SGA welcomes freshman officers

The Student Government Association (SGA) welcomed their newly elected Freshman Class President, Joshua Goodstein, and six Freshman Senators, Evan Brooker, Mahzi Malcolm, Alex Barbera, Alexsandra Olekhnovich, Nash Jenkins and Rodolfo Finocchi at their meeting Tuesday night.

SGA Executive President, senior Ardi Mendoza, congratulated the freshmen and informed them that the voting turn out was three times of what it was last year.

"This is [one of] the highest turnouts in the past four years, since I was a freshman," Mendoza said. "The numbers we had for the presidential election alone [was a] 65% turnout, which is fantastic. It's really great to see people more interested in the SGA and the Hopkins community."

The turnout percentage for the senatorial elections have not been calculated yet.

The newly elected SGA representatives see this as a positive reflection of their class.

"In regards to the voting turnout, I feel that it is representative of the changes taking place in our countries politics!" freshman senator Mahzi Malcolm wrote in an e-mail to The News-Letter. "The desire to fulfill positions that mold one for the future (outside college) are beckoning because the current political situation is somewhat of a grim future."

Overall, the freshman members are eager to contribute to the Hopkins community through their new responsibilities with the SGA.

"Getting elected for class senator means a great deal to me," freshman senator Rodolfo Finocchi wrote in an e-mail to The News-Letter, "I feel truly honored to be able to represent my fellow classmates throughout the years.

I also realize that this position carries a lot of responsibility, and I am willing to work hard for the benefit of my class and of our university."

As representatives, the main focus of the freshman SGA members is to be a voice and advocate for their fellow classmates.

"Although I do have some ideas in mind, I like to think of myself as an open canvas, waiting for my peers to paint the picture they would like to see," Malcolm said. The SGA executive board recognizes the energy of the freshman class and is optimistic about the rest of the school year.

"The freshman representatives are very enthusiastic and excited right from the get go. They are excited to start getting involved," Mendoza said. "President Joshua Goodstein has been very involved right from the beginning, getting his freshman class representatives to meet early."

However, the SGA meeting incorporated more than just welcoming the new freshman members.

After initial roll call, budget discussion and introductions of the newcomers to the group, the reports and introductions from the various commissions got underway at this past Tuesday's SGA meeting.

The Academic Affairs Committee explained that they are in charge of improving the academic experience of students, and since academics can be rigorous, making the logistics surrounding them easier can help improve a student's experience. They handle things such as Reading Period violations, complaints from students, such as professors scheduling classes out of the allotted times, and making ISIS more user friendly.

This week, the Academic Affairs Committee is preparing to meet with Dean of Enrollment and Academic Services, William Conley, about extending the add/drop deadline and individualizing it so the deadline is specific to different classes. They are also continuing to improve course evaluations.

The Student Services Committee described themselves as those who fill the needs that administration can't or won't provide. This week they are meeting with Dean Boswell to discuss the centralization of different web services. They report that the Taxi Share Program is well underway.

Luke Sand discussed the events for Seniors taking place, from Laser Tag at the Mattin Center during the weekend, to Nolan's Pub Night that was previously cancelled due to the hurricane and various other activities taking place for the Class of 2012.

The SGA also wanted to remind all students to fill out the survey for Housing in Dining. One in twenty who fill out the survey will win a $20 Gift Card for a Charles Village business.