The Student Government Association (SGA) Senate convened on Nov. 20 in the Mock Courtroom of Hatch Hall, tackling a range of issues affecting campus life and passing several important bills. The meeting, called to order at 6:08 p.m. by Senate President Kameelah Freeman, included senators from various colleges who deliberated on topics such as campus safety, parking regulations, and student wellness.
The Budget and Finance Committee reported the approval of funding for significant student programs, including “Home for the Holidays” and SGA’s “Higher Ed Day.”
Explaining the importance of “Home for the Holidays,” Sen. Winter Johnson said, “Home for the Holidays provides transportation for students who don’t have the funds to get home.” “There will be two trips provided to the Montgomery Regional Airport and one trip to the Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport,” she said.
The Senate revisited and approved bills to amend the SGA Constitution, including changes to the GPA requirements for executive positions and stricter campaigning rules.
The bill will raise the GPA requirement from 2.8 to 3.0 for the SGA President and Vice president. The GPA for Treasurer and Secretary will increase from 2.6 to 2.8. Jai Nolen emphasized the importance of candidate preparation.
“Anybody that wants to be a candidate would have to go through a leadership training directed by the student life coordinator,” Nolen said. “In addition to training, candidates must also attend all debates, forums, and seminars. Candidates are also required to complete the SGA constitution test. They must pass with an 80% or higher and will only have one attempt to retake.”
Discussing campaign regulations, Kareem Bennett added, “If a candidate wishes to withdraw from the election, they must do so by meeting with the SGA election committee and provide a valid picture ID in person and a written statement to withdraw.” “Candidates are allowed to have 20 to 25 campaign members and two campaign managers. All violations will result in a $50 fine,” he said.
Paris Etheridge was confirmed to the Elections Committee after discussing her role in ensuring fair campaigns. Additionally, the Senate approved six members for the newly-formed Campus Safety Committee, which proposed measures such as seminars, partnerships with local police, and the creation of defense mechanism classes.
Sen. Tuchondriana Smith also presented a resolution to collaborate more closely with Public Safety, but the resolution was tabled since its proposals aligned with the new committee’s responsibilities.
One of the most debated items was the Parking Ticket Bill, presented by Sen. Neveah Foster, proposing a $20 fine system for parking violations and a new booting policy for repeat offenders.
Addressing the current issues, Foster said, “This is a proposal for more affordable and convenient parking fees. You all know if you are in any sort of parking violation on campus, you will be issued a $75 boot by ASU. It’s your responsibility to pay your fine at the cashier’s office and then wait on ASUPD to come remove the boot. And also, if you don’t realize the boot in two to three hours, they will tow your car.”
Foster added, “With this bill, students who are in parking violations will only have to pay a $20 ticket fee at the cashier’s office, and ASUPD and student accounts are responsible for communicating that your vehicle has received a boot.”
The bill passed with amendments to expand enforcement areas on campus.
Another notable bill, the Virtual ID in Café Bill, spearheaded by Sen. Winter Johnson, enables students to use their phones for identification at campus dining facilities. Concerns regarding scanner functionality were raised but addressed.
Sen. Faith Johnson proposed a Mental Health Days Bill, which would allow students to count mental health days as excused absences. However, the bill was tabled to address potential changes to the university’s excuse policy.
Discussing the bill, Johnson explained, “My bill will allow students to have mental health days count as an excused absence. This is something that’s done at other universities, such as Grambling, NCAT (North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University), and Hampton. We would utilize the counselors here at the school as well as the SheCare Wellness pods.”
The Senate approved the Freshman Transition Program after adding amendments to include spring semester students.
Highlighting the program’s importance, Sen. Kayla McCray said, “The freshmen need opportunities to get them out and involved on campus. Whether it’s socially or mentally, freshmen need those outsources to get more familiar with the student body as well as the campus. This is also a great opportunity to collab with Miss Freshman.”
The Royal Court Conflict of Interest Resolution was passed, preventing students from serving as both SGA members and Royal Court Queens starting in Fall 2025.
Clarifying the timeline, Sen. Moorer said, “This bill will be enacted next year in May of 2025. I put that date so that it won’t affect anyone currently, just the new administration. It’s not going to be in the election committee rules, but when this is passed, it will be law.”
The Senate discussed resolutions aimed at improving campus facilities, including updates to parking lots and the Tullibody Fine Arts Building. Sen. Imani Armstrong introduced a resolution to address the lack of equipment in the Tullibody Fine Arts Building.
“The equipment is either being taken out of the building completely or locked away after hours, leaving students unable to practice,” Armstrong said. “With this resolution, students will have access to the equipment needed because it’ll be chained or bolted in their designated rooms.”
The meeting adjourned at 9:05 p.m., with members reminded to maintain decorum and continue their work ahead of the next session. This marked the final Senate meeting until further notice.
