Student Government

The World Campus Student Government Association (WCSGA) is the official student government body for Penn State World Campus. The WCSGA serves and represents World Campus students within Penn State and provides shared governance with faculty and administrators.

Mission, Vision, and Purpose

The mission of the World Campus Student Government Association (WCSGA) at Penn State is to advocate for the student body to enhance our student experience. The Pennsylvania State University recognizes that online learners are a unique, independent, and cooperative body of learners within Penn State.

The WCSGA was established to advocate for the needs of this unique student body and to provide opportunities for World Campus students to become more recognized as equal participants in the Penn State learning community. This governing body operates within the framework of the University and strives to provide representation that is accountable, effective, equitable, and in the best interest of all students. 

The WCSGA at Penn State is a recognizable and engaged governing body that enhances each student’s daily experience by improving conditions that lead to personal success, preserving student rights, and providing exceptional representation for the World Campus student body. WCSGA serves as the official voice of students in the shared governance process at Penn State World Campus and maintains collaborative relationships with faculty and administrators while providing student perspectives that are considered at all levels of University decision-making. Furthermore, WCSGA accepts a strict standard of accountability for organizational effectiveness and will continue to provide services that contribute to the personal and professional development of our entire University community. 

The purpose of the WCSGA at The Pennsylvania State University is to:

  • represent the interests and concerns of World Campus students at The Pennsylvania State University
  • provide representation for World Campus students regarding shared governance
  • maintain collaborative relationships with faculty and administrators on behalf of the students

Requirements to Hold Office

Membership in WCSGA shall be open to all full-time and part-time students (including certificate and nondegree students) who meet several requirements.

To hold office as a member of WCSGA, students must:

  • be currently enrolled, with continuous enrollment, and in good standing at Penn State World Campus
  • have completed at least 1 full semester at Penn State World Campus prior to election
  • maintain a minimum of 3 credit hours per semester throughout the academic year for executive officer roles

All students elected to office in the WCSGA are expected to remain in office for a period of no less than 1 full academic year.

Positions

These descriptions are examples of the type of work each office will be responsible for.

Lead the Executive Board and attend all meetings; prepare, approve, and distribute meeting agendas; pursue discussion and involvement of Executive Board in issues of concern; advise committee directors and assist in the performance of their duties and responsibilities; approve or veto all legislation passed; and submit an end-of-year report upon completion of his/her term of office

Attend all Executive Board meetings; coordinate with President on agendas; discuss Executive Board business with President; assist President in enforcing duties and responsibilities of Executive Board; assume responsibilities of vacant positions until a replacement is appointed; write governing bylaws; submit mid-year report; and assist the President in dividing committee member responsibilities and duties

Serve as chair of Executive Board meetings; establish and present meeting rules; coordinate agendas with President and Vice President; call informal meetings; collect questions, concerns, and ideas from students; ensure members have constitution and by-laws; assist the President in dividing committee member responsibilities and duties; and oversee impeachment proceedings

Keep official time and meeting minutes, and distribute minutes as appropriate; consolidate, print, and distribute meeting agenda; format and produce WCSGA newsletter; maintain WCSGA calendar; preside at meetings in absence of President and Vice President; be a standing member of WCSGA communications committee; attend all Executive Board meetings; document and maintain attendance records; post amendments and updates for constitution and bylaws to WCSGA website; keep record of WCSGA accomplishments and activities; and document WCSGA events for communications and archival purposes

Ensure that the WCSGA follows established University financial policies and procedures; develop and present budget and budget report to Executive Board and Director of Student Affairs; manage and approve expenditures and reimbursements; establish and support budgeted accounts and transactions; submit a monthly report to Executive Board and academic adviser, detailing previous month’s financial details; make monthly report available for review and download by University students, faculty, and staff; provide transition resources for the next administration; and attend all Executive Board meetings

Responsible for advocating for and providing a collective voice to student representation in academic policies and procedures

Represents the student voice related to services and programs such as career and mental health, student clubs and organizations, student engagement activities and events, student conduct and advocacy, diversity and inclusion, and leadership development

Responsible for advocating for improvements to technology and liasing with key technology administrators to ensure technology enhancements are made while centering the student voice; and ensuring the student perspective is heard as it relates to online administrative and learning platforms such as LionPATH, Canvas, Penn State libraries, and emerging technologies

Manages all external communications, social media, and website updates for WCSGA

Represents the interests of the student body and the University to all governmental and regulatory bodies external to Penn State World Campus

WCSGA Executive Board

Meet the 2025–2026 elected members of the World Campus Student Government Association Executive Board and the Committee Chairs.

  • Mark Kennedy

    President, Student Government

    Doctor of Engineering in Engineering

  • Lauri Accardi

    Vice President, Student Government

    MBA; Master's in Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship; Master's in Strategic Management and Executive Leadership

  • Braden Fleagle

    Speaker of the Assembly, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration

  • Anisa Daniel-Oniko

    Secretary, Student Government

    Bachelor of Arts in Digital Journalism and Media; Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

  • Lydia Cowher

    Treasurer, Student Government

    Master of Taxation

  • Dane Sorensen

    Governmental Affairs Chair, Student Government

    Master of Human Resources and Employment Relations

  • Jeremy Griffith

    Marketing and Communications Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology

  • Kaitlyn Casagrande

    Student Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology; Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

  • Kai Lewis

    Academic Affairs Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Arts in International Politics

WCSGA Election Dates

  • Nominations for positions: February 13–27, 2026
  • Campaigning begins: March 10, 2026
  • Voting: March 24–26, 2026
  • Announcement of results: April 3, 2026

How to Nominate

Nominations are now closed.

WCSGA Nominees 2026–2027

View the nominees for the 2026–2027 WCSGA.

President

  • Tanja Jefferson

    Nominee for President, Student Government

    Bachelor of Arts in Multidisciplinary Studies — Playful Learning Design for Science Education

    Why are you the best candidate for the position?
    As a committed, passionate, and driven problem solver, I approach life with unending curiosity and a willingness to listen and learn. I love working with diverse teams and uplifting the people around me. I started at the WCSGA with the aim of seeking representation for a part of our community; that goal has continued to evolve as I’ve helped make lasting change to this campus and the WCSGA. I plan to continue to advocate for every student at WC and make the student experience the best it can be.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year?
    Having had the privilege to contribute to the different systems, policies, and procedures of the WCSGA at every level, it’s clear there’s untapped potential to make the WCSGA a more effective advocacy tool for the WC student body and we’ve made progress toward this goal. I’m excited to continue this work along with a driven Assembly to enhance the efficiency of the WCSGA, improve the services available to our diverse WC community, and ensure we are represented to the best of our collective ability.

  • Mark Kennedy

    Nominee for President, Student Government

    Doctor of Engineering in Engineering

    Why are you the best candidate for the position?
    Incumbent, two-term President of the WCSGA. Established relationships with University Leadership, Board of Trustees, and Alumni Council.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year?
    Completing outstanding initiatives such as the First Responder Grant-in-Aid, expanding participation in the Assembly, filling all open board positions.

Vice President

Brian Michaud

Nominee for Vice President, Student Government

Bachelor of Science in Business

Why are you the best candidate for the position?
I bring executive leadership experience, governance discipline, and an active record of service within World Campus. I've led complex teams by listening first, setting clear expectations, and following through. As Vice President, I will support the President, strengthen internal alignment, and ensure student input becomes organized, accountable, and effective action.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year?
World Campus needs stronger two-way engagement, clearer ownership of initiatives, and continuity across student leadership. WCSGA can better connect students to academic and wellness resources by improving communication flow, defining accountability, and focusing on execution. I will help build structures that turn good ideas into sustained outcomes for students.

Speaker of the Assembly

Braden Fleagle

Nominee for Speaker of the Assembly, Student Government

Bachelor of Science in Health Policy and Administration

Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
There are multiple reasons why I am the best candidate for this position. I am hardworking, motivated, determined, caring, and kind. I believe that I have multiple leadership skills that make me the best candidate for this position, including being organized, timely, fair, and working well with others. I have also served in this position for over two years, which gives me experience to help lead the Assembly.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
WCSGA should address increasing the size of our Assembly. This will allow more student voices and perspectives to be heard. An idea that I have to solve this is for the leadership team to reach out to their classmates and members in other organizations. Also, we should focus on collaborating with the three other Penn State Student Governments, to provide representation and support for all Penn State students. Creating monthly meetings between all student governments could solve this problem.

Secretary

No nominations received — write-ins only on the ballot.

Treasurer

Coby Mitchell

Nominee for Treasurer, Student Government

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Why are you the best candidate for the position?
I bring real-world experience, strong organization skills, and a serious commitment to responsible money management. I track expenses carefully, live within my means, and believe transparency and accountability matter. As treasurer, I will manage funds thoughtfully and responsibly, so they benefit our community.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year?
World Campus students juggle academics, finances, and personal well-being. WCSGA can make a real difference by using student funds transparently and efficiently to support programs that directly benefit students. As Treasurer, I will help to streamline financial processes, strengthen accountability, and support initiatives that expand student resources, promote mental health, and invest in long-term student success.

Academic Affairs Committee Chair

Wendy Strickler

Nominee for Academic Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

Bachelor of Science in Psychology

Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
I am passionate about the academic experience of myself and every student here at World Campus. I have built a structure within Academic Affairs to receive feedback from students, with monthly Town Halls and feedback forms. I am excited to work within SGA and World Campus with both faculty and my peers to make the academic experience for every student the best that it can be. I am active in the World Campus community and I have thrived here. I want to help everyone I meet do the same.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
Currently SGA needs to work on piquing student interest and involvement, collaborative efforts within SGA, and consistency. I plan on working closely with my peers to build interest and involvement through events, instill change that inspires, and continue community engagement. My goal is to leave a foundation the next session can build on. I will ensure that I am consistently showing up, participating, and working toward change that will better all academic experiences at World Campus.

Disability Advocacy and Affairs Chair

  • Sarah Hulme

    Nominee for Disability Advocacy and Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Psychology B.S. & Bachelor of Science in Biobehavioral Health

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    My mother is on full time disability so advocacy is very important to me. I am also neurodivergent myself, as is my sister. So there is a lot of passion and heart for the mission behind this role. I know how important it is to be the voice for those who can't or don't know how to speak for themselves. I am pursuing a PhD in clinical psych after my bachelor's and want to be a trauma specialist. This field is relevant to my work as well as my heart for those who need help.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    Personally I think trauma informed care and communications are important for a wide range of issues students may have with one another. I have taken a traumatic stress studies course through the trauma research foundation as a base for research so perhaps creating programming or material that meets this need of educating and raising awareness.

  • Camilla Kitchens

    Nominee for Disability Advocacy and Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, Minor of Social Justice

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    I am a Penn State sophomore who is currently studying Human Development and Family Studies, with a minor in Social Justice, who takes knowledge and translates it into action. With a 3.9 GPA, 1,000-plus hours of service, Red Cross VP leadership, and experience working with children and families, I know advocacy at both the policy and personal levels. My commitment to equity and nonprofit goals prepare me to lead disability advocacy with both compassion and strategy.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    World Campus SGA needs to fill in many of the gaps — to increase accessibility for online students and improve mental health access, communication, and the sense of community. I'll support the universal design standards, the setting of virtual counseling hours, transparency through SGA updates, and the greater use of digital events. It is my goal to ensure that all students, regardless of ability or geography, feel heard, supported, and truly included.

Governmental Affairs Committee Chair

Alyssa Murray

Nominee for Governmental Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

Associate of Science in Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Science in Law and Society

Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
As a working World Campus student, I understand the challenges online learners face balancing school, work, and life. Through my professional experience and campus involvement, I’ve developed strong communication and problem-solving skills. I am committed to advocating for students, improving access to resources, and ensuring every World Campus student feels heard and supported.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
Many World Campus students struggle with feeling disconnected and unaware of available resources. Strengthening communication, improving resource visibility, and expanding virtual engagement opportunities can help students feel more supported. I would advocate for clearer information, regular student feedback opportunities, and initiatives that build a stronger sense of community.

Marketing and Communications Committee Chair

Natalia Gallardo

Nominee for Marketing & Communications Committee Chair, Student Government

Bachelor of Arts in History, Minor in Political Science, Certificate in Diversity Studies

Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
As a current General Assembly member and active member of the Marketing & Communications Committee, I have helped relaunch our social media and written core content for the new website, aligning it directly with our constitution. I understand our messaging, structure, and goals. I am organized, creative, and deeply committed to increasing transparency, strengthening engagement, and building a more connected campus community.

What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
Our biggest issue is low student awareness and engagement. Many students do not know what we do or how to get involved. I will prioritize clear, consistent communication through social media, accessible website updates, and collaboration with other campuses and organizations. By expanding partnerships and promoting interactive events and initiatives, we can move from passive visibility to active student participation and ensure every student feels informed, represented, and connected to SGA.

Student Affairs Committee Chair

  • Lisa Berfield

    Nominee for Student Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, Minor in Labor and Human Resources

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    As an adult learner and academic program coordinator at Penn State, I bring extensive experience supporting students, faculty, and organizations, giving me a broad understanding of student needs. My leadership roles, involvement in multiple student organizations, and strong University and alumni network help me amplify student voices. I’m committed to advocating for mental health, inclusion, engagement, and student success in meaningful and impactful ways.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    WCSGA should prioritize helping World Campus students feel connected to Penn State in meaningful ways. Everyone wants to feel part of something, and there is no greater network for support and belonging than Penn State. I propose increasing awareness of resources, expanding education on LIONLink to build lasting networks, and creating engagement that strengthens We Are pride. My goal is to ensure students feel supported now and connected to Penn State far beyond graduation.

  • Al Kristunas

    Nominee for Student Affairs Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Energy and Sustainably Policy

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    I am very interested in mental heath and ensuring the welfare of all students. As someone who is an adult learner and has been a strong advocate for therapy and self care I feel I would do what is in the best interest of all students and their well being.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    I think the most pressing issue for many students is the disconnected feelings of remote class. We would need to be a more connected group. I think a possible fix for this would be to connect all campuses in certain clubs and organizations. This would allow for direct connections between all Penn State students no matter their location.

Technology Committee Chair

  • Jeremy Griffith

    Nominee for Technology Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Information Sciences and Technology

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    I have spent the last 2 academic years involved in WCSGA. Along the way, I’ve attended meetings and served on boards that drive technology policy at the University. If elected, I can come into the Technology Chair role and hit the ground running from day one. My background in technology with 10+ years of experience, plus my IST major make me a strong candidate.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    The intersection between Artificial Intelligence and Academic Integrity is set to be a major issue for WCSGA in the coming semesters. University stakeholders are currently discussing this, and World Campus student voices must have a seat at the table. Active collaboration between Academic Affairs and the Technology Committee will ensure that Artificial Intelligence policies at Penn State are crafted in a way that enables discovery while maintaining the Penn State standard of honor and integrity.

  • Kirsten McNaughton

    Nominee for Technology Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Accounting

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    I am a second-year student at World Campus. I have been doing my schooling entirely online for six years since 2020. My main skills are: Google Drive, Outlook, LionPATH, Zoom, Teams, Canvas, PennState libraries, etc. I am interested in using technology to our advantage since we are surrounded by it. My online experience allows me to learn and build new skills regarding technology.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    The issue that I want to bring up is inclusivity. World Campus is entirely based on technology from canvas modules, teams, zoom, etc. I want technology to be used as a tool to help with inclusivity and used as an advantage. For me personally, World Campus is completely online so technology is a good tool to help out with others. For example, Body Doubling is a good tool used to help out with other people whether through chatting on teams or through Zoom meetings, which is a form of inclusivity.

  • Jasmine Meade

    Nominee for Technology Committee Chair, Student Government

    Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering with a Minor in Security and Risk Analysis and a Certificate in Organizational Management

    Why are you the best candidate for the position? 
    As a software engineer student, Marine veteran, and former Amazon developer, I offer a unique blend of technical expertise and leadership. I am current a developer with a government contracting company, to ensure I stay up to date with cutting edge technology. As your Tech Committee Chair, I will apply the discipline of my military service and the standards of Big Tech to advocate for a more secure, efficient, and user-friendly digital campus.

    What are the most pressing issues the WCSGA should address in the 2026–2027 academic year? 
    Student cybersecurity, platform reliability, and clear technology support remain key concerns. I would focus on improving cybersecurity awareness, helping students understand secure digital practices, and working with IT to strengthen communication about system issues while expanding centralized technology resources for World Campus students.

How to Vote

Voting is now closed.