The Student Government Association (SGA) held its fourteenth general body meeting (GBM) of the 111th session on November 14, 2023.
Cabinet Reports
Student Body President Ryan Chou reported that he will be re-evaluating and revising the operations and infrastructure of the Executive Branch during the upcoming break. Chair of Programming Shalala Leny mentioned that they are working on planning SGA’s involvement in Lighting of the Quads. President of the Senate Dalhart Dobbs announced that the Middle East Advisory Committee is meeting on Wednesday and that a Joint Statement between SGA, JHUMA, and JSA on the use of social media is in the works.
Interdisciplinary Initiatives Presentation
The Vice Provost for Interdisciplinary Initiatives Dr. Lainie Rutkow gave a presentation about the Office of Interdisciplinary Initiatives, her personal initiatives, and ways that students can get involved.
- She introduced the new Hopkins Bloomberg Center, which is located in Washington D.C., complete with a library, coffee shop, reading/group study area, lounge area, and terrace. There is a new Hopkins Semester in D.C. program beginning Spring 2024 for a cohort of 12-14 Hopkins undergraduates to spend an immersive semester living, studying, and working in D.C., including intensive coursework, a D.C.-based internship, and co-curricular activities. Students in the new Hopkins Bloomberg Center will have access to the same resources at Homewood, such as a Student Health and Wellness Office and transportation. The Hopkins in D.C. program is expected to take place in Fall 2024 as well. Other upcoming programs were recently funded by the Nexus Awards to involve more undergraduates. Students should contact Lauren Reynolds (lgjreyn@jhu.edu) if interested.
- The conversation shifted to the new advisory committee regarding the crisis in the Middle East. Student Body Vice President Jackson Morris asked whether there are ways to support academic freedom, to which Dr. Rutkow responded that this will be a key topic of concern for the committee. There are six students on this committee, and there will be another group to talk about religious affairs and concerns. Vice President of the Senate Nasreen suggested a long-term project such as a course that educates students on this conflict, an idea that many members of SGA and Dr. Rutkow seconded. President of the Senate Dalhart Dobbs mentioned that the office is planning to approach conflicts beyond the Middle East crisis.
Non-legislative Reports
The Nevermore Haunt Event, which took place over Halloween and successfully sold all 120 tickets, will release photographs soon.
The Phi Delta Theta Crab Fest was a success, with a turnout of around 300 people. They raised a 5 figure sum and plan to give the profits to two different charities.
The KSAS Shared Governance Council plans to create a presentation on SGA’s structure, projects, and upcoming proposals.
First Reading
The African Student Association (ASA) Fashion Show Funding Bill presented by Senator Brandon Benjamin requested $5,550 for the annual event. The theme for this year’s fashion show is Dusk to Dawn, with all proceeds going to the United to Beat Malaria Fund. ASA hopes to promote local Baltimore African clothing designers and raise awareness about the African Diaspora.
Second Reading
Chair of Programming Shalala Leny introduced the Lighting of the Quad Tabling Funding Bill, which will include a new “Spin the Wheel” activity. The bill was revised to have more stickers, Krispy Kreme donuts, and sweaters. It passed unanimously.
Committee and Caucuses
- The Health, Safety, and Sustainability committee is collaborating on a series of sleep events with JHU Health Promotion and Well-Being. The event will take place in December. Additionally, they brainstormed some initiatives to tackle in the upcoming semester. Some examples include events with public safety and recycling education sessions.
- The Committee on Student Organizations reviewed all re-registration assignments from the previous week (127 total so far), evaluated prospective group applications, and reached out to groups on Hopkins Groups and via email for the requested modifications. They aim to complete all re-registration outreach before Thanksgiving break. They are also focusing on getting in contact with LEED about uploading new documents onto HopkinsGroups to replace old ones.
- The Disability Caucus held its second GBM of the semester and elected the new Vice Chair, Vedanti Bhargava. Vedanti is a sophomore majoring in neuroscience and is eager to get started with her position to help make positive changes on campus.
- The Black Caucus met with Dining in preparation for their collaboration for Black History Month events. Their first meeting consists of 10 members and they hope more people will join in the coming months, particularly for fostering a greater diversity of cultural discussions.