Senators listen to Adrian Robledo, computer science sophomore, talk about legislation, Oct. 17. (George Svoboda)
The Student Government Association met on Tuesday, Oct. 17, to discuss MSU’s place in the Wichita Falls community.
The meeting opened with an announcement of the new Community Ambassadors program. The first ambassador to MSU is Glenn Barham, President of Military Affairs at Sheppard Air Force Base. Barham spoke to senators about leadership skills and the interdependence of Sheppard, MSU and Wichita Falls that keeps the economy stable.
SGA President Zetta Cannedy mentioned that MSU’s relationship with Sheppard is strong; however, one of her goals is to increase collaboration.
“Right now, we’re waiting for direction, kind of above us, to see how the university is going to do it. But in the past, I know last year that the Sheppard versus MSU, like volleyball games, the basketball games, they were really popular, and I know a lot of students really enjoyed watching those,” Cannedy said.
“According to my memory, MSU really wiped the floor with Sheppard. I think those were a lot of fun, and I hope to see those continue,” Cannedy added.
Senators meet in breakout groups to discuss their legislation, Oct. 17. (George Svoboda)
Beta Beta Beta MSU President Zaniya Medlin attended the meeting to voice her society’s concerns about the upcoming renovations at Bolin Hall. Medlin mentioned that the renovations will put vital research on pause, preventing professors from attaining tenure and students from having a competitive portfolio. Medlin also spoke about the distraction of construction during class time.
“Equipment that is located in Bolin Science Halls is required to continue research, and there are no currently set plans for moving this equipment, so research can effectively continue during the construction process,” Medlin said.
“This lack of research will make MSU students less competitive when applying to professional and graduate schools and will negatively impact graduate students currently at MSU. To limit research is to decrease enrollment and to push current students to transfer to more research-oriented universities,” she later added.
Adrian Robledo, computer science sophomore, motions to Vice President Joey Arthur to adjourn the meeting, Oct. 17. (George Svoboda)
After State Senate Bill 17 criminalized the use of state funds for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion groups, MOSAIC lost its ability to host such events. To work around this, the SGA introduced the Community Fund in Sept., which lets senators request up to $250 to host DEI events. The SGA has yet to have a request from the Community Fund, which has $1,500 that must be used before the semester’s end.
Senators will vote on the Comanche Road Opening Bill on Nov. 7 after more than 70% of students voted to reopen the road. The earliest that Comanche can be reopened is Feb. 2024.
