The newly elected Student Government Association administration at Loyola University is setting its sights on expanding access, building community partnerships, and increasing transparency during the 2025 – 26 academic year.

President Nicholas Keen, a senior music industry studies major, and Vice President Jessica Valerio, a junior biology major, ran unopposed under the campaign theme “Brighter Administration.” Now in office, they are focusing on rolling out new programs like the SGAccess Pass and the Syllabus Bank, while also pushing for more student involvement in campus decision-making.

According to Keen, the timeline for launching both initiatives depends on the fall transition back to campus.

“We’ve done a lot of planning for the SGAccess Pass with local retailers and shop owners,” Keen said. “But because this is more than just a face-value connection, official amenities haven’t been put in place yet. The pass will start small with a few partnerships and expand going forward.”

The Syllabus Bank, aimed at providing students with access to past syllabi as a reference before registering for classes, is expected to be operational sooner. 

“We’re aiming for it to be ready by winter break,” Valerio said. “That way, professors can submit syllabi in time for students to use them as a resource for spring registration.”

Both leaders said they expect full implementation of the programs by spring semester.

This year, the administration is also prioritizing financial transparency. 

“Transparency is a huge part of our mission, especially when it comes to student fees,” Valerio said. “We want to highlight what our money is being spent on while physically showing what we are giving back to our community.”

While no new forums or digital tools are being introduced this semester, Keen said SGA will continue releasing quarterly reports detailing budget allocations.

SGA also plans to expand its support for student grants and scholarships amid rising costs in higher education. 

“All applications will be handled through HowlConnect,” Keen said. “Selections will be reviewed by the finance committee, and depending on the grant type, a second committee with voting power may be introduced to ensure fairness.”

Valerio added that the goal is to give students a sense of security: “We aspire to give back to our community not only to help students succeed at Loyola, but also prepare them for the next steps after graduation.”

Community partnerships are another central focus. SGA is currently working with businesses on Freret Street and Magazine Street to provide student-friendly discounts and amenities as part of the SGAccess Pass.

They are also exploring collaborations with local groups to help fund campus resources, including Iggy’s Cupboard, Loyola’s food pantry. 

“We want to help establish permanent forms of volunteerism and contribution beyond campus,” Valerio said.

Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain a cornerstone of their administration. 

“We want to continue highlighting organizations that represent our diverse student body,” Valerio said. “That includes funding collaborative events that foster underrepresented communities on campus.”

To give students more opportunities to connect directly with campus leadership, SGA will host its first roundtable discussion with deans, faculty, and senators this fall. The session will also be livestreamed for the public.

“We want to hit the ground running,” Keen said. “Forums are a great way to strengthen the student body’s connection with upper administration.”

Students can also expect an updated calendar of office hours for cabinet members and senators, which will be available through SGA communications. “All senate sessions are open to the public unless stated otherwise,” Valerio emphasized.

For both Keen and Valerio, leaving a meaningful legacy is just as important as day-to-day policy.

Valerio said she hopes to inspire future leaders.

“I want students to know they are the basis of our decision-making. I hope more student leaders get comfortable with being uncomfortable, because that’s how growth and equity happen,” said Valerio.

Keen has his eye on a new tradition. 

“I want to establish a tree-planting ritual for each graduating class,” he said. “It would be a visual reminder of the effort we’ve put into shaping the future. But most importantly, I want every student to be proud that they go to Loyola, and know that this school values them as part of the community.”