By: Nawal Samdani
Staff-Writer
On Nov. 3, the Student Government Association (SGA) met to discuss funding requests and reports and to announce the resignation of Former Treasurer Ian Greaves.
Greaves, who was elected treasurer in the April 2023 SGA election, has decided to step down from his position. Per their constitution, President Emilee Edmonds announced that the SGA will be searching internally for a candidate to fill the position of Treasurer. To facilitate a smooth transition, Advisor Scott Strittmatter, as well as Former President Christian Martinez who served as treasurer two years prior, have offered to help teach the technical aspects of the job to the new treasurer.
Jenny Gonzalez, SGA chief diversity officer, and Susan Thomas, dean of library services, presented a funding request of $750 for the new commuter lounge on the third floor of the library. The lounge will be accessible to student members of Titans on the Go, a new club for commuter students, and will have a kitchen and a welcoming place for commuter students to stay. This funding would cover comfort items for the lounge, decor, a television and other amenities. After a brief discussion, a motion was made to fund up to $750.
The SGA was also visited by music education majors Quinten Howard and Danni-Jo Rausch, who requested $3,670 to attend The National Association for Music Education (NAfME) Midwest Clinic. NAfME Collegiate is IU South Bend’s chapter of the professional organization, offering music education students opportunities to supplement the curriculum from the university. After discussion, the senate decided to postpone their decision on the request to allow further time for consideration.
During Privilege of the Floor, constituent Quinten Liget spoke to the senate about the Spotted Lantern Fly, an invasive species of insect that came to the U.S. in 2014. Liget mentioned how this insect is very damaging to the environment and has had recent reported sightings in the area. He noted that citizens of Indiana are strongly encouraged to contact the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) or the Department of Agriculture if they see a spotted lanternfly so that they can track and mitigate the insects.
The SGA meets every Friday from 10 a.m. to noon in SAC 225. Meetings are public, and students are encouraged to attend.
