Shippensburg University’s Student Government Association (SGA) serves as the university’s elected student representative body and allocates funding to student organizations. SGA held its officer election forum Thursday at McFeely’s Cafe, where four unopposed junior candidates outlined their priorities for the 2026-27 academic year.

The uncontested candidates are Emily Wojnarski for president, Daniel McCleary for vice president, Ryan Mills for vice president of finance and Chase Garrison for vice president of student groups. Each delivered opening remarks and answered questions about leadership, campus life and their goals if elected.

Wojnarski, currently serving as vice president of finance, said her campaign centers on visibility and communication. She told the audience that many students she encounters do not know what SGA is or how to bring concerns forward. 

“I came across many students during my time at SGA who do not even know that we exist,” Wojnarski said.

Her top priority as president would be “bridging the gap between students and administration,” beginning with greater transparency. Wojnarski said she plans to strengthen SGA’s internal culture while increasing engagement across campus by attending more events, collaborating with student organizations and better promoting office hours and public meetings. 

“On an individual level as president, I promise to listen to student concerns and advocate for them to the best of my abilities,” she said.

McCleary, the current vice president, is seeking re-election. He described his role as largely administrative and behind the scenes. 

“Most of what I do within student government is just in the background,” McCleary said. “In essence, my job exists so that your senators are able to represent you even better.”

McCleary said the vice president position combines duties that were previously split between internal and external affairs and that he hopes to continue refining the role.

Mills, a junior chemistry major and current senator for the College of Arts and Sciences, is running for vice president of finance. He said he wants to make the budget request process more understandable for student organizations. 

“[Students are] like, ‘We requested for this and you gave us $0 for it why is that?’” Mills said. 

He cited apparel as an example, noting that if it is not a uniform, it is unlikely to qualify for funding. 

“It’s no longer ‘budget and finance hates you.’ It’s ‘These are rules. This is how we’re gonna interpret what you say,’” Mills said. 

He suggested additional training sessions, better-advertised office hours and workshops for student groups seeking funding.

Garrison, the current vice president of student groups, focused on campus involvement. 

“Majors are where you get educated, and student groups are where you try that education,” he said. 

Garrison said he hopes to maintain a healthier environment for approving and supporting student organizations.

Although the positions are uncontested, students were encouraged to vote. Ballots will be distributed through students’ university email accounts, with voting opening Monday at 8 a.m. and closing Thursday at 4 p.m.

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