SGA welcomes new members

The UT Martin Student Government Association welcomed new members and discussed important issues at their first meeting, Thursday, Sept. 13.

After the beginning procedures, SGA President Alex Wilson began the meeting with a welcome.

“We are the Student Government Association; we are the liaison between the student body and the administration that helps in decision making,” Wilson said.

Wilson who is a senior majoring in Public Administration has four years under his belt as a SGA member, two years as president.

“We as SGA members desire to be more involved with student life and administration. I value my time as president, and I want to make sure this committee is better for the next generation of SGA members,” said Wilson.

Wilson’s committee is made up of a variety of students with differing talents and resources, but all have the same goal, to better the UT Martin campus.

“SGA is great, and it’s excellent to be involved with a committee that’s putting an effort in making changes on campus,” said freshman Chemistry/Pre-Pharmacy major Blessing Adeyemo.

“SGA is great for someone who is trying to balance their priorities. I’m also a Phi Sigma Kappa, and this will also help with more Greek life involvement,” said sophomore Biology major Bryan Carmichal.

Also, SGA Vice President Teresa Fowler took the floor to address a few concerns that were raised in a meeting she had previously attended. The administration wanted to know why there weren’t many students taking summer classes. She said in her response that even though housing was available for the students, it was expensive to reside during the summer months. Many students have summer jobs in their hometowns and some take internship jobs, but most of all, many students just want a break.

There was also a ban brought before the table against smoking on campus.

“I feel like everyone should have a choice if smoking should be banned on our campus. I’ve suggested that there be designated areas for smokers; this will allow us all to work together towards this issue,” Fowler said.

Other items on the agenda included the contract for Sodexo. The committee will be allowed to write down any new vendor ideas that they would like added to the contract.

Also, several SGA members were appointed in new positions. Senior Political Science major Ashley Burton was appointed as Senator-at-Large, and junior Sociology major Blake Stevens was appointed as Senator for Education Health and Behavioral Sciences.

“[With] being in communications and politics, I feel more insightful, and I want to attribute dedication and a voice for the students for progression as a body. I also believe that each student should know that even though they may not be a part of SGA, they are still a part of this government, and therefore, they should not be afraid to voice their opinion if they truly want change,” said Burton.

“I believe what John F. Kennedy said ‘whatever you are, be a good one.’ Being a student doesn’t mean that all you do is go to class and go home, it’s important that you see your university be the best it can be for us and our extended campuses. This year I want to make sure that our campuses here and extended are recognized more,” said Blake.

SGA will continue to have meetings this semester, including a Senate and Freshmen Council taking place on Sept. 25 at 9 p.m. in the UC, Room 111. All SGA meetings are public and anyone may attend. Also, with Homecoming Elections coming up, election nomination packages are available and due Sept. 17 to the Election Commissioner by 5 p.m.; see Jessica Watts for more information. For further information on SGA, call 731-881-7785.