By Sophia Harris
Associate Editor
By Kaitlin Carman
Staff Writer
SGA inducted eight new members and discussed concerns about stolen equipment and increased prices at the dining commons at its Sept. 27 meeting.
President Evelyn Campbell opened the meeting by addressing the passing of Djelia Barbosa.
Campbell said, “We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of one of our community members. Our hearts go out to Djelia's family, friends, and to anyone who knew her.”
She added, “All of our hearts go out to the ACDG members. Losing a person that you hold so close to your heart isn't something I can even imagine.
“Djelia’s friends who spoke at the ceremony emphasized what a wonderful, caring, and free-spirited person she truly was. It was made clear knowing her was a privilege,” she added.
Campbell then held a moment of silence to “honor Djelia and the positive impact she has made here at FSU.”
She ended her statement by adding, “Thank you for taking the time to honor and acknowledge Djelia.”
During Open Forum, Senator Ben Hurney raised concerns about the increases in prices in the dining commons and Rams Den Grille.
The price to eat dining commons has increased this academic year from $10 to $11.50 for lunch and dinner and $5 to $6 for breakfast. Rams Den Grille prices increased overall as well.
This poses a significant difference for commuters since most of them use Ram Cash, Hurney said.
He added the quality of the food and the options in the dining commons have not improved.
“I just feel like dining has been the same over the past year,” he said.
Hurney added, “That just seems unnecessary, especially for commuters.”
Junior Bradley Collard discussed the lack of resolution regarding the broken and missing gym equipment in the Athletic center. “How am I supposed to do hammer curls with one 20 [20 lb. dumbbell]?”
He added the treadmill and rowing machines were not working.
New senator Jim Wang raised concerns about the apparent lack of advertising for events by the FSAB, particularly regarding the upcoming apple-picking event.
“The problem is when I looked through my email, I could not find any apple-picking-related news and I did not want to miss out,” he said.
Hurney, who is president of FSAB, said the organization is “in the middle of transitioning” regarding leadership positions.
He added, “Ideally, by next week, every event in the future should be advertised more.”
Campbell added events are often listed on Presence, “RamLink.” She said for future events, that would be the best way to find out what was happening in or around campus.
Senator Billy Hubert said he was approached by a senior student who claimed that he was unaware of the $100 graduation fee. Hubert said that he “did not know that either as a senior.”
He said the fee should be “broadcasted more” so students are not surprised by it when it comes time to graduate.
Hubert said he would also like to be made aware of the reason for this fee.
“I would also like to know or be given an answer. Is there any ballroom fee or an application fee?” he asked.
Campbell provided an update about the multi-factor authentication (MFA) issues numerous students are dealing with. She said, “There is not much that students can do on their own due to the nature of security.”
If any students are still having issues with MFA, Campbell directed them to contact IT through myit.framingham.edu to submit a request, email them at it@framingham.edu, or contact them by phone at 508-215-5906.
Senator Cesar Matos, who is also a member of S.E.A.L.S, said that they are hosting a Pause 4 Paws event on Monday, Oct. 2 from 1 p.m. - 2 p.m. There will be comfort dogs to help support students' mental health.
Matos added the group is seeking involvement from SGA, hoping to receive sponsorship as well as receive additional funding for the event.
Vice President Raffi Elkhoury said the University is hosting NARCAN training on Oct. 18 from 1:30 p.m. to 2:20 p.m. in the McCarthy Forum. He said the training is “incredibly important for our campus community to know about, and attendees will receive free NARCAN.”
Elkhoury said there will also be a Fentanyl Facts talk, “a conversation surrounding rising rates of fatal overdose and counterfeit pills,” given by local Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) agents on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 1:30 p.m. - 2:15 p.m. in the McCarthy Alumni Room.
Co-SGA Advisor Rachel Lucking said there will be a free COVID-19 and flu vaccine clinic taking place in the small gym in Dwight Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to noon and Thursday, Oct. 12 from noon to 4 p.m.
During the meeting, Chris Brown, Bradley Collard, Raena Doty, Sean Keaveney, Cesar Matos, Jeremy McDonald, Jacob Sargent, and Jim Wang were inducted as new senators. Rachel Lucking was the advisor at this meeting.
Student Trustee Ryan Mikelis said he is impressed by the student involvement on campus, highlighting that SGA now has a full eBoard and many new senators, “which I love to see, so welcome everyone.”
The U-Rock was presented to Elkhoury by Campbell. “He's been super helpful in my transition as president.”
She added Elkhoury has “been going above and beyond and is totally on top of everything.”
[Editor's Note: Raena Doty is Arts & Features Editor for The Gatepost. Ben Hurney is Staff Writer for The Gatepost.]