The Student Government Association (SGA) held its fifteenth general body meeting (GBM) of the 111th session on November 28, 2023.
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The Big Picture
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Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI) Presentation
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NEW JHU Major Fair: Plan in Progress
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NEW South Asian Studies Minor: Plan in Progress
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SGA DC Field Trip Funding Bill: 2nd Reading - Bill Passed
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African Fashion Show Funding Act: 2nd Reading - Bill Passed
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SGA Constitution Secretary Amendment: 2nd Reading - Bill Passed
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SAC Removal Bylaws Amendment Act: 2nd Reading - Bill Passed
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Get Involved - Feedback Form and Senator Vacancy!
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Cabinet Reports
Student Body President Ryan Chou announced the expansion of the Publication and Programming departments within the executive branch. He reported that there is a lot of interest in faith and cultural-based dialogue after speaking with student leaders and groups. Student Body Vice President Jackson Morris stated that he intends to meet with the Dean of Whiting on November 30th. Bloomberg Center Transportation programs are still in talks, as is a town hall regarding the Milton S. Eisenhower Library’s closing. Student Body Treasurer Jenny Chen revealed that $11,855 of SGA’s discretionary funds remain. Chair of Programming Shalala Leny provided updates on Lighting of the Quads (LOTQ) preparation, along with Bloomberg Center tour dates and other spring events. President of the Senate Dalhart Dobbs called for increased Senate engagement in the Middle Eastern Committee.
Convening Business
Office of Diversity and Inclusion
Associate Dean of Diversity and Inclusion Dr. Charles Lu and University Chaplain Kathy Schnurr from the Office of Diversity and Inclusion (ODI)’s Religious and Spiritual Life gave a presentation about the resources they offer to Hopkins students in the realms of gender and sexuality, multicultural affairs, religious and spiritual life, and other department-led initiatives. They highlighted student advocacy in the Interfaith Center and Council for academic accommodations like Holy Days and Observances.
Associate Dean Lu introduced the Second Roadmap to Diversity & Inclusion plan, which outlines a detailed timeline to recruit diverse students prior to matriculation and create an expansive inclusion program for current students and alums. He clarified that in light of the recent Supreme Court decision, the university (and D&I office) are not allowed to inquire about ethnicity or religion, but students are free to discuss them in their application.
Some topics discussed are listed below.
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The budget for religious and cultural events is approximately $15,000, with 87% allocated to student requests.
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ODI hopes to release Climate Survey results by 2024.
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President of the Senate Dalhart Dobbs explored potential collaborations between the Middle Eastern Studies student organizations and the Religious and Spiritual Life Department.
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ODI plans to have more gender-neutral washrooms in older buildings. Currently, there are maps that students can refer to for finding gender neutral washrooms.
JHU’s First Annual Major Fair
Senator Timothy Huang has made progress in organizing the first JHU Major Fair on Feb. 16th from 1:00-5:00 PM at Levering’s Great Hall and Glass Pavilion, inviting all students, especially freshmen, to explore Hopkins' majors. This event, akin to a Student Involvement Fair for majors, offers networking opportunities with upperclassmen, faculty, and staff. Efforts are ongoing to engage the Biology, Chemistry, and Physics departments.
Potential New South Asian Studies Minor
Senator Srigouri Oruganty proposed a South Asian Studies Minor, emphasizing a broad curriculum beyond Indian or Hindi focus, with potential for study abroad funding. Discussions with Melody McCoy and Beth Romansky from the Gupta-Klinsky India Institute at Johns Hopkins University have begun, which will determine the minor's diverse approach and implementation timeline, without specific language requirements yet.
Second Reading
Treasurer Jenny Chen introduced the Bloomberg Center Visit Travel Funding Bill, which provides funding for SGA members to tour and learn about the new Hopkins campus in D.C. The bill passed unanimously.
The African Fashion Show Funding Act Bill, led by Senator Brandon Benjamin, passed unanimously. The event is set to take place on December 10th, 2023 in the Glass Pavilion at 6:30 pm, and showcases African clothing, music, and food to the student body and the Baltimore community. Being the 7th annual rendition at Hopkins, the African Fashion Show has cut pricing by half and the money raised from the ticket sales are donated to the United to Beat Malaria Fund.
The SAC Bylaws Amendment passed unanimously. Introduced by Treasurer Jenny Chen, the Student Activities Commission (SAC) will be discontinued due to the significant expansion of the Finance Committee as well as excess resources and time spent on appointing and arranging meetings with SAC members that rarely provided contributions.