The Student Government Association (SGA) held its ninth general body meeting (GBM) of the 111th session on October 10, 2023.
Cabinet Reports and Non-Legislative Business
Student Body Treasurer Jenny Chen updated that SGA has $17,600 left for the year, with $6000 funds used. Chair of Programming Shalala Leny reported that Barbie at the Beach (BATB) was a success.
Director of Sustainability Julian Goresko gave a Sustainability Presentation, which summarized the Climate Action and Sustainability Plan. From visions of protecting health and furthering innovation to nine goals related to climate action, research, and transportation, this presentation detailed thorough answers to a variety of sustainability-related concerns. The Director confirmed that the reconstruction of the library and other construction projects are part of this plan, and that there will be a focus on transforming energy infrastructure and reducing emissions on campus.
Junior Class President Resham Tahwar and KSAS Academic Senator Timothy Huang gave a Major Fair presentation to expand the current “Meet the Majors” pre-freshman online seminar held by the admissions office. They hope to communicate with the deans of KSAS and WSE and ensure that social sciences majors are equally represented with STEM majors.
Student Body President Ryan Chou provided updates on the 11 for 111 goals, which include connecting with FSL, student athletics, MLC, the Hop, and more, as well as building a network to discuss and share ideas.
Junior Representative Jacquelyn Slade presented a Cross-Campus Relations Initiative highlighting the systemic issue regarding communication between the Homewood and Peabody campuses. Thus far, with President Resham and KSAS Academic Senator Daniel, there is a document with questions posed by 20 stakeholders from various differing campus roles. They plan to create a Cross-Campus Committee between SGA and PGA further down the line.
Readings
The first reading of the Halloween Tabling Funding Bill led by Chair of Programming Shalala Leny and Senator Brandon Benjamin was referred to the Committee of Finance. They requested a total of $247.26 for candy, Hawaiian Punch, and a 50-pack of cookies to be provided at a tabling event on October 31st that will receive student feedback to inspire new legislation.
Following the Second Reading of the Haunted House Funding Bill, the Freshman Programming Council passed their first funding bill of the year. The total amount of allocated funds will be $2400, and the event will be held at “The Nevermore Haunt” located in Inner Harbor on Saturday, October 28, with a pickup time via Hopkins Custom Transportation Services of 6:30PM from the Beach to 11PM.
The meeting closed with a discussion about the Joy on Wheels Funding Bill presented by President Resham. 80% of the Senate voted No after learning about the change in venue and the potential for pre-existing items that would lower the cost proposed by the bill. There will likely be a reconsideration period, as student bonding and facilitating recreational activities remain highly anticipated.
Committee/Caucus
The Committee on Health, Safety, and Sustainability met with Dr. Jennifer Howes, the Chief Mental Health Director for Student Health and Well-being, to discuss opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, they brainstormed questions related to sustainability and mental health for the upcoming GBMs.
The Committee on Student Services established connections with Dining, Financial Aid, ResLife, Student Affairs, and Housing staff. There have been meetings set and discussions held related to issues that the student body have brought to their attention. They hope to make more stable connections through their liaison program.
The Black Caucus expressed excitement to be working Black Student Union (BSU) for an upcoming event celebrating culture, talent, and unity. Together, they aim to create an unforgettable experience for attendees. They have also initiated communication with Hopkins Dining to explore collaboration opportunities related to the upcoming Black History Month celebrations next semester.
The Committee on Student Organizations began reviewing incoming re-registrations for the 2023-2024 academic year. Six re-registrations were presented by six members and all were voted to be approved with minor modifications (largely anti-hazing statements and/or additions to member rosters). As 68+ new registrations have been sent to the CSO stage of approval, approximately 40 new re-registration applications were delegated out to each CSO member, assigning each person two assignments to complete by the next meeting. Among their action items include requesting necessary modifications from the student groups discussed last week. They aim to complete a majority of re-registration applications before the end of October.
Internal Affairs finalized the attendance policy bylaw updates and added attendance incentives for GBMs. They will keep making rational and positive changes similar to these updates in order to improve the experience of every SGA member.
The LatinX Caucus were given the opportunity by the Chair of Finance to present related SGA grants. LatinX orgs were able to get the necessary answers related to this process. The caucus is putting together a calendar that includes upcoming events from all LatinX Orgs to help facilitate communication.
The Committee on Finance unanimously agreed to allocate $241.92 in event grants to the BSU for their upcoming talent show. They also funded $2000 to Breakers crew for competition production at the National Collegiate Breaking Association. Finally, they discussed potential changes to the SAC guidelines, including a clause that currently does not allow funding to be allocated for RSO's formals.