The Mecca-Sevim Administration Outlines Initiatives for the 2026-27 School Year

Mecca and Sevim at Q&A Night. Credit: Scarlett Richartz ‘29

On March 4, Tyler Mecca ‘27 and Kyla Sevim ‘27 were officially elected as Student Body President and Executive Vice President of Marist University’s Student Government Association (SGA) for the 2026-2027 academic school year after running unopposed in the spring election. The pair plans to focus their time in office on transparency, student engagement, and structural improvements within SGA. 

Both Mecca and Sevim began their Marist careers in student government early on. 

Mecca started his time in SGA as a South End representative after losing the race as Class of 2027 Vice President. In his role as a representative, Mecca served as a liaison between underclassmen and SGA leadership, addressing student concerns and planning events to boost morale and build community. 

After his time as a South End representative, Mecca became an administrative coordinator alongside Helena Reis ‘26 to help manage student government happenings and membership under the Speight-Spillane administration. 

Sevim’s path through SGA leadership followed a similar trajectory. After losing in the Class of 2027 Class President election, she remained a part of the organization as a general member of the Well-Being Board. 

However, after the elected class president unexpectedly stepped down, Sevim assumed the position. She continued to serve in this role in the years to follow, actively participating in weekly assembly meetings and organizing events across campus.

Both Mecca and Sevim spent the fall semester studying abroad in London, arriving back on campus just in time for the election process to begin. 

“It happened pretty quickly,” Mecca explained. “First week back, we had our info sessions, which you’re required to attend to run.”

The two then began to petition, which required them to gather 400 signatures before they could begin campaigning. Mecca and Sevim began networking with students in high-traffic areas like Dyson and the dining hall by introducing themselves and their ideas and asking students to sign the petition. 

The team initially faced competition, but the opposing candidates failed to collect enough signatures during the petition phase, allowing Mecca and Sevim to run unopposed. Mecca emphasized this as an opportunity for them to focus more on planning than campaigning 

A major focus of the Mecca-Sevim administration is improving oversight of SGA-funded student clubs. The pair faces a big question: How much longer can they continue to charter?

“I’ve been attending assembly meetings since my freshman year, and the amount of club charters that we have done is insane in a great way, but also [...] in a concerning way of how much we can continue to charter?”  Sevim posed.

The administration plans to invite clubs that have been formally chartered under SGA back to assembly meetings and have them present on their growth and accomplishments to ensure funding is being spent appropriately. 

Another focus of the incoming administration is campus parking.

“If student athletes are able to park in McCann and non-student athletes aren’t, then student athletes shouldn’t be able to park in Beck,” Sevim explained.

They are also looking into eliminating the fee for commuter parking passes, recognizing commuter students’ efforts to travel to and from campus.

“Even if you live in Fox Run or on Fulton Street, you are still considered a commuter [...], but I don’t think it's fair for the people that are driving 45 minutes away,” Sevim explained.

In addition to campus policy changes, the incoming administration plans to strengthen SGA's internal organization. 

“Student government isn’t a club, it’s an organization,” Mecca explained. “Sometimes we operate as a club [...] but we are a crucial component of the school acting as a liaison for students to faculty.”

As part of this, the administration plans to require cabinet members to prepare questions during charter hearings and encourage detailed board reports that can then be disseminated to the Marist community.

Sevim also emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and engagement within the student body.

“People value authenticity, and I think lately, people haven't really been coming to SGA regarding student concerns as much as they should be,” Sevim explained.

As they begin forming their cabinet, Mecca and Sevim are encouraging students from all majors to apply. Students can keep an eye out for cabinet and board applications after spring break.