The Student Government Association Announces the Vice President for Belonging and Wellness Role Amidst the Implementation of Alabama Act 2024-34
Tuscaloosa, Ala. — Upon review of Student Government Association (SGA) Programs in response to recent state law under Alabama Act 2024-34, the University of Alabama Student Government Association will be ending the Vice President for Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) role. At the closure of this role, a new role of Vice President for Belonging and Wellness will be implemented, focusing on initiatives that ensure every student on campus feels fully supported.
The sunsetting of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion will begin at the start of the academic year to bring SGA’s work into compliance with state laws. The closure of this role and the beginning of the Vice President for Belonging and Wellness will be ratified into the Constitution during the spring election, per the terms of the Student Government Association Constitution. The Vice President for Belonging and Wellness role will encompass a commitment to student belonging initiatives and programming oriented at implementing the principles of the Alabama Model of Student Health and Wellbeing. Published in 2019, the Alabama Model is a holistic, seven-pronged approach to promote student wellness, academic and personal success, and identifying ways to support it.
“Over the past few months, SGA has worked tirelessly to brainstorm and adapt our current programming to best fit the needs of the student body, as well as the changes to state law. With this said, I am eager to begin the role of Vice President for Belonging and Wellness. Above all else, SGA is committed to making our university a place where each student belongs, and I feel confident that this position will emphasize this commitment.” says Aubrei Grisaffe, the Vice President for Belonging and Wellness.
The Student Government Association acknowledges the breadth of thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences that our student body encapsulates and reaffirms their devotion to creating a campus-culture ensuring that every student at UA feels that they belong.
About UA SGA: Founded in 1914, the mission of The University of Alabama Student Government Association is to serve the common interest of students, to guarantee a student voice in university decisions, to train ourselves in democratic government and promote citizenship on campus, and to preserve and defend the rights and privileges of student self-governance.
Through collaboration, leadership, and service, SGA strives to create a vibrant and inclusive campus community where every student can thrive academically, socially, and personally.