Empowered to Lead: UMass Students Drive Change Through Student Government Association
By Kimberly Manyanga
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At UMass Amherst, students are not just participants in university life — they are integral to shaping it. The Student Government Association (SGA) serves as a gateway for students to directly influence campus policies, programs, and services. With a structured network of committees and initiatives, the SGA ensures that students have a voice in university life. What truly sets UMass Amherst apart is the Wellman Document—a formal statement by the Board of Trustees that guarantees students “primary responsibility” for many key decisions. Whether it’s initiating changes to academic policies, advocating for student services, or leading the charge on sustainability and wellness projects, the SGA provides countless opportunities to make a tangible impact on the campus community.
The Wellman Document provides UMass students with a unique and powerful role in university governance. It ensures that student input is not merely advisory—UMass students have the “right, responsibility, and privilege” to actively engage in key decisions. You can tackle issues like student fees, academic resources, or housing, proposing actionable solutions along the way. Whether you’re passionate about improving campus mental health services or reshaping sustainability efforts, the SGA empowers students to make a real impact on the university’s trajectory. The principle of “joint effort” outlined in the Wellman Document means that students work alongside faculty and administration as equals in developing academic programs, overseeing student services, and managing student organizations. At UMass, students have the right to create the change they want to see.
For many involved in the SGA, this privilege is deeply personal. Take Esther Onyeka, a political science and sociology major who is chair of the Social Justice and Empowerment Committee.
“I’d say just try,” she encourages, offering a nudge to any student on the fence. “Get out of your comfort zone and take a chance; you never know how rewarding it could be. Deciding to join the SGA was definitely one of the best decisions I made.”
For Esther, her role has become an avenue for bringing people together and advocating for those who are often unheard. It’s where she channels her commitment to amplifying marginalized voices on campus, surrounded by a community that’s equally passionate about creating a better, more inclusive UMass.
Vice President Dale Leone, a history major, views the SGA as more than just an extracurricular—it’s been an education in its own right. “Just do it!” he says, reflecting on the hands-on learning he’s gained. From collaborating with UMass administration to learning the ins and outs of governance, Dale describes his involvement as essential to his personal growth.
“The most rewarding part for me is when students thank me,” he shares. “Whether it’s for advocating on an issue or for a resolution I helped pass, those moments of gratitude remind me why we do this.”
While the work can sometimes feel thankless, the occasional expressions of appreciation reaffirm that his efforts matter and that he’s contributing to something far bigger than himself.
For both Esther and Dale, the SGA isn’t just a place where change is encouraged — it’s expected. As UMass students, they have the freedom to think big, the resources to bring those ideas to life, and the partnership of faculty and administration who value their voices. UMass Amherst’s commitment to student influence is open to all: to join, to lead, and to create a university experience that is vibrant, equitable, and uniquely their own.