Senate Spotlight 03/15/23

Last Wednesday at 7 pm, the SGA Senate convened. The Senate heard multiple presentations, voted on several resolutions, and chose a new Speaker of the Senate.

Dylan Noble | dnoble@butler.edu 

Presentations from new student organizations began with B2C2, the Butler biochemistry and chemistry club, kicking things off. Their mission is to work with students to help identify and prepare for research opportunities, internships, and potential careers in chemistry/biochemistry.

PA Project Access went next. Affiliated with the nationwide PA Educational Association, this organization aims to empower future Physician Assistants at Butler to pursue their careers through organizing events, hosting career fairs, and hosting speakers.

Following them, Business in Healthcare presented a grant proposal for $169.79. These funds would go towards snacks for events and buying gifts for guest speakers. This organization’s goal is to foster professional development for students interested in pursuing non-clinical roles in healthcare. The Senate later voted to grant these funds by passing Resolution 2223-091.

With organization presentations out of the way, Director Brewer addressed the Senate regarding new amendments to the General Bylaws. Brewer presented his case for why Resolutions 2223-093 through 2223-096 should be passed, and those amendments were voted on later in the session.

The voting outcomes are as follows:

Resolution 2223-093: establishes that Senators may not be punitively removed from the Senate by the University, and establishes a disciplinary program that must be followed first. Passed 17-1.

Resolution 2223-094: clarifies SGA’s role in organizing the Student Leadership Banquet. Passed unanimously.

Resolution 2223-095: formalizes the taking of a census of all SGA members at regular intervals by the Chief of Staff to keep track of current members as well as alumni. Passed unanimously.

Resolution 2223-096: clarifies the relationship between the Speaker of the Senate and resolutions. Mandates that resolutions must be posted publicly before voting and increases transparency. Passed unanimously.

The Senate also voted on Resolution 2223-092, which provides funds for the renovation of the Diversity Center (AU002). $70,000 would be allotted to remove the glass wall facing the hallway and to buy things such as a pool table and new couches. The Senate passed this resolution 17-1.

The Senate also voted for a new Speaker of the Senate. The candidates were Senators AJ Boes and Haley Harper.

“I am more than prepared to lead the Senate as Speaker,” Boes said in his speech, citing his past work in the Senate. His stated goals were to increase transparency, continue to renovate Atherton Union, increase campus sustainability, and amplify marginalized voices. “No dream is too big, and no role is too small.”

Harper also emphasized transparency in her speech, calling it “of high importance.” She mentioned her work with the Diversity Center and her job as chair of the Academic Affairs Committee while promising to “amplify [student] concerns” and to improve the SGA’s relationship with the Diversity Center.

After deliberation, the Senate ultimately for voted AJ Boes to become the next Speaker of the Senate.

The meeting wrapped up with Committee Chair and Executive Announcements. Notable announcements included: the upcoming Student Leadership Banquet on April 17, another DEI event will be held soon, election season is about to start, presidential debates occur next Wednesday, and Director Brewer is selling his fish tank for $40.

The Senate adjourned at 8:24 and will meet again this Wednesday, March 22nd following the presidential debate that starts at 7 pm.