SGA Brief

President Ben Able called the twenty-third meeting of the 39th Council of the the Student Government Association (formerly known as the Association of Furman Students) to order at 6 p.m. on Monday, January 25, 2010, in the Thomas Room of the University Center. After the invocation and commemoration of St. Paul led by religious council representative Scott Parnell, secretary Julianna Battenfield took roll: senior Andrew McCarthy and junior DJ Harris were absent. The first special guest of the evening was Dr. Boyd Yarbrough, who spoke about commencement gown options for seniors.


Until now, seniors had to purchase their graduation robes (which this year are estimated to cost $56), but Dr. Yarbrough is looking into the possibility of renting them this year and in the future. He explained that the rental robes are cheaper ($40), more sustainable and of better quality. He is searching for student opinion on the issue since, in order for all students to look uniform, graduating seniors will either all rent or all buy. Council members gave their suggestions, with 17 recommending renting, and two preferring to purchase. Either way, Boyd explained, students will be able to keep their tassels.


Next, Carol Daniels announced that graduating students will be given five rain tickets each, but that graduation has not been moved due to weather but once in her 37 years at the University. She also said she is glad that sorority and fraternity recruitment is finally over.


In officer reports, vice president Patrick Wallace announced the first college-student night at Wade Hampton Bowling Lanes on Thursday from 7 until close. Then, religious council's Scott Parnell announced that Greg Lavoy will be on campus Feb. 11 to speak on one's vocation.


In old business, Council unanimously approved its mission, values, and vision statements, and approved the revisions made to its motion to make the alcohol policy in North Village simply an extension of that already found in The Vinings. The vote for this was 21 for and 2 against (Addison Howard and Rick Harris). The motion will be presented to the Student Life Committee of the Board of Trustees when it meets in February.


During open forum, Patrick Wallace responded to a recent opinion piece in the Paladin newspaper suggesting revisions to the AFS Shuttle policies. Though agreeing with many of the suggestions, Wallace explained that lack of funding keeps them from using a second shuttle, and that insurance requirements make obtaining a second shuttle difficult anyway because it must have four back wheels.

Council adjourned at 6:50 p.m.