On Oct. 28, the Student Government Association (SGA) came together for their weekly meeting. They discussed November tabling, the updated transparency act and recent changes to the positions document.
The meeting opened with cabinet reports. While most members did not have much to share, members of the executive board reannounced that the special elections form will be sent out on Oct. 29. President of the Senate Srigouri Oruganty announced upcoming administrative visits to SGA meetings, including members from Transportation, the Office of International Services, SNF Agora and construction teams. The meeting then transitioned to a presentation from Director of Communications Johnalys Ferrer, who described her role in SGA, which includes designing graphics, social media posts and posters to showcase upcoming events and information.
An advisor report then announced that the Johns Hopkins Police Department (JHPD) Accountability Board is accepting applications. Participating students will have the opportunity to help develop the JHPD’s operations as the department transitions from its current implementation stage to a fully operating campus service.
Chair of Programming Tyler Turner led the first reading, announcing the November Tabling Bill, formally introduced as the “National Day of Kindness.” The purpose of the bill is to recognize the importance of uplifting Hopkins community members, increase SGA awareness and support student well-being and positivity on the National Day of Kindness, which is Nov. 13. Funding is required for this event to occur, with support needed for individual handwritten notes of encouragement for students and a standing banner that represents SGA. The bill was passed for both handheld cards and the banner.
Senator Kevin Xu then presented the updates to the SGA Transparency Act for the night’s second reading. The purpose is to establish social media guidelines for more efficient communication of SGA information.
President Vishnu Dontu rounded out the second reading as they showcased the 2025 SGA Positions Update and opened the floor for questions and comments. Members of SGA presented mixed feelings about reducing the number of senators. Some believed in not cutting down the number and instead focusing on increasing student engagement with SGA, advocating to fill vacant seats instead of removing them. Supporters of the bill argued that being a member of the senate is not the only way to become involved with the organization and hoped to encourage other forms of participation. After deliberation, the bill did not pass. Further work on the bill will follow in the future.
After Cohort Time to prepare for upcoming visits from members of Transportation and International Services, the meeting was adjourned.
