The FSU Student Government Association of Panama (SGAP) started as a forum to create an environment of openness and comfort that is conducive to learning and personal growth. The Student Government Association of Panama is vital in promoting communication among the students, and among students, faculty, and staff. It serves as an advocate for students’ rights, a voice for their needs, a vehicle for keeping the student body informed about the policies of the university, and as a mechanism for improving the academic, professional, and social development of FSU-Panama students. Its members are elected by the student body once a year and hold regular weekly meetings throughout each semester. Additionally, they participate in the different university committees alongside faculty and staff members.
The Council of the FSU Student Government Association of Panama consists of the Executive Board-President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, and four Senate Representatives:
- Representative for sports and athletic activities.
- Representative for social media and event promotion.
- Representative for the International Program.
- Representative for the Student Clubs.
Requirements
- Candidates must plan to stay at FSU-Panama for three consecutive semesters, beginning with Fall semester as semester 1 of 3.
- Candidates must have and maintain a minimum GPA of a 3.0 (on a 4.0 scale).
- Candidates must be able to meet once per week here on campus for government meetings.
- Candidates must be willing to help with several areas of student life, even if those are not exactly part of their position.
The Duties and Role of SGAP members
President: The President is the official spokesperson of the student body. They chair all SGAP meetings but have no voting power unless there is a tie. The president ensures that the goals of the SGAP are met and supports each member when needed.
Vice President: The Vice President assumes all roles of the president anytime the president is not present. The Vice President helps ensure that all activities and goals of the government are met. The Vice president also makes sure that "thank you" notes and other rewards and acknowledgements are made.
Secretary: The Secretary is responsible for keeping official administrative records of SGAP activities, including minutes from previous meetings, agendas for the meetings, reports, and student contacts, and for the planning and logistics of meetings and activities. The Secretary also keeps record of all communication between the SGAP and FSU Staff, Faculty, and Students.
Treasurer: The Treasurer manages all SGAP funds, supervises the budget, and documents all purchases and monetary transactions.
Senators: The Senators serve as the Representatives of the SGAP in areas related to student life. Each Senator attends meetings related to their area of emphasis and reports back to the Executive Board. Senators also present to the Council proposals or suggestions from the student body.
The Constitution of the Student Government Association of FSU Panama can be found here (PDF)