Jeremiah Naused, a Junior from Romulus, New York, who currently serves on the review committee, is running to be SGA President for the 2024-2025 academic year.
With a background marked by service and recognition for his dedication, Naused envisions a student government that prioritizes transparency, amplifies student voices, and fosters collaboration among clubs. Learn more about the candidate as we explore his journey and aspirations for a more inclusive and empowered campus community.
Previous Experience
Naused previously attended and graduated from Finger Lakes Community College (FLCC), located in Canandaigua, New York with an associate’s degree in liberal arts and sciences. As he was initially interested in the medical field, he later switched his attention to political science, majoring in Public Administration Policies
While attending FLCC, Naused served as the Student Corporation president for the 2021-2022 academic year, focusing on rebuilding student organizations following the COVID-19 pandemic. He cares deeply about the wellness of the student body, avidly promoting mental health and resources for students. As his time as president, he encouraged the use of the TimelyCare App among students, an app that advocates mental wellness targeted for students.
In May of 2022, Naused received the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence at the Finger Lakes Community College, along with two other students and four professors.
Aspirations
Naused values the student voice, frequently talking with students and listening to their concerns. “I’m super big on tabling”, Naused expressed after being asked about the vitality of student outlook. He stresses the significance of transparency between the student government and the student body, often set up in Corey Union, the Student Life Center, and Professional Studies, to engage with students and converse with them.
While acknowledging the importance of the student’s voice, he also expresses how he wants the student government to evolve, “I want the student government to be in the spotlight”, he says, “A lot of students don’t even know what SGA is, I’m hopeful to change that.”
Naused emphasized his desire to create a closer bond between the clubs and the student government, adamant about elevating the confidence of each club, and extracting their full potential. “With the help of the student government, clubs will be exposed to opportunities they didn’t know were available.”
As Naused is big on helping others, he wishes to send donations with leftover money from the reserve. Supporting not only the student body, but also the Cortland public.
Other Commitments During the Presidential Term
At the latest SGA Senate meeting’s Candidacy Forum, candidates were given the opportunity to answer questions from Senior Emily Sommer, the current SGA Vice President. During this time, Sommer inquired about the prospective candidates’ existing commitments and anticipated schedules for the upcoming academic year, recognizing the considerable demands of the SGA Presidency.
Naused assured students he is ready for the commitment, even revealing he is looking for Summer housing in Cortland since the Presidential term, technically, starts on June 1st, 2024.
In addition to Presidency, Naused will continue his role as an RA and potentially keep a few hours a week at his off-campus job.
He also reminded the audience of his previous experience, stating that the time commitment would be nothing new to him.
The biggest concern in his potential presidency would be an internship in the Spring 2025 semester that would require Naused to step down from his position at SUNY Cortland since the role is in Washington D.C.
If this were to happen, another election would be held at the end of the Fall 2024 Semester.
Reasoning for Running
In her final question of the night, Sommer asked the candidates why they chose to run for SGA. Naused put it simply that in his time at FLCC, he learned he loves to provide for students, and wishes to do so here at Cortland.
Naused revealed that during SGA events at FLCC, he “loved the reactions and student involvement from events while also being able to address student issues.”
In The Dragon Chronicle’s interview with Naused, he said “I have no interest in personal gain, I just want to help people. Yes, it’s kind of relating to my major and career path and stuff, but I really do it for the students.”
Don’t forget that the Student Government Association elections are open to all SUNY Cortland students from April 3rd to 5th on Cortland Connect. To make an informed decision before you vote, take a moment to check out the profiles of other candidates in the News Section of our website!