The Student Government Association had three pieces of legislation on its agenda for discussion on Tuesday.
Two of them were set aside to be discussed at next week’s meeting when some of their key proponents would be present for discussion. Both address the issue concerning the future location of the SGA office, which could be moved from its current location in the D.P. Culp Center.
The other legislation was a resolution concerning the salaries of faculty at ETSU being below the national average.
Sen. Ethan Flynn wanted to talk with the sponsor of the bill who was absent.
While sponsored by Sen. Daniel Hatcher, former senator and current Secretary of Interior James Sheffey actually proposed the resolution.
When questioned about his information, he said he had received most of it from a professor. The faculty member told Sheffey that his salary was $10,000 below the national average for his position.
Sheffey then addressed the statewide budget cut, alleging that too much had been cut, leaving a slight surplus.
Vice-President Kayla Griffith interceded and asked Sheffey if he had any facts to support his conclusions. He did not.
A motion was then made to table that resolution along with the others until next week.
Griffith warned the senate to be sure they can support what they propose.
“It’s a waste of everyone’s time,” she said in reference to legislation without facts to support it. She cautioned that future legislation should be carefully researched.
Jon Walker, the director of Campus Recreation, visited the SGA and updated them on events taking place in his department. He discussed the use of the Center for Physical Activity, particularly in the summer.
Some senators expressed concern over access and cost to use the facility during the summer break. Walker stated students who are enrolled in summer school will have access, and those who are not can still access it for a fee.
New hours will be in place next summer with the facility opening and closing later than it did this previous summer.
He also reassured students that no community memberships will be sold to the CPA, and only current students will have access to it.
The current access system requires a student ID. Walker attributed this restricted access to the lower number of thefts and other problems that have occurred at other campus recreation locations that are now closed, including Brooks Gym and the Mini-Dome.
Concern was raised over the SGA-sponsored “Be An Ace, Find Your Place” leadership workshop. A discrepancy was noticed after some advertisements stated it was free and some mentioned the fee.
An ad for it that was run recently in the East Tennessean stated there is a $10 registration fee for ETSU students. It was clarified that the event is open and free for all ETSU students.
The meeting lasted approximately 50 minutes. The SGA meets every Tuesday at 4 p.m. in the Culp Forum.

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