On Friday, Oct. 25. the Associated Student Government voted on a new student advocate, approved the student activity budget, and discussed their upcoming Halloween event.
The meeting began with an interview with Kaila Service, who is running for the student advocate position. Service stressed the importance of being accessible and available to students.
“Before I ran for ASG, in general, a lot of my roommates and friends didn’t really know even if there was an ASG or who their student advocate was, and so that was really eye-opening to me,” Service said.
Highlighting a need for an inclusive space for students to voice their opinions, Service suggested tabling to inform students about the role of the Student Advocate and hear their input on campus matters. She also proposed an idea for a town hall-like meeting to allow students to talk about the issues they face on campus.
“One thing I really want to make sure is that students feel comfortable with who I am,” Service said. “ I think it can be really intimidating coming to a board of trustees.”
In a 9 to 1 vote, Kaila was chosen as the new student advocate with President Raquel Smith thanking her and the rest of the board for their enthusiasm in taking on new positions.
This leaves the position of commissioner of accessibility open to new applicants.
Considering the possible changes, ASG continued to finalize and approve the student activity budget for the fall 2024 semester. This budget would go towards events held for students.
In the activity budget, they increased club grants from $10,000 last semester to $15,000 and expanded scholarship funds for students. $10,000 was kept the same for events.
In reviewing the Student Representative budget, the budget for student advocacy, and the ASG’s expenses, they found that the student government had amassed a $6,000 deficit from the misplacement of funds from the previous ASG board. More funds are expected to arrive with the spring enrollment, the board is waiting for more information to make a final decision and approve the budget.
The meeting concluded with the student government planning and allocating money for upcoming events.
Vice President Libman presented a budget allocating $310 for their Halloween Fright Fest, which will be held in collaboration with the Theater Arts Club and Students Honors Society. The event includes Halloween-themed games and activities for all students to enjoy and participate in.
The next ASG board meeting will be held Nov. 2
