SGA members are hoping to get a running start on the issues this fall.
Members met in the UC Hermitage room Tuesday evening to discuss this year’s agenda.
“I’m excitied to see some new legislation come forth,” Adam Roddy, student body president, said. “We were a campaign that ran off of policy, so we need to pass that policy.”
Roddy challenged the senators to generate new policy this year.
“Please write a bill,” Roddy said. “If you need our help, we’re here. We want to set a precedent that when people run for office, they keep the promises they make.”
This year, SGA is hoping to institute a new system using clickers to take attendance and conduct voting. During the campaign, this measure was discussed in order to promote better senator participation. The executive board had to take attendance the traditional way this Tuesday, though, as they worked out difficulties with the new system.
Maxine Davis, the Dean of Students, had been scheduled to provide an administrative update to senators at the meeting. However, she was unable to attend this Tuesday’s meeting, but will provide an update on a later date.
The vice president of the Graduate Student Senate, Alexandra Brewer, was present to update the undergraduate quorum on graduate issues. Brewer and GSS president Amanda Sanford have been actively working to renew UT’s membership in the National Association of Graduate and Professional Students.
“We are asking SGA for a small portion of their budget to do so,” Brewer said. “It’s only $500 for the year, and this covers registration for all 6,000 graduate students. Benefits will include discounts on insurance, travel expenses for conferences and networking.”
Both Roddy and SGA vice-president, Terry Nowell, encouraged the senators to seek out other students to get involved in SGA.
“We opened commitees up to the student body for applications for the first time this year…tell all of your friends to apply,” Roddy said. “We have a lot going on in SGA right now, so do your best to get the word out. If you ever need me, stop by the office, send me an email at [email protected].”
Nowell gave updates on Freshmen Council, and encouraged the senators to engage the new members after they are selected.
“Reach out to them and let them know you’re there to help,” Nowell said.
He also gave the crowd updates on future plans for SGA’s website.
“As far as our website goes, it’s going to be changing,” Nowell said. “It will be a WordPress site. WordPress will make it a lot easier to edit…to go into, and make changes.”
Taelor Olive, the Student Services director, gave an update on Student Services and mirrored Nowell and Roddy in calling for increased involvement.
“We really want a lot of participation with SGA this year,” Olive said.
The senate elected Ryan Ray as the new parliamentarian before the meeting closed.
