SGA held its fourth senate meeting of the semester on Wednesday, March 21 in Harvey Hall. Passing three bills and three resolutions, many with considerable debate, as well as a special address from Union President Dr. Dub Oliver, made for an exciting evening.
Oliver addressed Senate with two points of encouragement and also answered several questions. He began by encouraging students not to take relationships lightly.
“He who finds a wife finds a good thing,” he quoted from Proverbs 18:22. He explained that recently he and Mrs. Susie Oliver had spent more time apart from each other than they had in 31 years because she had been away taking care of her mom.
“A ring by spring has become a cliché,” Oliver said. “But we should not devalue the things that are good and right. We don’t make an idol of marriage but we should honor it.”
His second point of encouragement was about excitement as he watched Union’s very own Lady Bulldogs compete in the Elite Eight this week.
“All I could think of on the way home from the game was Psalm 126:3,” Oliver said. “’The Lord has done great things for us; we are glad’…Do I have the best job in the world or what?”
During the Q&A time, Oliver encouraged students to be mindful about their use of technology. He explained that we continue to spend more and more time looking at our screens and that we shouldn’t forget to enjoy one another.
Oliver’s final exhortation was to be in God’s word.
“Devotions and Christian books are great,” he said. “But nothing beats God’s word.”
Following Oliver’s address, the SGA Treasurer Madeline Fleming came up to give her report, informing students that nine organizations have already asked for and been granted money this semester and that they needed to be careful with how they vote since funds are limited.
Next was the first piece of legislation, a bill asking for the allocation of $200 to the Student Nurses Association for the gift of Bibles for the annual medical mission trip to the Dominican Republic.
Senator for The Torch, Clark Hubbard, acknowledged the warning that they needed to be careful with money but still stated his approval, saying, “We have a limited amount of funds but this is Bibles.”
The bill was passed.
The second piece of legislation was a bill asking for the allocation of $200 to The Torch for printing costs. Hubbard concluded his argument by reading a text from Oliver which said: “Let’s support creative writing and the arts at Union.”
The bill was passed with great enthusiasm.
Following the two bills was a resolution asking that the university would add a water fountain and refilling station on the third floor of the library. Some debate included necessity and cost concerns, but ultimately the resolution was passed.
The fourth piece of legislation was a resolution asking that graduates be allowed to wear stoles and cords from non-honors societies. Senator for Honors Student Association, Will Madison, was in full support of the resolution, stating that he has many friends that are not in honors societies and many of them work just as hard as students who are. The resolution passed with little debate.
Next was a resolution asking that the university would extend library hours prior to finals week. Resulting in an extended debate, concerns were mentioned about student workers having to work more hours and the possibility of Modero needing to be open later. Finally, an amendment was made and the resolution passed.
The final piece of legislation was a bill asking for the allocation of $50 to IEEE for the purpose of repainting the Union swing and chains. The bill passed with little debate.
SGA Treasurer Madeline Fleming gave another report, informing the student body that there is $750 left in the budget.
Closing the session was several announcements from student-led organizations.
These announcements included a reminder about SAC’s upcoming event the Variety Show, Dine and Discuss on Thursday, April 19, which Oliver will be attending, and a reminder that the deadline to submit works to The Torch is March 26. Lambda Chi Alpha is having an open party March 22 from 9 p.m. to 12 a.m., and the Bike Recycling Club also encouraged students to bring back any bikes you aren’t using from home after spring break so they can provide bikes for others. The Festival of Ten Minute Plays will be held in Barefoots on March 22 at 7 p.m., the International Food Festival is on April 21 and Business Week is coming up after spring break, as well as Faith in the Marketplace.
