BY RAEGAN NEUFELD
As discussed by Student Government Association President Ryan Stanley and Vice President Austin Ruff in their recent interview, SGA has a lot to look forward to during the spring semester. In their first meeting on Thursday, Stanley, Ruff and the rest of the executive staff shared updates on several upcoming events with the senators.
First on the list of upcoming events is Higher Education Day on February 15. On this day, students from each Kansas Board of Regents institution will travel to Topeka to meet with state legislators and advocate for higher education needs.
“I would highly encourage all of you to consider signing up,” Legislative Affairs Director Ella Burrows said. “I have 25 different meetings scheduled with legislators at the state level, so we need as many people to go as possible.”
According to Burrows, the main topics students will be advocating for are affordability, accessibility, sustainability and food insecurity. These topics were set by the Students’ Advisory Council, which consists of Stanley and the five other university student body presidents.
The trip, paid for by SGA, is open to any student. The form to sign up can be found on TigerLink and is open until February 7.
Senators also heard from Ziwei Qi of the criminal justice department about the second annual Love and Healthy Relationship Expo, which takes place during April for National Sexual Assault Awareness Month. The criminal justice department is partnering with several campus and community organizations, including Jana’s Campaign, Options Domestic and Sexual Violence Services and the Health and Wellness Center. SGA will also be a co-sponsor for this event.
“[There will be] different booths with different organizations representing different educational topics,” Qi said. “You can go there and ask about what services or education they offer to educate young people in healthy and supportive relationships. Not only romantic relationships, but also friendships or co-workers.”
According to Qi, last year’s inaugural event drew between 60 and 70 participants.
“This year, we’re really trying to engage more stakeholders on campus, and hoping to have more students, faculty and community members join this event,” she said.
The event doesn’t take place until April 5, but Qi is hoping to start advertising in February.
Community Relations Director Emma Day gave an update on planning for the Big Event, an upcoming service day. The exact date has not been finalized yet.
“Hopefully, we’re going to get a Friday off of classes so students can sign up for the Big Event, or if they’re signed up can be excused,” she said. “We’re just waiting to hear what the answer is.”
Two new members were inducted into the senate and a few new bills were read for the first time at the meeting as well.
The next SGA meeting is set for 7:00 p.m. on February 2. The location is yet to be determined.