On Tuesday, October 3rd, at 4:00 p.m., the Student Government Association Senate held their meeting in the Smith-Brown Memorial Union in the Ballroom, where they conversed about important matters regarding the student body at Southern University.
The meeting started with Kennedy Orr, SGA Vice President, allowing each committee to speak about their progress about various events and/or activities that they have held.
Senator Khalil Bynum spoke on behalf of Human Jukebox and The Dancing Dolls, where he discussed the demand for The Human Jukebox to perform during the upcoming week of homecoming. He states that Director Taylor feels as if the administration doesn’t understand the pedestal the students are on for being in the band. The students practice 40 hours a week. Not only that, but they get booked for an event on campus while learning another field show on top of the one that they are learning for homecoming. This puts a strain on the band students both emotionally and physically, Considering that their number one priority is to make good grades in their classes.
Senator Bynum and the traffic and parking committee also had the opportunity to speak about traffic and parking. He addressed the concerns about ticketing and towing. The traffic and parking committee interviewed on September 28th with Officer Reed, the head of the department. “We ask, as the university starts to grow and evolve, what are the plans for student parking around campus?” Officer Reed states, “There is plenty of parking on campus, but the problem with student parking is that it is not where they would like it to be, and states that there are no promises for student parking to be made. The mini dome also has a lot of parking available for students to park.” Officer Reed further stated to make sure you are parking in the right parking zones to avoid ticketing.
Later in the senate meeting, Ms.Darby Smith spoke on inclusion and representation. She stated that she has been working with administration and student affairs on how to make students feel more involved and be very culturally diverse. She further states that she has had students come to her about not feeling included. While in the meeting, she had a QR code with which students were able to speak about not being included in things that may go on campus. The results were completely anonymous and allowed them to receive data to further work towards making all students feel included. In addition, she mentioned that the QR code initiative was a successful way to gather valuable feedback from students. By ensuring anonymity, it created a safe space for students to express their concerns and experiences openly. This data-driven approach will enable the administration and student affairs to develop targeted strategies that address specific areas where inclusivity can be improved and used.
Later on in the agenda, Vice President Kennedy Orr opened the floor to conversation regarding public expression throughout Southern University’s campus.
Bryman Williams, freshman president, brought up the fact that his freshman class was asking why there wasn’t a Mr. Freshman for his class. Mrs.Nyla Anderson Hill stated, “Mister Freshman was elected during Freshman week, which is held in the spring, so therefore all the hard work had been done before he had been elected.”
Lastly, students inquired about homecoming and why it is set up the way it is this year. Students were encouraged to stay for the presidential debate to hear from our 79th SGA President, Brandon Horne.
The next senate meeting is scheduled for October 30 at 4 p.m. in the Mocha Room in the Union.
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Senate Meeting
October 10, 2023
The Senate of Southern University.
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