On Tuesday, Feb. 10 the Student Government Association (SGA) convened for their weekly meeting.
The discussion began with a review of the the recent student government retreat, to which they sent delegates. Student Body President Vishnu Dontu then discussed the executive board’s plans to update the SGA website regarding the Jackson Morris judiciary case. Another plan was discussed regarding a survey assessing the availability of menstrual products on campus. A new Mentorship Program was also introduced, where senators with less than a year of experience will have the opportunity to receive guidance from senators with over a year of experience. Executive Programming Chair Tyler Turner then reminded attendees about the organization’s Valentines Day event, Looking for a JayFriend, on Thursday, Feb. 12 at 7pm in the Glass Pavilion.
Following these announcements, a closed session commenced.
When members of the public were re-admitted, a delegate from the Muslim Students Association requested funding for an iftar banquet to celebrate the month of Ramadan. SGA members proposed that the MSA borrow decorations, and the issue was sent to the finance committee. Turner then proposed an event during which 500 Chick-fil-A chicken sandwiches would be made available to students. He clarified that this is a way to respond to perceived student interest in Chick-fil-A; previously, the administration has denied student calls for an on-campus Chick-fil-A in accordance with their commitment to limiting food contracts to small franchise organizations. Members voiced concerns about feasibility and a lack of vegetarian options. The issue was moved to the finance committee.
Senator Sean Durkis-Dervogne then proposed the Office Hours Act, which would require the executive board to schedule office hours (or delegate that duty to the senators) during which case-work services would be provided. The act was approved by the organization.The Action Items Amendment was then proposed by Senator Jazzlyn Fernandez. The amendment, which was approved, makes deadlines essential for action items included in proposed bills.
Before the meeting adjourned, Chair Amy Xu proposed the RSO Finance Workshops Funding Bill through which the finance committee to hold informational workshops with senators in order to reduce the number of inquiries sent to the committee. The bill was approved.
