricardo Alvares, junior electrical engineering major, said. “However, I also want to speak out my concerns with UTEP. I think that more money should be spent on student organizations, since many of the groups are limited in their activities and outreach due to lack of funding.”

Alvares said that he would also like technology to be emphasized since it is an important aspect of our world.

“For example, the computers at the library are incredibly slow and those of us who need special programs for our classes are not able to do our work here on campus,” he said.

For more information about SGA, visit http://sa.utep.edu/sga/ or call (915) 747- 5584.

Jesus Lopez may be reached at [email protected].

Photos by Andres Martinez.

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