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In the latest episode of the SGA Weekly Update, host Cole Deutschendorf sat down with Anna Coke, the Strategic Oversight Committee Chair, and Patrick Biggs, the Health and Well-Being Director for the Student Government Association (SGA). This engaging discussion shed light on their roles within the SGA and highlighted key initiatives aimed at enhancing student life at Kansas State University.
Roles and Responsibilities
Anna Coke, a junior in regional and community planning, serves as the Strategic Oversight Committee Chair. Her role involves focusing on the SGA's comprehensive plan to improve various aspects of campus life, such as affordability, sustainability, health, and well-being. A significant project her committee is working on is a survey to gather student feedback on different initiatives.
Patrick Biggs, from Topeka, Kansas, is the Health and Well-Being Director. His primary focus is on the Student Health Advisory Committee (SHAC), which aims to create a two-way advisory relationship between SGA and campus organizations. This initiative seeks to facilitate better communication and collaboration on health-related issues across campus.
Wildcat Pause Day: A Break for Students
A major topic of discussion was Wildcat Pause Day, a newly introduced mental health day designed to give students a much-needed break between Labor Day and Thanksgiving. Both Anna and Patrick emphasized the importance of this day in helping students recharge and manage stress. Anna shared her journey in advocating for this initiative, which included drafting legislation and collaborating with university administrators to secure a three-year trial period for Wildcat Pause Day.
Patrick highlighted his role in promoting the event and ensuring its success by raising awareness among students. The day is seen as a pilot program that will be evaluated through surveys and feedback to determine its impact on student well-being.
Challenges and Successes
Implementing Wildcat Pause Day came with challenges, particularly in spreading awareness about its purpose beyond just being a day off from classes. Anna noted the importance of communicating the significance of mental health breaks to both students and faculty. Despite initial concerns about faculty support, both Anna and Patrick were pleased with the positive reception from both students and faculty members.
Broader Mental Health Strategy
Wildcat Pause Day is part of K-State's broader strategy to promote mental health and wellness on campus. Patrick discussed how this initiative aligns with other resources available at Lafene Health Center, including therapy services and wellness programs. Both Anna and Patrick stressed the importance of making students aware of these resources to support their mental health needs.
Future Initiatives
Looking ahead, both Anna and Patrick are focused on continuing to enhance student wellness through their respective roles. Anna's committee is prioritizing affordability and safety initiatives, while Patrick aims to revitalize the Student Health Advisory Committee to foster more effective communication between students and health services.
The SGA Weekly Update provides valuable insights into how student leaders like Anna Coke and Patrick Biggs are working to improve student life at Kansas State University. Through initiatives like Wildcat Pause Day and ongoing efforts in health and well-being, they are committed to creating a supportive environment that addresses the evolving needs of students.
Find out more about SGA at https://www.k-state.edu/sga/
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