Senate Spotlight: January 19th, 2022
The Butler University Student Government Association’s Student Senate meets every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Reilly Room. This is a weekly recap of their meeting.
Lucy Olmstead | lolmstead@butler.edu
Wednesday night’s Senate meeting began with three students addressing how they believe a new resolution brought forward by senator Aidan Kohnke, which would adopt the IHRA Definition of Antisemitism, should not pass. However, the opportunity for the resolution to be brought forward did not occur, but will be on the Senate agenda February 2nd. After the introductory process of voicing student concerns, which students are invited to do before every meeting, President Will Gigerich then gave the State of the Student Body. highlighting one of his presidential themes of “Progress for Students, Progress by Students,” touching on many topics including the addition of the Executive Cabinet Advisory Board, an increase of transparency in SGA, revamping the Carillon, and improving DEI as well as mental health programs on campus and within organizations. President Gigerich also touched on relocating the SGA office to AU 100 in order to encourage student interaction and promote transparency, making SGA social media more accessible, and discussed the intention of an Atherton Union refresh, which would initially involve new color schemes and furniture in order to make it a more student friendly space. Senate speaker, Cade Chezem, also announced that he is sponsoring a trip for Senate to go shopping for furniture this Wednesday. Gigerich continued by stating the importance of having a “fair and equitable student conduct process and how student senate should have elevated advocacy levels, an expansion of outreach, and how they should explore senate inefficiencies.” The address was concluded with an emphasis on the confidence SGA has as they lead the student body into 2022. For the future of SGA, Gigerich reemphasized that student government requires leadership that acts with integrity, campus involvement, and a reminder that senate applications open on January 31st.
As the meeting progressed, the Black Student Union proposed their grant, which would be used to help improve their events, campus impact, and the money will also be used for Black History Month in February. The Senate then discussed new business including a resolution to approve funds for an air compressor, brought forward by the university life committee led by senator AJ Boes. This resolution was passed, and the compressor will be utilized as a free tool for cars and will be located by BUPD in order to discourage tampering.
After, Senate began to discuss old business, including the resolutions to endorse the American College of Veterinary Pharmacists, Arts Ambassadors, and Tall Tails organizations. These three resolutions were voted for and passed by the Senate.
Senate committee reports then had the opportunity to give updates. The Academic Affairs Committee asked for any necessary feedback as they are meeting with Dr. Barnett, the interim provost, in the next week. The Appropriations Committee stated that they will be approving more grants at their next committee meeting. Diversity, Equity, and Student Belonging elaborated on a great weekend at their retreat. Student Activities is working on how they can further support student organizations once they become official organizations of Butler’s campus. University Life reemphasized the importance and impact of the air compressor resolution being passed. Sustainability Advisory had committee applications close and those are being looked at to determine who would be a correct fit. Finally, Food Advisory is continuing to get feedback on how Butler’s food can be improved.
Concerning senator announcements, BeTheVoice Out of the Darkness Walk is approaching, and sign-ups are still available, BUDM is one month away, and the Pre-Med Society is hosting a blood drive and CPR training clinic in February and April. As for the arts, Midwinter performances are occurring at JCA this month and GreenDot Training from the SARP office is coming soon. Finally, a final reminder was given that the Presidential Debate is February 15th and Election Day is February 21st.
Photo Courtesy of Brooke Hazel