Andy Manno, junior double major in English Studies and Political Science, is a representative for ISU’s Student Government Association. For those who are unsure about what SGA does, they tackle issues that affect the student’s life and ensure that the student’s needs are being met.Not only does Andy have a double major to worry about, he also balances his involvement in the ISU government, being the Vice-President of College Representatives, a member of the Law club, and also a member of the ISU Mock Trial Team.
HC: What are your roles in SGA?
Manno: Well, I have many roles in SGA. My first and main role in SGA is to represent the students of Illinois State University by serving as an Academic Senator. Within SGA I am also the chairperson for the Academic Senators and the committee chair for the Finance & Allocation committee with is also connected to the RSO Fee Board. I also serve on the grievance committee as an SGA representative.
HC: So, why do you like to be a part of SGA?
Manno: I enjoy being part of SGA because it allows me to be involved in the political process and have a direct effect on the university on the student’s behalf. It is a chance to become vocal and have a hand in how the university is operated, to ensure that the next year is always better than the previous year for the students of Illinois State. It is a great experience and one that I will certainly remember for many more years to come.
HC: You recently took a trip to Washington DC, what did you do there?
Manno: During my recent trip to DC I had the chance to attend CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) where the big name political conservative speakers come to speak and motivate the members who attend the conference to reach out to others and support conservative candidates and conservative ideals. While I was in DC I also got a chance to visit Georgetown University and see the beautiful campus and surrounding area that they have to offer.
HC: What are some issues that SGA deals with?
Manno: Some programs that SGA started have been the textbook lending program, the clicker lending program, the student discount cards, and placed additional bike racks around campus. Some initiatives that we are currently working on is a GPS tracking system for all the Illinois State buses, initiating a Dead Week policy for Finals Week, and keeping Milner Library open longer for the students.
HC: What exactly is a “Dead Week Policy?”
Manno: A teacher wouldn’t be allowed to have a project or major assignment due the week before finals, in order to let the students be able to study better for their finals.
HC: So, what are your future plans?
Manno: My future plans are to continue working in SGA and act on the behalf of the students of Illinois State. I also intend to continue participating on the Illinois State University Mock Trial Team. I have a passion for politics and law and plan on attending Law School after I graduate and then jumping into the political field soon after that.