The Student Government Association (SGA) held its 23rd general body meeting (GBM) on Tuesday, March 12th, 2024.
Cabinet Updates
Student Body Secretary Amy Li announced an upcoming meeting with the special collections department scheduled for Thursday, indicating a focus on leveraging university resources for enhanced academic engagement. Treasurer Jenny Chen reported that the SGA holds discretionary funds totaling $900 and is awaiting further details on recall funds. Chair of Programming Shalala Leny is actively addressing challenges related to organizing the March tabling events, highlighting the importance of student engagement activities. Leny also shared the success of a recent garden party for sophomores. Director of Research Jason Shumsky mentioned that election results would be announced the day of the meeting, with additional special elections planned. President of the Senate, Nasreen Naqvi, reported on behalf of the absent Student Body President Ryan Chou and Vice President Jackson Morris, emphasizing the significance of the upcoming storytelling event on March 26, featuring key university figures such as the President and Provost of the university, as well as other prominent administrators.
Exciting Developments in Eisenhower Library Modernization Unveiled
JHU has shared an ambitious overview of the upcoming Eisenhower Library Modernization project, promising significant enhancements designed to foster both focused and collaborative study environments. The project, eagerly anticipated by the student body, aims to drastically improve the library’s accessibility, functionality, and overall user experience.
Key Highlights of the Modernization Plan:
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Revamped Entrance and Layout: The final design showcases a more welcoming, universally accessible entrance, ensuring seamless connectivity between the library’s various levels.
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Enhanced Reader Spaces: Plans include increasing seating capacity to approximately 1500 reader-seats, improving the special collections environment, and upgrading building utilities.
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Innovative Features: The introduction of a flexible event space on the Q level and an improved reading room on the C level are among the exciting new additions.
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Universal Accessibility: Addressing inquiries regarding universal accessibility, the project team confirmed that gender-neutral restrooms would become a campus standard, with renovations planned for all restrooms within the library.
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Student Feedback and Participation: Recognizing the importance of student input, the library intends to organize a furniture fair for students to select preferred furnishings and establish a student library advisory group this fall.
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Additional Amenities: The design also considers enhancements to lighting, possibly incorporating nature-themed elements, and maintaining or expanding the availability of vending machines and other utilities.
Responding to specific concerns raised by students, the project team assured that the modernization would consider the need for more bookable study spaces, accommodate special events like the senior week party, and explore options for prayer rooms to cater to diverse religious practices. Moreover, the inclusion of flexible and innovative furniture like standing tables and under-desk treadmills was discussed.
Funding Bills and Initiatives
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First Readings
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AKPSI Fundraiser Bill: Introduced by Senator Sun Moon, this bill proposes funding for a spikeball tournament fundraiser in memory of Amir Modaressanavi, aiming to support the American Stroke Association. The event, requiring a total of $2,318, plans to include 64 teams, with participation fees set at $12 for individuals and $20 for teams, covering shirts and pizza.
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Earth Fest Funding Bill: President Rachel Huang presented this bill to support a cross-club sustainability event focused on upcycling clothes and distributing tote bags, necessitating a $200 budget. The Office of Sustainability is co-hosting the festival, which aims to promote environmental consciousness.
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Wellness Day Funding Bill: Senator Srigouri Oruganty’s proposal for a Wellness Day envisions a semesterly event devoid of classes, assignments, and exams, instead filled with mindfulness and wellness activities, such as massage chairs and petting zoos, with an estimated budget of $60.
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Spring 2024 Committee Bylaws Update Bill: Presented by Member of IA in Stone’s absence, this bill seeks to enhance the policies governing committee meetings for improved workflow and output. The details are outlined in the attached document, focusing on better meeting management and decision-making processes.
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FIJI Islander Funding Bill Spring 2024: President Vishnu Dontu requests $2,400 from the SGA to sponsor the FIJI Islander party, a philanthropic endeavor aiming to support cancer-related causes. Last year, the event raised $5,000, highlighting its potential for significant community impact.
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CCS Carnival Funding Bill: Senator Brandon Benjamin advocates for a cultural carnival celebrating Caribbean culture, including traditional food, dance, and memorabilia, with a total funding need of $4,335. The event aims to foster cultural diffusion and provide a sense of home for students.
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Second Readings
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OLÉ Funding Bill: Senator Cynthia Sanchez Hidalgo's bill, voted on in the previous week and passed, aims to support activities related to the OLÉ organization, focusing on cultural and educational outreach within the student community.
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MASA Funding Bill: Introduced by Senator Sanchez Hidalgo, this bill sought funding for the MASA organization but was tabled due to insufficient funds.
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