The Undergraduate Student Government passed a resolution creating a new senate seat for international student representation.
The implementation of the resolution begins immediately with the appointment of a senator by the International Student Services Office. The international student appointed by the office will be sworn in on Sept. 12.
In the future, this seat will be up for election, and only international students will be able to vote for this position. The resolution is in reaction to the increasing amount of international students enrolled at the University.
Speaker Nadia Oehler said the passing of the legislation is a “big step to becoming a more inclusive senate and representing the entire student body.” The resolution was passed with overwhelming approval; 17 members voted in favor and two members abstained.
USG members dedicated much of the meeting’s time to a brainstorming period during which senators were encouraged to think of at least five changes they would like to see occur around campus this school year. Ideas presented during this time included parking passes for overnight desk clerks and student desk managers, an upperclassmen peer mentorship program for off campus first-year students and increasing student awareness of remote printing.
Accessibility to emergency blue lights was also discussed, noting that other campuses tend to have more blue light posts visible at any one time. There are also no blue lights in the new Greek Village. Senators were encouraged to begin action on at least one of their ideas within the next 48 hours.
USG President Amanda Dortch announced the creation of a student advisory committee that will team with Capital Planning Vice President Steve Krakoff. The committee’s purpose is to create direct student input in the planning of future construction projects and the usage and allocation of campus spaces. Space usage is of growing importance as the University enrollment continues to consistently increase.
Membership on the committee is open to students outside of USG. Concerns of the committee will include Union space usage and other common places that tend to face congestion during the school day.
Dortch stressed the importance for USG members to thoroughly read proposed legislation and to make informed votes. Dortch also reminded members to keep consistent communication with their standing committees.
New business at the meeting included bylaw amendments and additions, particularly those concerning the attendance policy for USG members.
Oehler informed the body of proper meeting etiquette including attire, the use of technology and side conversations. Oehler also announced that President Mary Ellen Mazey will be attending the next general assembly meeting on Sept. 12.
Fellows from the Clinton campaign presented an opportunity for students to join the campaign during the next two months. A fellow on the campaign generally gives about 10 hours a week and engages in activities including voter registration, phone banking, digital marketing and general campaigning. The campaign is specifically seeking students who are “experts on Bowling Green.”
Eight new senators and officers were sworn in on Monday and three USG senate positions are still open. Open seats include those for the College of Education and Development, College of Musical Arts and non-traditional representation.
