SGA announces spring plans

The Student Government Association presented the spring semester's plans at the first Senate meeting on January 19.

Alex Wilson, Student Government Association President, said, "I'm glad to announce that all legislation from last semester has been turned into the appropriate University standing committees. I hope to inform you of the results as the committee meetings occur."

 The Student Government Association will be having a Food Service Committee Meeting with Sodexo on January 30th, and any students, faculty, and staff are welcome to attend.

Dr. Margaret Toston, Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs, announced that Chancellor Tom Rakes has added just over $300,000 to the scholarship budget so that there will no longer be a deficit on the scholarship budget for transfer students.

Dr. Toston also informed everyone that the Office of Student Affairs will be hiring some new employees soon. Dr. Toston said, "We are striving to stay on budget during the hiring process, yet will still provide outstanding service to the students." David Taylor, Coordinator for Student Organizations, has left UT Martin to accept a job offer in Memphis, and also finish out his degree. There will be a transparent search for someone to fill that position.

Dr. Toston explained how the university will be cracking down on the hazing of students who participate in the various clubs and Greek organizations on our campus. Many parents and community members have made complaints recently, so the university is looking into this issue.

Several new faces were welcomed into the Student Government Association. Mary Grace Rodgers was sworn in as a Senator. Kristal Henderson and Kenneth Hollis were sworn in as Senators-At-Large.

Amber Futrell, Campus Observation Committee Chair, shared that they will hopefully be meeting with signage committee soon. They are working on getting new signs posted around campus to help visitors with directions.

Brittany Sturgill, Communications Committee Chair, shared that they are working on getting prepared for the upcoming SGA Relations Days with the UTM satellite campuses, as well as planning the campus-wide forums for each college. They are following up with getting the academic regalia legislation presented to the Ceremonies Committee as soon as possible.

Jonathan Whitaker, Multicultural Affairs Chair, is getting ready to help with the celebration for 50th year after the civil rights movement, which will be Feb. 20th through the 24th. The committee will also be working with the Campus Observation Committee to get the Skyhawk images in front of the Elam center re-painted.

Justin Warren, Procedures Committee Chair, is planning to meet with various organizations on campus such as Housing and the

Traffic and Safety Regulations Committee to help relieve problems with various issues such as parking.

The next SGA Senate meeting will be on Thursday, February 2nd at 9 p.m. in the University Center room 111. All students are encouraged to attend.