By: Mira Costello and Emmalee Anglemyer

Editor-in-Chief, Staff-Writer

CORRECTION NOTICE: The original version of this article, which appeared in print Jan. 22 and on this website until Feb. 25, contained factual errors. It stated that Robin Weaver was a junior and AJ Bedock was a freshman; paragraph 2 has been edited to reflect that both students are sophomores. Paragraph 3 has been edited to reflect that the SGA hopes to finalize the budget by March 14 (incorrectly listed as April 18), as well as to reflect that student testimonies – not faculty testimonies – were shared. Paragraph 6 was missing information: the amount approved by the senate and what the funding would cover. This information has been added.

The Preface takes seriously our credibility and responsibility to provide students with a trustworthy news source. We have taken additional steps within our staff to ensure transparency in our process and to prevent future errors to the best of our ability. To inquire further about this, or to submit a request for a correction, visit iusbpreface.net/feedback.

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After holding a group bonding and leadership summit over the break, the Student Government Association began their spring semester on Jan. 17. 

The SGA filled two senate seats for this semester with sophomores Robin Weaver and AJ Bedock. Ashley Rojas Romero, who served as a senator last semester, resigned from the senate and will now serve as an associate justice for the organization. Vice President David Saleh said that the Search and Screen Committee will bring a senatorial candidate before the group at their next meeting, Jan. 24. 

President Chloe Garner reported that the SGA will begin hearing budget requests from university departments soon with the goal of finalizing the budget by March 14. President Garner also announced plans to present the SGA’s resolution on Open Educational Resources to the faculty senate on Jan. 17, sharing testimonies of students who have used OERs and proposing a broader campus switch to free educational resources. 

President Garner will also attend the All University Student Association state leadership conference on April 11 at IU Indianapolis. 

President Garner and Vice President Saleh called attention to the upcoming election season, noting that all SGA members who have served for at least one semester are eligible to run for an executive position. All IU South Bend students are able to run for senatorial positions. 

Students from IU South Bend’s chapter of the National Student Speech Language Hearing Association (NSSLHA) requested $2,717.11 to send four students to the American Speech Language Hearing Association conference. The senate approved up to $2,717.11 for the group’s travel, lodging, transportation and registration.

SGA Adviser Scott Strittmatter reported that the Student Leadership Awards ceremony will be held on March 30, with nominations now open online through the end of February. He also advertised family day, to take place March 8, and the annual IU Day to be held April 23. 

Adviser Strittmatter also announced that Resident Assistant applications opened on Jan. 17 and that applications to live in housing next year will open the first week of February. 

Closing the meeting, the SGA held a brainstorming session for their collaboration with Creative Dining Services. They discussed test-running meal options and pushing for a wider range of vegan, kosher and gluten free meals, among others. The SGA plans to train club leaders in requesting catering and considered nominating an SGA representative to liaise with Creative Dining Services. 

The SGA meets every Friday from 10:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in SAC 225 or 206. Meetings are public, and students are encouraged to attend.