SGA Report – Oct. 13th

As part of The Weekly’s renewed commitment to improving transparency between the Muhlenberg College community and the bodies that govern it, a short recap of all Student Government Association meetings will be printed the week following the meeting.

On Oct. 13, SGA met in the Seegers Union Great Room and covered a variety of topics in the approximately 90-minute-long meeting.

The meeting began with a forty-minute presentation and discussion with Dean of Students Allison Gulati and Assistant Dean of Students Jane Schubert. The purpose of the presentation was to address the SGA about changes to the alcohol policy that will allow alcohol at college-sponsored events for students that are 21 years or older. A more detailed article concerning this information can be found on pages one and four.

Christian Balodis ’17, the SGA President, addressed the Assembly about his upcoming meeting with the Campus Life Committee. Balodis said that the committee will be discussing Muhlenberg’s partisan political activity policy. A ‘cheat-sheet’ is in development to better inform the professors and faculty. Balodis also stated that a “hate and bias resource team” is currently being formed to help students who may need assistance in those areas.

Nicole Case ’18, the SGA Treasurer, updated the Assembly with the balances of the SGA account. The General Fund has $0, as the money was allocated to clubs and student organizations; the Reserve fund has $218,789; the Capital Fund has $47,617; and the SGA Budget has $11,125. Additionally, Case noted that revisions to the finance manual have begun, including the elimination of petty cash and the addition of the new alcohol policy.

The General Assembly then discussed and voted on nine motions of New Business.

Although many of the motions were regarding internal SGA operations, some were applicable to the larger student body.

First, the Assembly voted to allocate $100 towards an SGA suggestion and feedback box to be placed next to the Seegers Union Information Desk. An email will be sent to the student body when the box has been installed.

Next, the motion to contact all student club presidents regarding “student concerns within their club related but not limited to: diversity sustainability, dining, and campus infrastructure” passed with minimal discussion.

The motion regarding the discontinuation of the SGA Scholarship was ultimately not voted on. According to SGA Representative Mike Peiffer, “there is nothing to discontinue because $50,000 was already allocated to the endowment.” Last semester, the SGA established a scholarship with the intention of providing $1,000 to an undetermined number of students as an incentive for involvement in student activities. The possibility of future installments to this scholarship fund is uncertain.

The meeting adjourned without incident at approximately 8:30 p.m.