The first meeting of the year for SLU’s Student Government Association was brief, consisting primarily of updates from the executive board about happenings around campus in addition to a presentation by representatives from Atlas Week.
SGA President Vidur Sharma provided some new information on the ongoing search for a university president and the future of student housing. According to Sharma the presidential search process is “moving along nicely” and that there were “more sitting presidents than expected.”
Sharma also touched on housing, telling senators that steps are currently being taken to improve the residence options for students.
“Melinda Carlson, the new director of housing… is leading a housing master plan creation,” Sharma said.
The master plan will outline the current and future needs of student housing along with where the university can build, what needs renovation and what to do with the existing stock of residential buildings. It will outline the goals and strategies for university housing over the next 10 years. According to Sharma the plan is to have the master plan done by July 1, which coincides with the date the presidential search committee intends to have a new president in place.
Perry Draper, the vice president of finance, reminded students that Annual Funding Kickoff Meetings will be held on Jan. 30 and Feb. 1.
Vice President of Academic Affairs Ann Knezetic said that plans to alter SLU’s registration process are in their formative stages and asked for comments and recommendations as she begins to draft a “comprehensive list” of issues and possible improvements.
Nebu Kolenchery, an intern with the Atlas program, and Renee Richter, a senator in the College of Arts and Sciences, talked with the chambers about deadlines for anyone interested in participating in Atlas Week. Atlas Week is a weeklong series of events held every spring, during which numerous student groups host internationally-focused speakers, seminars and other productions.
The group is currently accepting nominations for their “Coffee and Conversations” program until Jan. 27. Three members of the SLU community will be selected from the nominations to share their international experiences with students in an intimate setting. The deadline for any other Atlas event submissions is Feb. 5.
