Get to Know Them: SGA Academic Senators on Their Work, Why It Matters

Emerson College Student Government Association Academic Senators represent their major’s department and do work that may fly under the radar, but has the potential to affect students’ time at Emerson.

Some current Academic Senators answered questions from Emerson Today about the position and what it means to them.

Martin Tran ’26

Honors Program

Q: Why did you want to be an SGA senator?

Tran: I became a Senator to represent my peers in the Honors Program, who encouraged me to run. I want to represent the academic interests of not just the Honors program, but also of Emerson as a whole, as education has always been something I’m very passionate about. 

Q: What are your goals as an SGA senator?

Tran: My goal as a Senator is to gather as much feedback as I can get from my peers regarding academics, student experience, and the administration to navigate ways to make positive changes on campus. 

Q: Why should the average Emerson student care about the work you’re doing?

Tran: The average student should know that SGA representatives are always there to listen and are eager to help them voice their opinion on issues. It is easy to complain about things not being the way we want on campus, but to be able to voice these opinions constructively, critically, and to the right people who can enact changes is a different story. Elevating these conversations and proposing solutions effectively is where I wish to come in regarding campus and academic issues

Sadie Swayze ’25

Visual & Media Arts

Q: Why did you want to be an SGA senator?

Swayze: I have been a part of SGA since my [first] year here at Emerson. Throughout my life, I have enjoyed being a bridge between my community and the leaders/faculty of said community. 

Q: What are your goals as an SGA senator?

Swayze: My goals as VMA senator is to create awareness about the resources that are available to VMA students and improve accessibility to things such as the EDC and training workshops. 

Q: Why should the average Emerson student care about the work you’re doing?

Swayze: The average Emerson student does not have to care about what I’m doing, but should if they want the most out of their time here at Emerson. SGA as a whole is a resource for students by students, so do not hesitate to get involved and ask questions. Make Emerson work for you. 

Cam McLean ’25

Business of Creative Enterprises

Q: Why did you want to be an SGA senator?

McLean: I became an SGA senator because I wanted to foster a better environment for BCE students by being someone they look to for guidance and support.

Q: What are your goals as an SGA senator?

McLean: As an SGA Senator, my goal is to bridge the gap between students and their student government and improve student participation in SGA surveys and polls.

Q: Why should the average Emerson student care about the work you’re doing?

McLean: I feel that every Emerson student should care about the work SGA is doing because every student has the right to representation and SGA is the representation of the student body. We are here not only to amplify the voice of the student body, but to support them and guide them toward the path of success.

Nina Powers ’24

Writing, Literature and Publishing

Q: Why did you want to be an SGA senator?

Powers: I want to be an SGA Senator because I am deeply passionate about my major, the work that we do, and the people in it. I wanted to be a voice for my major in student government and advocate for our needs going forward.

Q: What are your goals as an SGA senator?

Powers: My goals are to act as a bridge between the students in my major, the faculty, and the administration, making sure that everyone’s voice is heard. I want to help facilitate open communication between all three parties. I also have some fun projects in the work that will benefit WLP students!

Q: Why should the average Emerson student care about the work you’re doing?

Powers: I think the average Emerson student should care about the work that we’re doing because each and every student is represented by someone in SGA. The work we do affects the student population, and it’s important that students care about it so that we know if something we’re doing isn’t beneficial to the general population.