Del Mar’s Student Government Association held their final meeting for the Spring 2025 semester at Heritage campus where the group discussed an upcoming conference, the success of two on-campus programs and the addition of a new mobile medical clinic.

TJCSGA Convention

The meeting kicked off with a discussion of the Texas Junior College Student Government Association convention, held April 10-13 in Galveston.

“State conferences are about visiting with 50 other community colleges throughout Texas and discussing the needs for our students,” explained SGA Director and Advisor Beverly Cage. “These resolutions were sent to our state representatives in Austin, then DMC adopts them.”

On the agenda for the state convention are three hot-button topics in the state: a resolution on immigration awareness, a resolution on prioritizing mental health, and SB 17, the Texas Senate Bill that eliminates diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives on state-funded campuses. Meeting attendees argued over the topics in a lively discussion.

Collegiate Hero and Period Project

According to Cage two years ago, Del Mar adopted the Period Project with the aim of providing free menstruation supplies in the women’s bathrooms on campus. By Fall 2025 women’s bathrooms at DMC should be equipped with free tampon and pad dispensers. Currently the project provides decorated boxes with supplies in the restrooms. About 42% of Del Mar’s student population is female. Cage said student life is already filled with lots to remember, so it’s nice to go into a bathroom and know you are covered in that department.

The Collegiate Hero Program is a blood donor program in partnership with the Coastal Bend Blood Bank. Students who donate at least once a semester receive a medallion to wear at their graduation ceremony.

“Students have to donate once a semester, at least,” said SGA Student President Sofia Jimenez, and that students can donate every academic year.

Mobile medical clinic

During discussion of new business, the new mobile medical operated by the South Texas Family Planning and Health Corporation and American Association University Women was explained.

STFPHC hosted a grand opening on April 15 on Hertiage Campus. The clinic will offer free medical and mental health services for students called The Medical Support Squad.

“We figure out what the need is, for current students, and if the student can’t make the mobile bus, then they can head to the clinic in person,” said Cage.

Dr. Sally Perales, previous medical student at DMC, will lead the college’s first mobile clinic.

“Students will get all their labs, A1Cs, H&H, C&Ps … anything a clinician will need to diagnose with results in 5 to 10 minutes,” said Dr. Perales.

Students will be able to book their appointment online, meet with the mobile bus and get checked in.

“Appointments will be seen first, then walk-ins,” said Cage.

The mobile bus plans to be on each campus at least once a month to help students who can’t make time during their busy class schedules. For more information about STFPHC visit their website at  http://www.stfphc.org/ or call their Corpus Christi location at 361-883-0619.

How to join SGA

Cage said students should consider becoming more involved with SGA, so they have a voice in what students want and need. For most students, the fee is already a part of their tuition and are automatically part of the SGA.

“If students have input, they can send it to studentgovernment@delmar.edu. Every student that pays a student service fee is an automatic member, but they have to be active and show up to be a full member,” said Cage.

SGA meetings will resume in Fall 2025.