A total of 12 new senators were elected to the Student Government Association (SGA) and formally inaugurated at a meeting on Monday, Sept. 15.
As the gavel rang and the new senators were sworn in, Marlin Collingwood shared that student enrollment is up 20% for first-year students. Collingwood, vice president of enrollment management and marketing, said he was pleasantly surprised and noted the percentage of 18-year-old first-years each fall semester is decreasing.
He added that the uptick in enrollment can largely be tied to the new lacrosse and wrestling teams introduced this year, which have attracted increased interest from prospective students.
Following his remarks, speakers Jill Zoria and Emily Sjoberg, both part of the Office of University Advancement, discussed their responsibilities in fundraising for students. This includes supporting basic student needs, the It’s On Us organization, athletics, the alumni association, the Pittsburgh Playhouse and various scholarships.
At the meeting, Zoria and Sjoberg promoted Day of Giving, an event designed to help raise funds for the student programs and needs listed above. This year, the event will be hosted Nov. 6, with a fundraising goal of $350,000, an amount organizers say is critical to sustaining these programs.
SGA then moved into an open discussion, addressing specific concerns, including heat in the animation labs and an upcoming debate on the use of artificial intelligence on Point Park’s campus.
Gianna Regoli and Alexis Faessel said the lack of fans in the animation labs has caused significant discomfort and proposed funding through SGA to remedy the situation.
Regarding AI use, Regoli said she found it unfortunate due to the numerous artists on campus. Faessel noted it could provide valuable opportunities for resumes and practical experience for students.
Executives also reported on the Pro Tempore election, fall funding and major representation in SGA meetings.
The Pro Tempore election, open only to senators, will allow the elected official to stand in as president or vice president when necessary.
Regarding fall funding, Treasurer Samuel Fehl said funds have already been distributed. Both committee and executive members encouraged the Ballroom Club to be sponsored under the university rather than SGA, citing the size and competitive nature of the club as making university sponsorship more suitable.
Finally, the committee reported that the new Taekwondo Club’s constitution is still under review and an emergency funding request is being considered.
Concerns were raised over potential costs for competitions following club meets. Currently, the club is not fully approved and remains in the approval process.
Meanwhile, emergency funding for four other clubs was unanimously approved.
