SGA held their first meeting of the semester this Monday, reflecting on past changes and striving for better student resources.
The biggest change was President Marc Palombo successfully working with the school’s IT Department to implement ten additional Wi-Fi points around campus, similar to the ones in Boulevard Apartments.
“Thanks to the insights from our Fall WIFI Survey, we’ve made significant progress; Tim Wilson, the Associate Vice President of Information Technology, has confirmed the installation of over 10 new access points in areas in the survey that needed improvement,” Palombo said. “While we don’t have a specific timeline for full implementation yet, rest assured, I’m dedicated to working closely with Physical Plant and Tim to make this happen within the semester. This improvement reflects the meaningful impact of our student body’s commitment and concern for our university. It’s a testament to how valuable student voices are in shaping our campus environment.”
SGA has also secured approval for a new work-study role within the IT Department.
“This position, developed jointly by SGA and IT, aims to tackle educational, marketing, and IT-related challenges faced by the department,” Palombo said. “If you’re interested in this opportunity, please reach out to [email protected] for more details.”
A new Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, headed by Chair Allicia Broyard, was officially created during the meeting. It currently lacks members, and Broyard welcomes anyone interested in joining.
Chief of Staff Frankie Bracey’s CulinArt Committee was officially disbanded, citing lack of attendance as its main detriment. Bracey continues to work with head of Culinart Kristy Weiss on improving campus dining.
Additionally, Bracey will be implementing a new committee in coming weeks, centered around planning a service project with The Red Door food assistance service on Stanwix street.
“It’s something that means a lot to me because I love giving back,” Bracey said.
Vice President Trevor FitzSimmons officially disbanded his Adobe Committee, citing a struggle with meeting times and resources.
Before its dissolution, the Committee calculated that running Adobe on every university computer would cost Point Park upwards of $90,000. They presented this data to University President Brusallis and Dean of Students Keith Paylo.
SGA will meet with Brusallis again this coming Thursday to discuss redistributing some of those funds.
President Marc Palombo presented Resolution S.01082024, calling it, “Our mental health initiative of the semester.”
Its main goal is to raise awareness for and end the stigma around getting help with mental health issues.
The resolution passed unanimously and will begin with a fundraiser for the cause.
The fundraiser will be held on Tuesday, January 16 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. in the Fishbowl. There will be T-Shirts for $10, food provided by CulinArt and a presentation of mental health awareness.
$8 of the cost of the shirt will go to the fundraiser, while the other $2 will cover costs.
Palombo said, “It’s more of a one-off event, but I anticipate sharing video clips online and selling more T-Shirts to keep the initiative going.”
Palombo initially planned to hire a contract therapist, but found the costs too excessive to fundraise for.
“We’re also exploring the possibility in the coming year of an apprenticeship or part-time role to further enhance the team’s capabilities if all goes well with work-study,” Palombo said. “SGA is at its strongest It’s ever been, driven by our proactive senators who are dedicated to educating, advocating, and making a real difference both on and off campus. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
There will be no legislative body meeting next week in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
The next meeting will be held on January 22nd in UC212. Anyone interested is welcome to come and observe.
