Butler’s Hammock Hangout: What is this new proposal?

Cassandra Stec | cmstec@butler.edu 

Colleges are home to many different things: academics, social life, extracurriculars, etc. Butler University, like most colleges in the United States, has a large hammock culture. On a nice day, dozens of hammocking students can be found in various green spaces on campus. With as many students who want to hammock on a given day, Butler’s lawn space only features so many trees which limits student use. This was an issue that AJ Boes, sophomore economics major, noticed. Boes, who is the Class of 2024 Senator and has a position on the University Life Committee, wanted to do something to help students with this issue.

Cassandra Stec: Why did you create the proposal regarding the hammock hangout?

AJ Boes: Ever since my freshman year at Butler University, I immediately noticed everyone's love for hammocking during the summer months; [but] sometimes it is hard for students to find a spot on campus to hang their hammock. With what I am proposing, students will be able to attach their hammock to a pole and hang with their friends, no one will have to worry about locating a tree.

CS: Where would Butler's hammock hangout be located?

AB: We are planning [for] it to be located between Jordan Hall and Atherton Union. It will be near the greenspace by Starbucks. We also hope to place it under the trees for shade.

CS: What do you hope students get out of this proposal if it's passed by Senate?

AB: I hope students will be able to get another collaborative space here on campus. Our campus is small, and any additional area for students to congregate is a win to me. Students will be able to study or spend time with friends at this new space on campus.

CS: What is the process for getting resolutions created, passed, and implemented?

AB: A resolution must be drafted, and then it must be sent to a specific committee. I am a part of the University Life Committee, and we deal with all matters pertaining to the betterment of campus life. The hammock hangout proposal falls within that category. The committee must vote on the resolution, and a simple majority is required for it to pass. If it passes, it is then sent to the SGA Senate body and will receive a vote at the next Senate session. If passed, the Student Body President will have the opportunity to sign or veto the legislation. If it is signed, Butler University Operations will handle the rest.

CS: Is there anything else you would like students to know?

AB: Everything is still up in the air, and it is possible for some things to change. But as of now, this is what the University Life Committee envisions moving forward with this project. We are planning on drafting a resolution in the next month or two.

More information regarding how the Student Senate is run as well as resolutions that have been or will be discussed can be found on the Butler Student Government Association’s website: butlersga.org.

Photo Courtesy of AJ Boes