SGA: The Year in Review
A recap on what Butler’s student government has achieved in the 2021-2022 school year.
Lucy Olmstead | lolmstead@butler.edu
As the 2021-2022 school year comes to an end, The Carillon wants to recognize SGA’s accomplishments over the past year. In the last eight months, the student government has worked hard to understand and truly listen to the student body. Whether it is endorsing student organizations, allocating grants, promoting activities and performances, conducting events, or promoting the hiring of a new Provost, SGA has done a lot.
At the beginning of the fall semester, SGA allocated its first grant providing funding to the LGBTQIA+ Alliance for its annual drag show. This event was a measurable success with more than 120 students in attendance. Additionally, SGA boosted its efforts to be more environmentally conscious. This began with the implementation of BLUEgo containers at Butler Dining locations. This program allowed students to use up to three reusable containers (made from recycled plastic) instead of disposable mean containers to cut back on the amount of waste being generated from takeout options.
In October, SGA participated in the Halloween Trick-or-Treat event down West Hampton Drive, which was a huge success! Later on in the semester, SGA worked to enhance the student-administration relationship by hosting Pasta with the Provost with Dr. Brooke Barnett. As the fall semester came to a close, SGA was busy with grant allocations to the Dance Club, Patachou Foundation, Real Estate Club, Strategy Games Club, and the Latinx Student Union. SGA also endorsed Sigma Tau Delta and began the groundwork for improving Atherton Union. With the announcement of the Provost Search Committee, Butler SGA passed a resolution to support Dr. Brooke Barnett for the Provost position.
During the State of the Student Body, President Will Gigerich, addressed “A Year of Rebuilding” and his goals for the spring semester. This included the revitalization of the Carillon, organization-wide DEI training, a campus culture of mental health and well-being, a refresh of Atherton Union common spaces, a commitment to providing transportation to the student body, a more fair, equitable, and transparent student conduct process, and SGA continuity. Gigerich emphasized the importance of SGA members expanding their advocacy and outreach to unprecedented levels and encouraged them to reflect on current organizational inefficiencies. He concluded by encouraging SGA members to get involved, act with integrity, and maintain their strong leadership.
In February, many grants and resolutions were considered, with some sparking student concerns and difficult debates. Similar to the fall semester, SGA continued to have outreach events, like Donuts with the Dean in Dugan Hall and Puppies with the Provost! SGA supported the student body at BUDM, Midwinter performances, and Greek Life Philanthropy weeks. Towards the end of February, the first SGA DEI training took place. Members were able to take implicit bias tests and educate themselves on micro and macro aggressions.
In March, there was a bit of controversy regarding the President’s veto of a grant allocating money for the creation of the LGBTQIA+ Alliance’s gender affirmation closet. Instead, the President chose to allocate money to the Office of Health Promotion and Wellness to provide gender-affirmation resources. College of Education senators hosted an outreach event for students to meet and mingle with donuts. Additionally, SGA provided funding to the South Asian Student Association and Timmy Global Health for a Holi celebration and color run.
In the first half of April, SGA held its final outreach event with Dr. Ross. . The Senate discussed the possibility of a new grid system with Dr. Travis Ryan, the Associate Provost. Alarming safety issues were also brought up in a discussion with Diane Sweeney, the BUPD Assistant Chief of Police. The last SGA event will be the Student Leadership Awards Banquet on April 18th, where SGA will be officially rechartered and the new leaders of SGA will be inaugurated.
It has been a monumental year for Butler SGA, with a successful rebranding and rededication to the organization's core mission. With a new administration imminent, SGA’s mission will continue to evolve to new heights with improvement of the student experience as its guiding objective.