SGA Weekly Update: Building Community, Empowering Students, and Shaping K-State's Future
- Jimmy Coffman
- Sep 18
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 28
The first Student Government Association Weekly Update on 91.9 for Fall 2025 featured Campus Connections Director Kylie Temple and Outreach and Engagement Director Cooper Hillman, hosted by Jimmy Coffman, they discussed SGA's role in connecting students to funding opportunities and building campus community.
SGA Allocates Nearly $15 Million Annually
To start off the episode Kylie Temple emphasized SGA's significant financial impact on campus, explaining that the organization "has the ability to allocate almost $15 million for students, back to students". Her primary responsibility involves connecting student organizations with appropriate funding through committees including student allocations, community engagement and tuition enhancements.
"My job is to make sure that student organizations know what's the right path for some of the missions that drive their organization specifically," Temple said. She serves as an advocate for organizations, helping them write applications and communicate with committee chairs to maximize their funding potential.
Student Voice in Tuition Decisions
Hillman revealed SGA's oversight role in college-specific student fees, noting that "every three years we review every college's student fee". This year, SGA is reviewing the College of Engineering and College of Health and Human Sciences fees, including amounts and usage approval.
"If you're in the college of engineering, you have a pretty hefty fee and we can make quite a big difference on your tuition payments," Hillman said.
Enrollment Growth Continues
Hillman announced that enrollment numbers, while not yet public, show "a third year in a row of enrollment increase" following eight consecutive years of decline. The university expects its highest enrollment since 2014, with over 20,000 students.
"I expect to see a bigger jump than we have the last two years," Hillman said, attributing the growth to President Richard Linton's initiatives targeting all K-State campuses and non-degree seeking students.
New Leadership Programs Launch
SGA is launching the Emerging Leaders Summit on Feb. 20, 2025, targeting Kansas high school students interested in leadership roles. The program will introduce students to various campus organizations including SGA, Student Alumni Board and Student Foundation.
"Students who come to this emerging leaders program will have such a leg up," Hillman said, noting many current students weren't aware of these opportunities as freshmen.
Connected Cats Program Returns
The administration plans to revive the Connected Cats program, where K-State students from specific regions accompany President Linton on visits to their home areas.
"When somebody from liberal sees a K-State student from liberal sees how they went to K-State, how successful they've been, makes K-State more appealing to them," Hillman explained.
Senate Reduction Proposal
Former Student Body Vice President Jack O'Malley introduced legislation to reduce student senators from 60 to 40, bringing K-State in line with Big 12 peers. Currently, K-State senators represent about 300 students each, compared to 500-700 at other Big 12 schools.
The change would create "more competitive elections" and ensure candidates are "really into it" and "passionate about it," Hillman said.
Campus Infrastructure Updates
Both directors praised ongoing campus improvements, including Anderson Hall's front renovation and the agricultural innovation complex funded through a $210 million state match. Temple specifically noted excitement for Call Hall Ice Cream's return and the new innovation building for recruiting purposes.
"It was just an honor to be there and learn more," Temple said of the State of the University address, where Student Body President Brady Kapelman introduced President Linton.
Greek Life Growth
Hillman reported record-breaking Greek life recruitment with approximately 1,000 new members, the largest class since 2018. Sorority recruitment registration increased 20% this year, with several organizations winning national awards.
"We really have an underrated great community here at K-State nationally," Hillman said.
The episode concluded with both directors encouraging student involvement, with Temple advising students to "buy in, to commit yourself, to try something" and Hillman emphasizing that "there's organizations for anyone on campus".
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