The Concordian

The Student Government Association held a closed session last Wednesday, Feb. 24, but what exactly does this mean?

Members of the media, administration, and anyone else who is not a member of SGA is asked to step outside if a motion is passed to go into closed session.

Closed sessions are typically reserved for two types of conversations; the first being personnel issues, and the second being discussion of a tuition rally. 

However, one of the primary reasons for having a closed session is simply so members can speak freely. Nothing is recorded in the minutes.

A reason is usually given when moving into closed session; however, one was not given last Wednesday.

Curtis Kearns, Board of Government Representative, voted “no” for going into closed session.

The motion was made by Faculty Senate Representative, Ashley Green. A two-thirds vote is needed in order for the motion to be passed.

 “To me, it’s disturbing,” Kearns said.  “A long tradition of transparency has been broken.”

Kearns says members discussed how SGA can improve, as well as why it’s failing students.  He says everything was discussed from the quality of ranch dressing in the cafeteria to tuition costs.

Ironically enough, he said transparency was one of the issues discussed - even though the doors were closed.

President Jeff Yeager said he was not in favor of going into closed session, but the session only lasted for 20 minutes.  The rest of the meeting was conducted with open doors.

Tasks were outlined and assigned to each committee during the closed portion. 

“A lot of what SGA accomplishes is behind closed doors,” President Yeager said.

Kearns seems to feel differently; he said after the closed session ended, no new plan was established, and the SGA was no better off.

“Leadership is more than standing behind a podium,” Kearns said. He offered a three-step plan of action to turn SGA around.

1. Prioritize. 

2. Delegate and Follow Up.  3. Allow Communication

Kearns says he believes that SGA has lost its “fighting spirit.” Yeager’s presidency is nearing its end – only a few months remain.

He remains hopeful about what can be accomplished in what time is left. He boasted a very low tuition increase (anywhere from 0 to 2 percent), judicial reform (pertaining to hearing board procedures), and creating an SGA Code of Ethics.

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