Student Government Association President Dylan Mapp Charts a Course to Improve Student Engagement on Campus

Over 100 clubs operate on IU Southeast’s campus, ranging from the Asian pop culture club to ultimate Frisbee and everything in between, and students are encouraged to explore interests and try out new activities. Current Student Government Association (SGA) President Dylan Mapp, a Junior majoring in Neuroscience, is an overachiever in this area because he has created and/or joined several clubs on campus including You Bring Change to Mind club, Model United Nations, Tabletop Games club, Outdoor club, College Democrats and SGA.

“There is kind of a running joke on campus that I have been vice president of just about every club,” said Mapp. “I like to be involved and offer my support, especially with new clubs. It’s a really good opportunity to grow into the ability to learn leadership skills, professional communication and learn how to take a project from an idea to something realized.”

Mapp and SGA Will Focus on Three Main Pillars of Action and Engagement for the 2023-24 Academic Year

SGA on campus is building momentum and currently counts nearly 30 active student members. Mapp has been busy brainstorming goals for the new year and has settled on what he describes as three main pillars of action.

“I want there to be a big focus on community, student convenience, and campus beautification,” said Mapp. “I am guiding my actions toward supporting these three main areas and growing the reach of SGA on campus to improve the overall student experience.”

Pillar One: Community

Mapp describes this first goal as providing many opportunities for students and faculty to build meaningful and lasting relationships.

“I see this happening through a lot of fun, engaging events that SGA can host in collaboration with other clubs and groups on campus,” said Mapp. “I really appreciate the community we have here at IU Southeast—it is a welcoming community. I wanted to focus on ways to repay the kindness that has been shown to me and develop opportunities to better help students who may not realize all the ways our community can help them realize their ambitions.”

Pillar Two: Student Convenience

Improving the overall student experience and access to services is another goal that SGA will be tackling.

Mapp noted that “a big issue right now is our cafeteria and working with the administration to find ways to expand service hours and reduce food prices.”

Another issue to address is expanding service hours at the student fitness center.

“The hours currently run 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., which is prime class time,” said Mapp. “The fitness center recently got a bunch of new equipment that students want to use. Working with administration, we want to possibly develop 24-hour access for students with a card reader.”

Pillar Three: Campus Beautification

Maintaining the balance between the aesthetic desires of the campus community with the natural environment is also a priority.

“I think our campus and administration does a good job of sustaining this balance,” said Mapp. “Our goal with the administration is to maintain this relationship between our beautiful campus and the surrounding environment.”