Student Life VP Chella Calcagni ’27 Works to Bring Student Voices Forward

Student Life VP Chella Calcagni ’27 and representatives on SGA. Photo by Griffin Carey '26

Chella Calcagni ’27 has stepped into her new role as the Marist University Student Government Association’s Vice President of Student Life, bringing a commitment to communication and inclusion, and an emphasis on making SGA feel accessible rather than intimidating.

The political science major, who is also earning a paralegal certificate, said her priority is ensuring that all students know they can approach her and her board with any concern, big or small.

Calcagni joined SGA last year as the Commuter Representative, a position that introduced her to the inner workings of student government and the unique needs of commuter students. She regularly attended commuter council meetings, coordinated events and worked closely with both her board and the class of 2027 Board. She said that experience showed her the importance of understanding how different groups function on campus and how student life varies depending on where students live and how they connect.

Now overseeing the entire Student Life Board, Calcagni directs the work of representatives for the North End, South End, East End, Distance, Commuter, International and Transfer communities. She views her role as both a leader and a listener, someone who can guide her board while also encouraging them to shape initiatives based on what they hear from students.

Calcagni said the board's diversity enables them to understand diverse campus experiences, and she wants each representative to feel empowered to speak for the students they serve.

She has already begun meeting with several departments to address issues students raised early in the semester, including conversations with Gourmet Dining focused on concerns about food accessibility, variety and communication around hours and options. Calcagni has also met with the athletic department, centered on recreational access and how the department can better support students with varying abilities. While many of the issues are ongoing, Calcagni said the meetings were productive and set the tone for consistent communication throughout the year.

Calcagni emphasized that her goal is not only to respond to problems, but also to encourage more students to reach out before frustrations build. One of her first projects is the “Cans and Concerns” event, which will invite students to donate canned goods while sharing the daily challenges they encounter at Marist. She said the event is designed to feel approachable, relaxed and community-oriented, inviting conversation without the pressure of a formal complaint process.

Her board is also preparing to place concern boxes across campus to give students a more private and convenient way to share feedback. The form will also be available online to ensure accessibility for commuters, distance learners and students with limited schedules. Calcagni said that while it may seem like a simple idea, she hopes the boxes help reduce the perception that SGA is difficult to access or only handles major issues.

Throughout her early work, Calcagni stressed that one of her biggest goals is to reshape how students view student government. She wants SGA to be seen as a resource rather than an institution removed from everyday student life. She said many students hesitate to approach SGA because they feel their concerns are not important enough or worry about speaking up. By increasing visibility, hosting more interactive events and maintaining open lines of communication, Calcagni hopes to break down that barrier.

She added that being approachable is not just part of her leadership style but a responsibility of the position itself. Calcagni wants students to see her on campus, feel comfortable walking up to her and know that their concerns will be taken seriously. She said her motivation comes from wanting campus life to feel supportive and connected, especially for students who may feel overlooked or unsure where to go with their concerns.

“I want people to know that SGA is not scary,” said Calcagni. “I’m here to listen, and I want every student to feel comfortable reaching out. My job is to make sure no one ever feels like they’re on their own.”