Over 130 students logged into Zoom on Wednesday, April 8, at 8:30 p.m. as Union University’s first ever virtual Senate was called to order. After over an hour of discussion among senators, one bill passed and one resolution failed.
Prior to the Senate session, SGA vice president Madison Hari emailed student senators a list of procedures to follow to keep the Zoom session organized. Students were asked to keep microphones muted unless called on to address the floor and to utilize Zoom’s options to “raise hand” and vote “yes” or “no.”
Although the senators did not sit in the rows of Harvey Hall as normal, the student government association still conducted Senate in its usual order and structure.
At 8:30 p.m., Hari called the meeting to order and asked chaplain Suzanne Rhodes to open with prayer, Scripture and a word of encouragement to students.
Ambassador Layton Estes welcomed everyone and encouraged senators to reach out to him with any changes they wish to see during Union’s time of online learning for the remainder of the spring 2020 semester.
Senator Samuel Sadler presented a bill for the allocation of $200 to The Torch, an annual student literary arts publication. The bill quickly passed with no debate.
Senators Darius Mullin and Grant Gammon presented a resolution asking that Union University would allow a pass/fail grading system for the spring 2020 semester.
Hari read Union’s recently released statement on grading practices for the spring of 2020 and opened the floor for debate.
Students immediately selected the “raise hand” button on Zoom, and Hari called on them one at a time to address the floor and state their intent.
Discussion was split, with many arguing against the resolution and several advocating for it. After over an hour of discussion, senators were asked to vote using the “yes” or “no” buttons on Zoom. The resolution failed, with 35 votes in favor and 65 opposed.
Treasurer Takiya Britton gave a finance update. Prior to the Senate session, the SGA treasury had $2,000, which was reduced to $1,800 after the proposed bill was passed. Britton encouraged senators to submit requests for allocations to their organizations.
Student Activities Council president Leah Campbell announced virtual activities that SAC is working on for the remainder of the semester.
Hari closed with an announcement that Bo Mantooth, director for student leadership and engagement, would be sending an email to students with information about class officer elections and faculty committee appointment applications, which are due April 23.
The success of the first virtual Senate was exciting to the SGA staff and senators.
Raymond Chahyadi, Executive President and junior economics and political science major, was encouraged by the number of senators who logged on to represent their organizations.
“It was amazing to have Union’s very first virtual Senate,” said Chahyadi. “Although it was different in that the senators and organizations couldn’t physically meet, we had over 100 people join us.”
Hari, a junior accounting major, is hopeful that SGA can lead by example in showing club and organization leaders that it is possible to remain connected throughout the remainder of the semester.
“I think it’s important for Union students to continue to see and hear from each other during this time to be reminded that we’re not alone, as we’re all facing a variety of emotions and adjusting to online classes,” said Hari. “Union’s first virtual Senate reminded me how thankful I am for the community we have at Union.”
The next virtual Senate will be held on Wednesday, April 22, on Zoom.
Photo courtesy of Neil Cole
