ETSU’s SGA logo. (Contributed/ETSU)

Guest speaker and Assistant Director of Leadership and Civic Engagement Joy Fulkerson kicked off the Student Government Association meeting on Feb. 9 by expressing her thanks to SGA for funding for several service endeavors, including Alternative Break trips and bringing guest speakers to campus.

“Through the funding support of SGA, we’ve been able to bring some high-profile speakers to campus,” said Fulkerson.

During the meeting, legislation bill SS1-21-001 was read by Josie Ward. The bill requests that the university “amend its general policy on student conduct to create distinction between marijuana and harder drugs.”

Proposed SGA bill suggests ETSU should create a new policy for student marijuana violations. (Photograph by Abby Lewis/East Tennessean)

The bill will go through student affairs, and a decision will be made next week. The bill will then be sent back to SGA for a vote.

“The normal process for a legislation takes about two weeks, if not longer,” said Seth Manning, SGA vice president.

March 9 is the recommended deadline for SGA members to propose a new legislation this semester.

Also during the meeting, a motion to vote as a slate was passed, and Alex Coker and Levi Jones were inducted as members of SGA. Both spoke a few words of thanks and introduction.

“I’m looking to make a lot of changes around here, and hopefully for the better,” said Coker.

Jones expressed his excitement to work with SGA.

In other business, Jeff Howard encouraged students to apply to the Summit Awards. Howard also stated that renovations on the third floor of the Culp are finished and open.

“I can see a lot of major activities and events happening up there,” said Howard.

Nick Joran reported on having large funds remaining in the SGA budget, and encouraged student organizations to apply for funds.

At the next meeting on Feb. 23, the SGA will be voting on a new trustee. The top three candidates will be able to speak in the meeting, and members will be able to vote in-chat during the meeting. The voting will be public. SGA members will be provided access to the prior interviews with the top candidates to review before the meeting.

Additionally, SGA will select an alternate trustee, formally called the alternate designee. The selection of an alternate trustee, should anything happen to the primary trustee, is a new policy SGA says they are excited to implement.

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