Through the efforts of the Student Government Association senate, big changes could be popping up across Rocky Top.
As the semester nears the end, senators ramped up their work to deliver a heavy load of 12 pieces of legislation at the final meeting of the academic year, held on April 14. This number is significantly more than previous sessions.
Notable adjustments that could be making their way to campus include a potential outdoor classroom, a reformed Canvas tab and increased safety measures at parking lots.
First readings: Canvas additions, space redevelopments
A new tab may be making its way to UT students’ Canvas pages.
Over the years, UT has consistently displayed a commitment to providing accessible resources that support students academically. Resolution 26-7, sponsored by Sen. Niya Angelova and First-Year Council, calls on the university to create a Canvas tab that encompasses all of these academic resources to increase their visibility to students.
The proposed tab will conveniently contain information regarding resources such as tutoring, study spots and events, final exam schedules and more.
Resolution 26-7 passed with a vote of 100-0-0.
Sens. Jed Baso, Madeline Malone and Grace Armstrong sponsored Resolution 26-5, which calls upon the university to give an outdoor space near the Humanities and Social Science building a more definitive purpose. The senators proposed creating a garden plaza for those across campus to utilize for studying, outdoor instruction and events.
This resolution passed the senate with a vote 93-4-4.
Other resolutions passed during this time include a charger check-out system within the student union, a designated microwave section in the student union and increased advertising surrounding suitemate groups.
Unlike bills, resolutions must only go through first readings.
In addition to these proposed resolutions, the senate passed two proclamations during first readings. The first recognized the work and continuous support of former SGA advisor Lindsay Davis, while the second noted April’s delineation as Sexual Assault Awareness Month by honoring the strength of survivors of sexual assault.
Second readings: Parking lot safety, seat representation
At UT, parking is a pressing concern of students. Students call not only for increased parking across campus but also for a sense of safety while using these spaces.
Sen. Anika Bhushan recognized this concern and aimed to address it in Bill 26-4: the Metron Center Way Safety Bill. This bill will bring the Kingston Pike non-commuter remote parking lot up to standards in terms of safety. The parking lot will be revamped with the reinstallation of street lights as well as the installation of a blue light emergency system.
Bill 26-4 passed with a vote of 100-0-0.
Picking up from the previous session, Bill 26-3, the College of Nursing Student Government Association Representation Bill, was passed with a vote of 100-0-0. This bill will create a standing seat for the elected college of nursing senator on the college of nursing’s Dean Advisory Council.
The senate also discussed and voted on the SGA senate bylaws and constitution.
