In its only new business this week, SGA unanimously approved about $175 in emergency funding for It’s On Us (IOU).
The funding, which covers supplies for IOU’s upcoming Take Back the Night Neon Party, was requested after leadership at IOU apparently realized some federal grants it had been receiving were not renewed.
Treasurer Sam Fehl recommended approval of the request, and said SGA has the funding for it. The approved funding covers snacks, a neon photo backdrop, and other glow-in-the-dark party supplies.
SGA’s senators are conducting a few surveys, and some discussed their progress with the legislature this week. Senators are looking for students’ thoughts on both CulinArt, who oversee dining services on campus, and Physical Plant, who fill work orders.
The Physical Plant survey, according to Vice President Madigan Balfe, has received over 80 responses. The CulinArt survey has received over 150.
Grace Smith, diversity, equity, inclusion and wellness chair, was out this week on an excused absence. Smith sent word to the legislature, asking it to discuss implementing more diverse language options on campus.
Parliamentarian Sienna Wraith, who said they were at the meeting where this issue was raised, said that international students who don’t speak English as a first language have discussed having issues keeping up in English-spoken classes and following signs written only in English.
“It’s just hard when it’s not your first language,” Wraith said. “It’s hard to understand things.”
SGA was receptive to the concern; Vice President Balfe proposed inviting some of the affected students to next week’s legislative body meeting so they can explain the issue themselves.
Devin Frank, the director of downtown engagement, also noted student concerns — this time from the esports team’s orbit.
Frank said students covering esports’ events would like to form a club, similar to the existing Sports Communication Club that covers athletics. A constitution for the club might be proposed accordingly in the coming weeks.
The legislature also discussed its upcoming Pioneer Community Week event. SGA on Tuesday set up 12 tables in the ballroom from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Additional information on the event is pending, as it will occur after The Globe’s Monday night presstime this week.
SGA’s most recent event, a table for Trans Day of Visibility, was a success, according to Chief of Staff Zoe Cybulski. Visitors to the table made advocacy packs for local trans Pittsburghers.
The next SGA meeting will be on Monday, April 13 at 3:15 p.m. in the Professional Career Readiness Center. All are welcome to attend.
