I. New Business 

There was one resolution on the agenda involving National Women and Girls in Sports Day. The resolution asked for $300 from Student Government to buy food and coffee at the women’s basketball game against Virginia Tech at 1 p.m. on Feb. 16. The event aims to encourage attendance at female sports competitions. The resolution passed unanimously. 

II. Executive Reports

President Mellie Mesfin began by sharing her contributions to the National Women and Girls in Sports Day and promoted attendance at the event. 

Treasurer Andrew Wilson reported that the second week of budget reviews has been successful. He urged all other organizations that have not yet submitted their budgets to do so as soon as possible. 

Chief of Staff Isabella Ryan spoke about her work on the upcoming Mental Health Week.

Staff Advisor Tim Wilkinson informed the Senate that the President’s Aide application is currently open to all undergraduates. 

III. Committee Reports

The Academic Committee shared about the Faculty Appreciation Day event tentatively planned for March 31 and their idea to host an ice cream social and an a cappella concert for all faculty. 

The Campus Life Committee encouraged senators and other undergraduate students to volunteer for and participate in the many events that will be held during Mental Health Week. 

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee discussed their ideas on textbook affordability. There are a couple options, such as administering a flat fee to every student or waiving the fee for students with financial aid. They are also asking academic departments to consolidate their required books list in order to reduce prices for students through bulk orders. 

The committee also shared their concerns with the university’s freshman housing assignment survey and how they would like to expand the form to allow for better suited roommate pairings. The committee is also hoping to push for an alternative to substance-free halls that is more practical than simply a hall in a dorm surrounded by halls that are not substance-free. 

The Judiciary Committee reported that their research on the Colonial Group’s student governments is almost complete. The committee is also planning to amend the language used in the Student Government constitution in order to codify properly the de facto rule that prohibits newly appointed senators from voting in their first senate meeting. 

The Public Relations Committee was pleased to share that the live streaming of Student Government meetings have been successful and that they are also going to update the website soon. 

The Physical Planning Committee updated the senate on their meeting with Dining Services that included the addition of La Croix in the Pod and the possibility of replacing a food option in Benson University Center with Chipotle, Panera or another student-supported dining option. There will be surveys asking for student opinions on the topic throughout the spring semester and the committee asks that all students participate. 

The Student Organizations Council reported on their work to create a nondiscrimination policy in regard to chartering new organizations.