The Student Government Association held its fifth Senate meeting of the semester on Thursday at 9 p.m.
As with past meetings, the assembly was once again live streamed by the online service, Perriscope. Special guest Jalen Blue joined the senators as the board of trustees’ student representative from Knoxville, Tennessee.
During the committee reports section of the evening, campus observations reported that the library is working to get new chairs, and the campus is looking to add charging stations throughout the quad in seating areas. Grant Iverson, communications chair, reported that his committee discussed what was coming up after elections and said that they emailed the Jackson and Parsons branches of UTM to see if they needed anything. Procedures committee had the unique opportunity to meet twice this week, as they had a last minute meeting to discuss some appeals in the elections process. Their first meeting covered the necessity of organizing files and other ways to improve the transition process for new officers.
The student affairs committee furthered a puppy day idea in their meeting, which would involve pre-veterinary students in the process.
Dr. Smith gave a presentation on the current state of the Soar in Four Resolution. This resolution is to be moved to June in order to align with the Knoxville and Chattanooga branches of the UT system. Smith also accepted questions from members, and encouraged all students to find a reliable source for their information and ask questions often. Earlier in the meeting, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Margaret Toston reported that she is working on gathering a Student Advisory Council to constantly give feedback about the Soar in Four resolution.
Kelsey Gregory also presented to senate on behalf of the honors council. They are hoping to get a rough survey of what students would support as opposed to decorating the motor-boards of graduation caps. The options presented thus far included either giving students the ability to have different color tassels based on which college they are graduating from, or allowing students to wear different color honors cords for the different levels in the honors tier system. Students who wish to weigh in on the matter are encouraged to contact a senator from their college.
During the New Business section of the meeting, the previously reported on textbook legislation was passed. During the announcements portion of the meeting, senate members were reminded of the upcoming color run for the SHAPE club and its benefit for Special Olympics.
The meeting was adjourned at 10:19 p.m. after Jalen Blue thanked the SGA for having him, and said that Miranda Rutan would make a great replacement as the Board of Trustees’ student representative.
SGA Senate meetings are held every other Thursday at 9 p.m. in the University Center’s Legislative Chamber, Room 111. Any questions can be directed to SGA President, Rachael Wolters, racwolt@ut.utm.edu.
