As the fall semester reaches its midpoint, Principia College Student Body President Rafael Ascencio García and Vice President Amarachi Ejimadu describe it as a semester defined by collaboration, communication, and community engagement.
Since taking office, the pair say they have focused on increasing transparency between students and the administration, strengthening student participation, and improving access to campus resources.
“It’s been busy, but really rewarding,” Ascencio said. “We’ve been focusing on making the student government more visible and approachable, making sure students know their voices are heard.”
Among their most visible initiatives is the reinstatement of regular town hall meetings, which provide an open forum for students to engage directly with the administration. “Part of what we wanted to bring this year is engagement and transparency,” Ejimadu said. “Town halls let students not only ask questions but also see their input implemented. It’s about students feeling included in decisions that affect them.”
This approach has inspired more collaboration within the Senate itself according to student leaders. “Rafa and Amarachi really helped as mentors because I came in without knowing anything,” Arale Septiaheny, the dining senate representative, said. “They guided our early meetings and encouraged us to take ownership of projects. They’re always available when you need advice and genuinely listen to what we have to say.”
Students who work closely with the pair said this leadership style and shared vision has improved communication across the student government. “I didn’t even know student senate was a thing before this year,” Septiaheny said. “Now, there’s more openness, students are talking, and progress feels more visible.”
Beyond Senate discussions, the two said they have worked to strengthen partnerships with different departments to improve student access to services. “We’ve been working with the Career Center to make career resources more accessible,” Ejimadu said. “We’ve also started collaborating with the library to promote the support they offer. These partnerships are still developing, but they’re a big step toward connecting students with what’s available.”
Ascencio and Ejimadu’s efforts go beyond just career development, say students. “It’s not just career resources they’re looking to improve, it’s access to all kinds of student resources,” Sarah Fakorede, the career senate representative, said. “Rafa and Amarachi met with Carrie and Monica from the Career Center to discuss how to advertise services better and encourage students to meet with advisors.”
As both a senator and a career advisor herself, Fakorede said she has seen the collaboration firsthand. “The Career Office recently hired a new staff member to expand outreach,” she said. “While some initiatives are still in progress, the groundwork has been laid for future improvement. Most of what they’re setting up now will probably show next semester.”
Student senators described the current leadership as inclusive and consistent. “Rafa and Amarachi make it a point to ask each senator for their input,” Fakorede said. “Even if the topic isn’t directly related to your area, everyone’s voice is heard. That helps us share ideas and find solutions that benefit all students.”
Looking ahead, Ascencio and Ejimadu said they hope to see more students stepping into leadership roles and continuing the culture of engagement their team has worked to foster. “Last year, there weren’t enough people running for Senate, so many positions had to be appointed,” Ejimadu said. “We’re really hoping to change that, to encourage more students to get involved and help shape campus life. Part of that means rebuilding a sense of community.”
Ascencio and Ejimadu said their term has been defined by a simple yet ambitious goal, which is centered on getting more students involved. “We’re building a student government that listens, learns, and takes action,” Ascencio said. “That’s what this year is all about.”