The Concordian

Media Credit: Kathryn Alvarez Jeff Yeager and he SGA took care of business with their fi rst meeting of the semester. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Kathryn Alvarez Jeff Yeager and he SGA took care of business with their fi rst meeting of the semester. [Click to enlarge]

On Wednesday, August 26, the Student Government Association held its first meeting of the new semester. The meeting ran approximately an hour and forty-five minutes and was interesting and relatively successful.

To start the meeting, SGA President Jeff Yeager introduced President Aloia. The president began by discussing the new developments that have been made possible by the SGA; for example, the extension of cafeteria hours from 6:30 to 7 p.m., the new gazebo, and the increase in flex dollars. He also spoke about the projects that are underway and the projects that will be made possible due to stimulus money. He mentioned everything from the soon-to-be completed University Point to making Concord more energy efficient. Also, he informed the group of the increase in enrollment, despite stricter guidelines for admittance.

When he was finished with his speech, President Aloia was met with an array of questions. Many representatives in attendance brought up the overflow in housing and the difficultly students have had finding parking. Aloia answered these questions by discussing the 8,400 square feet that will be added by the newly purchased modules and by telling the SGA of a new research initiative geared towards finding grants to enable the college to build new housing facilities and construct a new three-story parking facility behind Woodell. He also told of Concord’s failed attempts to purchase local buildings for housing because of the owner’s reluctance to sell with the increase of students. However, due to the economic crisis, Concord is not as financially able to undergo all of the projects it aspires to at this time.

Also, Business Manager Matt Belcher asked Aloia of the status of a proposal made by the SGA to extend visitation hours in the dorms and change tailgating rules. Aloia replied that they were “in the process” of reviewing it and that it would be up for discussion in a meeting on Monday.

Next, Marjie Flanigan spoke to the SGA about getting the University organization directory together. All University organizations are reminded to please turn in their pink slips. After her speech, the SGA Cabinet began their office reports.

When the time came to vote on bills, the SGA approved Dr. Charles Brichford as their faculty member advisor. Furthermore, they created four new committees: the Multicultural Affairs Committee, the Judicial Reform Committee, the Budgetary Committee, and the Energy Sustainability and Conservation Committee. Later, they voted to submit an amendment to add senator seats for discussion.

Finally, emotions ran high when it was suggested that the SGA should table the resolution that would have them contributing two-thousand dollars to keep the library open for an additional two hours. Matt Belcher suggested that a vote on this bill should be postponed until after Yaeger’s cabinet had met with Aloia’s team. His argument was that the SGA should not monetarily commit to a proposal when they did not know exactly what changes the money would finance. However, SGA President Jeff Yeagar argued that it was a matter of trusting the administration, and that postponement would just slow the process. Many representatives had opinions on this matter, and several times the senate was called to order. After some argument, finally the proposal was called to a vote. The senate greatly supported the proposal to table the issue, and it will be up for a vote next week.

At the end of this emotional yet productive meeting, Dr. Brichford reminded the senate that in order to have a successful year in SGA individuals must remain civil and diplomatic. Anyone in attendance should agree that if this meeting serves as a precedent, the SGA should have an interesting yet productive year.

If you cannot attend the meetings, yet still wish to be involved in the SGA, there are several options that enable you to do so. First, the SGA now has a YouTube and a Twitter. Students are encouraged to view these pages in an effort to keep the student government open. Second, students are reminded that there are complaint boxes that are checked every week by the Ombudsman.

If you have a complaint or a comment, you are encouraged to submit it. Your opinion is important to have a voice in your government.

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