This year’s members of the Student Government Association met for the first time on Tuesday. There was a spirit of cooperation as SGA began 2001-2002 year of operation.
At this inaugural meeting of the Senate, the primary issue on the agenda concerned the appointment and confirmation of eight new associate justices for the Student Court: Marsha Ishman, Nicole Teague, Amber Hunt, Elizabeth Johnston, Steven Curt Rose, Grey Leadingham, Crystal Landers and Kayla Griffith.
The Student Court handles all suits against SGA, appeals from lower student courts such as the RHA court, and student disciplinary cases which do not fall under the purview of other student disciplinary bodies.
After Chief Justice Adam Moore introduced the appointments, the Senators were offered the opportunity to interview the prospective justices prior to voting.
Vice President Jennifer Berry urged the Senate to make known any inquiries, stating, “This is your time to ask questions, this is awfully serious.”
All of the prospective candidates were approved unanimously, except Kayla Griffith who passed on a vote of 13-1-2. The Senate also heard points from Sen. Chris Zeigler on the bill to rewrite the policies of 606 funding. The purpose of the funding is to support student organizations and activities that are deemed beneficial for the student body at large.
This bill will make major changes in the funding process. Student advisor Dr. Sally Lee said, “It will streamline, literally streamline, the clerical work that goes on behind the scene.”
After the debate, the Senate agreed on a student election date, March 26-27. The SGA Constitution requires the Senate to ratify an election date at the first meeting of the new academic year.
After the meeting, SGA President Chad Reed outlined his primary goal, which is student outreach programs.
“Students are disgruntled, by the unknown or unexplained (they) need to understand the [potential] effectiveness of the Student Government Association,” Reed said.
Reed discussed his desire to have a monthly column presented in the East Tennessean outlining events, SGA programs, and general SGA business as it concerns students. He also discussed his idea for “Student Awareness Week.” The program would consist of senators speaking about SGA in their respective classes and on campus.
Reed also mentioned his plans involving creation of a “Spring Pride Week.” He added comments about a more effective “student discount card” system saying that, “the (standard) Student ID would be the best way to do student discounts.”
SGA meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Forum on the third floor of the Culp Center.

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