I. Guest Speaker

The Assistant Director of Community Partnerships for the Office of Civic and Community Engagement (OCCE) Camry Wilborn began the meeting with a presentation on the local educational system. Wilborn explained that unequal resource distribution among the local schools has contributed to significant disparities in academic performance between minority and white students. To address this issue, the OCCE has focused on increasing educational equity. She encouraged students to join the OCCE’s efforts by volunteering through Paisley Leadership Academy to mentor and work with students at Paisley IB Magnet School. 

II. Executive Reports

Treasurer Andrew Wilson noted that organizations should schedule a meeting to review their budgets with the Student Advisory Budgeting Committee (SBAC) and that training modules would be available on The Link by the end of the week. He also congratulated sophomore Brooke Blair on becoming the new SBAC representative.

Chief of Staff Isabella Ryan explained that changes to the university’s Code of Conduct have been in progress and should be released for public comment within a month. She has also been working with the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee to talk about plans for establishing block housing for athletes, as well as expanding mental health resources for athletes. She also announced that the application for a senator position is now live and open to anyone interested in serving on Student Government.

Staff Advisor Tim Wilkinson explained that applications and nominations for the position of student trustee are available. Additionally, he encouraged students to attend CHARGE informational sessions and Link Learn drop-in hours.

III. Committee Reports

The Academic Committee shared that the resolution to make Wake Forest a polling location has been sent to the co-chairs of the Judiciary Committee and is still in progress. Additionally, the committee is working on a student-athlete video.

The Campus Life Committee finalized dates and times for Paisley Leadership Academy and extended an invitation to join them every other Monday from 3 to 4 p.m. to volunteer at Paisley IB Magnet School. They are also continuing to work on Mental Health Week.

Diversity and Inclusion Committee shared that they have met with the Panhellenic Vice President of Inclusion and the Interfraternity Council Officers of Diversity and Inclusion to discuss diversity in Greek life. They have also invited Winston-Salem State University to participate in the events during Mental Health Week. Other initiatives in progress include adding LGBTQ+-friendly sex education to orientation programming and working with Thomas Benza from the Office of Student Financial Aid on resource packets for students.

Judiciary Committee explained that they are examining the elections packet in order to clarify rules surrounding Groupme usage and endorsement guidelines during the upcoming Student Government campaigns.

Physical Planning Committee shared information about planned renovations for Luter Residence Hall and a new academic building on Davis Field after a meeting with Capital Projects.

Public Relations is working on the Student Government website and Student Organizations Council Committee is re-organizing the chartering process.

IV. Senator Reports

Senior member of the Academic Committee Caleb Woody talked with the Office of Parking and Transportation about the system of fines and the possibility of restructuring it in a more equitable way, taking into consideration the financial inequity that exists across campus.

V. Constituent Concerns

Students expressed interest in finding ways to memorialize Lemont White and shared that some groups had already planned to write letters to his family. Another concern was brought up in regard to a students’ inability to take or sit in on classes in the School of Business if they are not in the school.