Spelman Student Government Association

Dear Spelman Sisters & Siblings,

On behalf of the 79^th Spelman Student Government Administration, I want to extend the warmest of welcomes to our beloved Spelman College. We are all so excited to embrace and welcome each of you into our community and ensure that you experience the Spelman sisterhood and siblinghood in the most authentic way.

Your choice to join the Spelman community indicates an intention to mobilize lasting social change and embark on a journey of personal development. Our evolving intellectual community rests on a legacy dedicated to challenging the status quo, hence our tagline "A choice to change the world.” Know that you are walking in the footsteps of global change agents such as Alice Walker, Ambassador Ruth Davis, Tayari Jones and Stacey Abrams. With no sister or sibling identical, our mutual interest in positive social change paired with varying skills in the liberal arts and sciences empowers each of us to continue this legacy. While the entrance into Spelman for those before us may look very different than where we find ourselves today, be reminded that your journey is less about your environment and more about your interactions.

It is not just the high caliber of Spelman’s faculty, alumnae and students that maintains our legacy, but the work that is done behind-the-scenes. That work consists of unrelenting support of one another, a commitment to personal development, and ultimately the sacrifice of self-regard in the interest of collective responsibility. The change of scenery this year does not undermine that legacy, nor does it diminish the need for the behind-the-scenes work. As the Black community continues to be disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, know that your legacy and choice to change the world is more important than ever.

In order to reap the fruits of the Spelman legacy, we must each do our part to contribute to the standards of sisterhood and siblinghood. Those contributions start with ourselves. I encourage you to reflect on and embrace your personal experiences because they will be critical to your development throughout your Spelman journey. Be prepared to exit your comfort zone to enter new experiences and relationships. As you begin to shape your own legacy, practice open-mindedness and extend yourself grace. You are not confined to one subject or interest at Spelman and instead, encouraged to explore our wide array of disciplines by taking courses outside of your major and joining student organizations that interest you.

As you encounter the natural ups and downs of your personal development journey, the Student Government Association reminds you of our mission to serve you. As the official liaison between the student body and Spelman’s senior administration, we encourage you to utilize our board as a resource throughout your Spelman experience. Throughout the 2020-2021 academic year you can expect: frequent surveys to collect your feedback on campus life, academics, and the Student Government; civic engagement in the form of voter registration drives, mental health programming; scholarships for commuter meals, parking, and books; and much more. Spelman’s Student Government Association is so excited to advocate on your behalf and support your transition into the home of Black excellence and empowerment.

In Solidarity,

Fana R. HaileSelassie
President, Spelman Student Government Association
fhailese@spelman.edu

Greetings Spelmanites,

My name is Skylr Smith, and I am grateful to serve as this year’s SSGA Vice President. I wanted to send you all some encouraging words during these unprecedented times. I know this pandemic was not ideal for us all, but we will come out of this stronger.

Spelman SGA has been working tirelessly with administration since we stepped into our roles to ensure your transition into online instruction went as smoothly as possible. The work that was done would not have been possible without you all. Every student is a part of the Spelman Student Government Association. Continue to let your voice be heard, so we can collaborate and work towards a campus we want to see.

Lastly, remember that your health comes before your academics. Practice self-care and take a step back when needed. Remain safe, practice social-distancing and wash your hands! We will get through this pandemic together. Remain undaunted by the fight and good luck this semester!