The Ball State Student Government Association (SGA) began with a visit and presentation from Vice President of Student Affairs Ro-Anne Royer Engle.
Engle’s presentation focused on informing SGA of their role in university governance, stressing the idea of shared governance with the university and how SGA can best utilize their role.
There was one special order of business. Senior graphic design major Hannah Schneider, representing the College of Fine Arts, presented for the collegiate caucus. She was approved by the senate unanimously.
President Joseph Gassensmith then gave his presidential state of the senate address. Gassensmith claimed that this year's executive board has 75% of their platform points in progress in the first nine weeks of the school year.
“One of the biggest points that my executive board wants to focus on is sexual assault awareness and overall campus and community safety,” Gassensmith said. “Our board has met with the office of Health Promotion and advocacy to discuss the further implementation of the angel shot initiative in local businesses, and I am confident of the progress we are making in the program.”
Gassensmith said he had high hopes for the future success of his executive board.
“I am confident that by the end of the semester 100% of our platform points will be in the works with a number of them having been completed by the end of this term,” Gassensmith said.
He said, however there were possible shortcomings of SGA and senate.
“However I’d be lying if I said that I didn’t have concerns about the overall function of SGA as a whole,” Gassenemith said. “I am fearful that stagnation is seeping into all branches of our system, and that some members may have lost their way in all branches. I am sure that my concerns are premature, and that SGA as a whole will prove that the welfare of the student body remains as the primary focus of all that we do.”
Gassensmith proceeded to then address the greater community at Ball State University.
“The final point I would like to make is to those that would rather not listen to the student voice,” Gassensmith said. “It will continue to grow louder and louder. SGA will not be made to serve only as a non-voting ex officio member in senatorial representation and we will fight tooth and nail to retain our legitimate vote, something that has sent our institution apart from others for decades.”
Executive reports followed Gassensmith’s address. Treasurer Isaac Ledford presented an updated budget, and encouraged senators to spend more money due to the lack of budget requests currently.
Chief of Staff Katrina Leming also gave an update on the many projects of her cabinet, including but not limited to the tree replacement platform point of the executive board and the lighting index [a new blue light map] as well as student concerns for transportation on campus.
There were no pieces of new or unfinished business. The senate meeting was then adjourned.
Contact Madelyn Bracken with comments at madelyn.bracken@bsu.edu.
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