Updates from SGA: Bell Tower Ball Pt.2 and More
On February 6, 2023, the Student Government Association (SGA) announced plans to host another Bell Tower Ball on March 4th at 7 pm. The ball will take place at the Summit of Bossier City in Bossier City. In response to students’ requests, the ball will be themed Mardi Gras Masquerade. Students are encouraged to dress to impress and compete in the “Best Dressed” competition. Again this year, the Student Government Association is working with local businesses to secure discounts for students renting and purchasing formal attire.
Although funding the ball became controversial with student-athletes last semester who argued they would not be able to attend the ball due to their practice schedules and that the money for the ball should instead be used to fund hype videos, senators worked to alleviate these concerns this semester by setting the date of the ball to accommodate as many athletic teams as possible. Following SGA President Okereke’s meeting last semester with David Orr, the Director of the Athletics Department, Orr agreed any athletics-related advertising should fall under his department’s jurisdiction.
In addition to these changes, the Campus Engagement Committee successfully lowered the cost of the ball from $12,700 to $5,000. Considering the significant decrease in cost, the successful turnout of the ball last year, and the positive responses given by students who attended, the SGA nearly unanimously voted in favor of hosting the ball once more this semester.
The SGA also made other big announcements, namely a special election for two senior senators to represent the senior class. The vacancies occurred when two senior senators working on the Institutional Affairs Committee graduated early, leaving the Committee with only three active members. On February 7th, the SGA swore in the special election winners, Bri Callicoatte and Christine Goodman. The new senators will join the Institutional Affairs and help to complete any remaining agenda items this semester, which could include campus improvements and bylaw revisions.
The SGA also recently funded the installation of four dog waste bag receptacles proposed by the Institutional Affairs Committee, which will be located by each residence hall. This purchase was made in response to frustrations with student and community dog owners neglecting to dispose of their animals’ excrements. The SGA is also in communication with Katherine Shamburger, the Director of Residence Life and Student Conduct, to reinforce penalties for students who fail to clean up after their dogs. The Career Closet, another project proposed by the Institutional Affairs Committee, received support from the SGA last week. The Career Closet will provide free professional clothing to students to borrow or keep for their interviews, internships, and other career-developing opportunities. Additionally, the Career Closet will offer free interview-readiness training to students in the form of mock interviews and resume advice. Students can expect to use the services of the Career Closet, located on the first floor of the Magale library, at the beginning of March this semester.
