The SGA’s Presence at Kean Ocean

By Elaine Amico | Published March 4, 2023

Kean Ocean students feel frustrated by the lack of services provided on the Ocean campus, on behalf of the Student Government Association. 

The vision of Kean’s SGA, as stated on the university’s website, is to, “​provide and develop quality services to all Kean University campuses incorporating leadership opportunities, professional and personal development, and diversified programming.” 

Many Kean Ocean students feel that Kean’s SGA is not practicing that vision enough around their campus.

Aimee Plummer, senior psychology major, and Student Government Vice President of Kean Ocean for the Student Government Association said she understands the frustration, but is currently pushing for students to get involved. 

“The Union campus is larger with more of an SGA presence. I would suggest students follow the @keansga Instagram, and ask questions about getting involved,” Plummer said. “It is important to me that students have a good experience on our campus, and the more involvement we have, the more we can offer students.”

Kean’s SGA is shared by all its campuses and many Kean Ocean students feel that sharing the association leaves Kean Ocean with fewer opportunities, especially since it’s a smaller campus.

“I was unaware that we even had an SGA on the Ocean campus,” Megan Vankersen, senior elementary education major said. “I know that I would definitely be interested and participate in events if there were any, but it feels like we get opportunities taken away from our campus due to our low enrollment.”

SGA recently announced that they would be hosting a trip to New York City to see the Broadway Musical Six. The association held a similar event during the fall semester of 2021, to see The Radio City Rockettes. 

“I have asked students what they have enjoyed or have wanted to see on our campus,” Plummer said. “This has led to an upcoming bus trip to see the musical Six on Broadway, and ticket sales are limited exclusively to Kean Ocean students for the first two weeks.”

Students on the Ocean campus are looking forward to this trip. They are also allowed to bring along one family member or friend to join them on the trip, for an additional cost. 

“I’m beyond excited for this opportunity to be included specifically on our campus,” said Grace Cooper, a senior psychology major said. “It’s hard to feel a part of Kean Union, when we don’t necessarily get the same opportunities and events that they do.”

Cooper added that it’s an opportunity for not only students, but also for the community to get excited about the Ocean campus. 

Cooper also holds the title of student assistant for Kean Ocean’s Campus Life and said Ocean Campus Life makes a strong effort to host events on the campus. On Feb. 23, Kean Ocean Campus Life hosted “Dessert Day” catered by Heavenly Eats Catering on the first floor of the Gateway building. 

Students came out and had the opportunity to choose a plethora of sweet treats, and bond with their peers and faculty members.

“Dessert day was amazing, and I enjoyed the homemade cannolis,” Griffin Martire, a senior communication major said. “It was an experience to bond with not only Professor Atkins, but also my fellow classmates.”

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