Student Government Association Allocates Funding and Establishes Transfer Student Caucus
Roughly $333,000 of the Student Government Association’s total $512,000 budget has been spent, according to figures reported by Treasurer Amy Xu during the weekly General Body Meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 20. The meeting covered major funding proposals, structural legislative changes, and administrative priorities for the student body.
Take Back the Night Rally Funding Bill Advances
Shreemann Patel, Vice President of the Senate, put forward a funding measure for a Take Back the Night protest against sexual violence on Nov. 1. The event is a part of the national call for rallies on campuses across the country, featuring speakers, a call to action from students and a vigil. Senators questioned Patel regarding speakers, costs of the event and the timeline for planning the event. Patel explained that Hopkins received the call from rally organizers to participate on Oct. 11 and that he had needed to obtain approvals before bringing the proposal to the Senate. He further mentioned that financial backing must be secured by the organizers prior to the release of any speaker details. The Senate progressed the bill from the first reading to the second during the meeting. A motion to approve the bill followed.
Transfer Student Caucus Established in Legislative Vote
Following a favorable recommendation from the Internal Affairs Committee, the Senate approved a measure to create a transfer student caucus. The Senate unanimously confirmed Johnny Aguilar and Jacqueline Kim to the Judiciary.
Budget Guidelines and Executive Priorities Outlined
Treasurer Amy Xu outlined expectations for funding proposals. Bills should clearly identify an event’s audience, costs, planning logistics and timing. Any funded programming must be accessible to the entire student body, and expenses incurred prior to formal approval are ineligible for reimbursement. Student Body Vice President Sumire Sumi shared several of her core focuses, which included maintaining sustainable budgets for registered student organizations as well as enhancing shuttle reliability and operating hours. Honora Muratori, the secretary, stated that the executive board convened with university administrators over the summer and is currently seeking feedback from the Senate concerning administrative operations.
Members of the Senate drafted inquiries for the Office of International Services (OIS) centered on how it assists graduating students facing visa challenges and aids individuals in locating external resources that fall outside the office’s mandate. Discussions additionally focused on communication protocols surrounding immigration matters and the permitted uses of the Hopkins Groups platform for exchange students. Muratori called on senators to obtain written testimonies from students to stress the outreach issue. Tanisha Taneja provided updates regarding her initiatives in sexual assault awareness education, alongside suggestions concerning Narcan deployment and related training protocols. Members of the Senate additionally explored strategies to enhance constituent accessibility through designated office hours, a centralized feedback portal, and a constituency café proposed for later in the term.
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