SGA Logo (Photo / Runway)
The Student Senate, 71 General Assembly of UT Martin, held its first meeting of the Spring 2023 semester on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023.
The Senate meeting started with a presentation from People for Black History. A petition is circulating to have the Faculty Senate condemn two pieces of legislation that forbid the teaching of Critical Race Theory in K-12 schools. Also, People for Black History want to see faculty at UT Martin on the side of education and the fight against this legislation that blocks teachings on how racism has affected America. The long-term goal is the creation of an African American Studies Institute, with a Dean of African American Studies, general education requirements for the Study of African Americans History and Culture, and hiring 12 African American Historians to teach the classes. For more information, contact Caitilin Hill at chill119@ut.utm.edu, David Mason at davamaso@ut.utm.edu or Dr. David Barber at dbarder@utm.edu.
David Belote with Campus Recreation Center encouraged all to check out the recreation center and participate in the activities that are being offered. There will be a survey concerning the center from Feb. 3 to March 5. The first 800 students to complete the survey will receive swag.
Ms. Ashley Bynum, the athletic liaison, answered questions about S.R. 2211, which supported athletes being able to register early for classes. Athletes are required to take a full course load each semester, and many athletes miss their window for registration due to their athletic schedules. Registering early will allow athletes to register for needed classes and schedule around practices. S.R. 2211 was adopted and passed.
Dr. Erik Norberg gave a library facility update, which included reports on worn-out furniture that has been replaced, unused shelves have been removed, and a new carpet has been installed. The library will host several events this semester, and information about these upcoming events can be found on Runway. Librarians can help those who need it, so do not hesitate to ask for help. The library will not be open on weekends during the summer.
SGA President Dawson Gremmels gave updates on some bills. The updates were that $15,000 was approved for S.R. 2101 for the Disk Golf Course, S.R. 2115 allows cords at commencement starting with Spring 2023 graduation, and S.R. 2116 Faculty Intermural League will not be formed.
Mr. John Abel and Dr. George Daniel, the SGA advisors, reported that Dr. Philip Cavalier would meet with SGA in the near future to discuss the interim transition and the search period for a new chancellor. Abel reminded everyone that the Civil Right Conference would last the whole month of February and encouraged participation.
Other news discussed was that the Spring 2023 survey is out and can be accessed on Runway. Additionally, the Freshman Council is looking for members, and those who are interested can apply on Runway.
For those interested in learning how to write a bill, SGA Vice President Faith Pilkington will offer classes on Tuesday from 4-5 p.m. and Wednesday from 1-3 p.m.
Some actions of other bills are that S.R. 2205, which was a resolution for all classrooms to have office supplies, was vetoed.
However, S.R. 2209, an act to provide the athletic liaison voting power in SGA Senate meetings, was adapted and passed.
Sarah Tyler, senator of the College of Agriculture and Applied Science, and Kristin Adam, senator-at-large of the College of Engineering and Applied Science, were sworn in.
Benjamin Hayes was appointed and sworn in as Elections Commissioner.
