The Student Government Association committee discussed many changes at this week’s meeting. Members touched on updates with SGA members and the composter project, the SPAT fountain and meetings between Sodexo and students.
Newly elected freshman senators were sworn in by SGA President Emalyn Cork. Also, it was announced that Bekah Herum resigned as SGA treasurer. Senior Senator Victoria Neisler was sworn in as treasurer with the new senators.
SGA Senator Ashley Cross said SGA has taken the composter project off the table, because of the bear sightings around campus. Senators did not feel it was a good time to move the composter to the Village. SGA may review the idea at a later date.
Cross also said David Leopard, the new senior Vice President of Finance and Administration, has a proposal for the SPAT fountain that would involve putting a new fountain in the center and filling the surrounding area with flowers.
At this week’s Student Government Association meeting, SGA members discussed the Village compost project, possible changes in summer school, plans for student feedback, and progress with the SPAT fountain.
Junior Senator Stephen Ramsay announced Village students are interested in a composter, but are primarily concerned about its location. Because the Village is right next to the woods, students and staff have pointed out that a composter could draw in more bears to the campus. SGA is looking for a solution that is safest for Young Harris College.
Student government is also investigating possible changes to the summer school program. Emalyn Cork, SGA President, noted students do not have much of a say in which courses are offered in the summer.
Cork also expressed a desire to add more student feedback options in addition to Tell Me Tuesdays, namely the forum discussed last week.
“I would like to expand the opportunity for student opinion in a different way,” she said.
Last week, it was proposed that SGA host a forum in the student center, providing snacks and beverages, to hear students’ thoughts on what student government can do for them. In the past, the forum “was like a presentation, and then afterward they gave their suggestions,” said junior Senator Allie Coker.
SGA discussed the future of the fountain traditionally maintained by SPAT, which currently sits in front of Appleby Complex and has been out of commission for several years. Options included proposals to the school, replacement and removal. Before making a decision, SGA hopes to receive feedback from former SPATs.
“I wouldn’t want to suggest something so radical that it upsets alumni,” said Cork.
On Wednesday, the Student Government Association met at 5:30 p.m. in the Rollins dining hall’s Presidential Room. On the agenda for discussion was an update on Tell-me-Tuesday, the SPAT fountain and Last Lecture.
SGA is starting a program called Tell-Me-Tuesday. A golf cart with an adult and an SGA member will come to pick up students and take them from one destination to another. During the ride the students will be asked a question and tell the SGA member what improvements they would like to see on campus. This should begin on October 5, and as of now some details are still being worked out with campus police, as far as the golf carts and other details.
SGA is also working on something called Last Lecture. It is where a professor or faculty member speaks to the student body about anything they would choose to speak about, if they were giving their final lecture. These people are not leaving now, but if they were, these lectures are what they feel they would want to say to students. It does not have to be on a subject under the department they are with, it can be on any topic they choose. There will possibly be two of these lectures this semester and three next semester. Each will last about an hour. Dr. Arnold will most likely speak on Oct. 5. Details are still being worked out.
Along the other topics of discussion was the SPAT fountain. The fountain in front of Appleby Center is not working and needs repair. Students have passed by the fountain and noticed the water hoses and other things around its base. It has been discovered that it leaks about a foot of water per day. Despite its need for repair, no plans have been made for its renovation.