The Student Government Association held its third senate meeting of the semester on Thursday, Feb. 23 at 9 p.m.
SGA’s faculty advisor John Abel, gave an update about the Student Experience Survey and told the chambers that UTM reached 33.1% of the student body. Abel also outlined a few rules and dates for the upcoming SGA election. The election season opens Friday, Feb. 24, 2017.
As committees reported their events, the Communications Committee encouraged people to sign up and attend the Campus Outreach Day, at the Feb. 25 basketball game. Academic Affairs Committee additionally informed students that they are still working on legislation to advocate for a “dead week,” and also have plans for a piece for better midterm grading systems.
Student trustee Miranda Rutan also gave a report which informed students of legislation being discussed in Tennessee’s congress that includes information on former “bathroom bills,” a possible continuation of laws regarding who is permitted to carry a weapon on campus and a piece that discusses the “Tuition Stability Act.” The act considers having students pay the same tuition price when they begin their schooling all the way through the end of their four years. For more on this legislation you can contact Miranda Rutan at mirnruta@ut.utm.edu or visit the legislation section of tn.gov.
Vice President Ryan Leatherbarrow informed the council that the 65th General Assembly’s Executive Council will be holding weekly SGA Town Halls beginning at 3 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 27 in the Student Life Office of the UC. These town hall meetings will happen every week until April 3.
During new business: Rachel Washburn resigned from her position as Elections Commission and Tyler Graham was appointed and sworn in. Chad Lewis also resigned from his senator position. Brett Burkeen and Tierra Chappel were appointed as senators for the College of Health, Education, and Behavioral Science. Kenny Friend was also moved into a Senator-at-Large position, giving him the ability to step into a senator’s role should the position become vacant for his college. There are still openings for three senators in the College of Health, Education, and Behavioral Science, six senator-at-large positions, and the position of Athletic Liaison. If you have questions about the positions you can contact SGA members or visit the SGA constitution online at https://orgsync.com/871/files/1046136.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:11 p.m.
Every student is a member of SGA and is encouraged to attend senate meetings. The next senate meeting is scheduled for after Spring Break in the University Center’s Legislative Chamber, Room 111. Questions can be directed to student body president, Joshua Diltz at josmdilt@ut.utm.edu.
