By Sophia Harris
Associate Editor
The Student Government Association discussed the success of the Safety Walk, the addition of changing tables in restrooms, and new majors at its last meeting of the semester on Dec. 5.
President Evelyn Campbell congratulated SGA for the success of the Safety Walk, following which a new ramp was installed behind Horace Mann and CASA.
[Editor’s Note: See “ SGA Safety Walk sparks accessibility changes on campus” on page 9.]
She said the ramp construction was initiated by the head of facilities, Dan Giard, “who is awesome.”
Campbell said, “Our opinions matter. They are being heard and we are seeing change.
“Keep up the good work, everyone!” she added.
Vice President Raffi Elkhoury said due to a concern that was raised during an SGA meeting about a lack of baby-changing stations available at FSU, additional changing stations were installed in the women's and men's rooms in the athletic center and Dwight Hall, and the women's room in the dining commons.
Senator Jeremy McDonald, who is a member of the All University Committee, said new majors have been added.
These include biotechnology and wildlife and environmental biology, he said.
McDonald added majors in pre-vet and veterinary medicine have been tabled until the next meeting.
During the open forum, Senator Cesar Matos said a conversation with a professor prompted him to ask if the alternative spring break program would be reintroduced after it was stopped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said he hoped SGA would be able to discuss the program being reactivated for the entire school.
Senator Tony Sims inquired about graduate students being allowed to be a part of clubs and organizations on campus.
He said he has heard from many graduate students that they would like to be a part of clubs on campus but because of campus regulations, they are not able to.
Sims said this rule is damaging the graduate student experience at Framingham State.
He said he hopes SGA can do something to change this rule.
Elkhoury said because graduate students do not pay SATF, they are not eligible to participate in on-campus clubs and organizations.
He said SGA could “look into providing grad students an opportunity to pay the student activities funds.”
Elkhoury said “Although that might not be possible,” SGA can look into remedying it.
During new business, Izzy Shields and Natalia Lopez were sworn in as SGA senators.
Although Lopez was sworn in over Zoom during the meeting that occurred on Nov. 21 a formal in-person ceremony was held in order for the group to congratulate her.
Shields said they wanted to become a member of SGA because they value the community of friends they have made while attending SGA meetings and the opportunity to “make things happen on campus.”
During Campbell's president's report, she said Diversity and Inclusion Officer Ellen Lopes has stepped down from her position due to personal reasons.
She said because of this, she will now be taking on that role for the time being.
Campbell added, “If you know of anyone who might be interested in this position or you're interested in diversity and inclusion - definitely let us know because we want that position to be filled” permanently.
She asked for questions regarding the NECHE documentation that was sent to SGA for review at the previous meeting, but no senator had any.
Campbell said the first SGA meeting of the spring semester will be held on Jan. 16, the first day of classes.
She said during this meeting, they will be approving the SGA constitution and budget.
Campbell said SGA will start approving funding requests for the spring semester on Jan. 30.
Senator Raena Doty awarded the U-Rock to Sims for his kindness and communication skills.
Senator of the Month was awarded to Matos by SGA.
The Most Spirited award was awarded to Secretary Anna Risotti.
[Editor’s Note: Raena Doty is an Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost.]