Student Government Association East Tennessee State University Tuesday, September 29th Virtual (Zoom)
I.
Call to Order
II.
Roll Call- 22 of 26 present
III.
Open Forum
a.
President Noland
I.
At ETSU, we have 17 positive cases of COVID19 and 33 in quarantine at time
of meeting. Dr. Noland is holding focus groups regarding how students feel
their classes are going. Although plans are not absolute, Spring semester is
expected to be 80% online with 20% of courses on ground. A mental health team
is forming in order to reach out and support students during COVID19. Details are
not available at this time. In an update regarding September, Dr. Noland spoke
to the racist flyers placed on cars around the ETSU campus and throughout the
region. This was performed by 3 members of a white supremacist group who posed
as media and held interviews at Slocomb galleries. The university is aware of
their identity, but ETSU has chosen to not bring attention to their cause
through publicity. Students in the ETSU Athletic Department are leading a march
to support social change and justice. Sadly, traditional Fall Commencement will
likely be replaced by a virtual commencement. Budget adjustments made in summer
were successful, we should not need further adjustments unless something goes
terribly wrong. ETSU looks to the Spring semester solid, balanced, and confident.
IV.
New Business
a.
BucFund- $2,328.83 was requested. The Financial Affairs committee recommended
$2,250.00. The recommendation for funding passed 7-0-0 in committee. This
funding of $2,250 passed with a vote of 21-1-0.
V.
Old Business
a.
SSA-20-002- Vote 21-1-0 Passed.
A second reading was waived by Senator Jordan, seconded by Senator Calhoun.
This is a bill to change the process by which the student member of the Board
of Trustees is selected. Committee remarks detailed their support. Discussion
about this bill was positive. The Board of Trustees will retain the right to
make the final selection. However, this bill allows the SGA more control over
the initial selection process.
VI.
Executive Branch Remarks
a.
President: A policy introduced by President Patel outlining pass/fail allowance
for one class for each student’s Fall semester has passed at Academic Council.
b.
Executive Vice President: Students interested in TISL should contact EVP
Manning. There will be no committee meeting next week, Oct. 6, 2020.
c.
Vice President for Finance and Administration: Senators were encouraged to
write legislation.
VII.
Advisor Remarks
a.
Dr. Howard: There will be a unity march Sept. 30, 2020 at 4:00. The Martin
Center is allowing tours for SGA members on Oct 9, 2020. Contact Dr. Howard for
further information.
VIII.
Cabinet Remarks- Sec. of Allocations Smith- One application was submitted
and approved for $2,250.00, leaving $109,983 for on campus use and $19,752 for off
campus. There are many applications remaining in process to be heard at the
next meeting.
IX.
Senate Remarks
X.
Adjourn