In this week’s Student Government Association (SGA) meeting, Senator Morgan Rollins presented concerns from students regarding food and meal plans at Dorrill Dining Hall from her experience at Dine with the Director on Sept. 14 with Grant Avent, the director of student dining.
Rollins mentioned the newly structured meal plans and outrage from students. Rollins shared that students had been sharing guest swipes prior to the meal plan change and Grant addressed the issue as the new plans allow students to receive more use of what they have paid for by purchasing a meal plan.
It was brought up by Rollins that many students voiced their concerns over the lack of alternative meat options. There were also complaints over foods such as pork, which goes against religious practices and foods with gluten and other allergens that students may have, according to Rollins.
Another concern pointed out was that many students experienced food poisoning from raw or poorly cooked foods at the dining hall. Rollins felt this issue was hard to determine whether it should be notified to the staff at the dining hall or not as only few students have experienced such.
Rollins advised the SGA to remind their peers about the problem if whether or not the issue originates from the dining hall.
Aside from concerns and complaints being addressed, the senators recalled that there was a gluten-free advertisement handed out during the Involvement Fair and also stated that steak and donuts will return to the dining hall.
Rollins also stated the possibility of pancakes being served after the Vice Presidential Debate. Moe's Southwest Grill and Chick-Fil-A will eventually accept gift cards and promotions, according to Rollins.
Dr. Tim Pierson, vice president of student affairs, mentioned that he had spoken to many parents of students about the upcoming Vice Presidential Debate during Family Weekend on Sept. 16-17 and overall received positive feedback about hosting. Pierson encouraged students to invite their peers to attend the debate.
Pierson also disclosed that the many debate-themed banners on display around campus are for the media to use in their broadcasts.
Secretary Sarah Kensy informed the SGA that she placed a work order for the blue emergency pole in front of Greenwood Library and wanted the issue to be addressed.
Treasurer Dustyn Hall replied that the pole scheduled to fixed after the construction is complete that is taking place next to Greenwood Library due to an electrical issue.
Two senators pointed out that many students have experienced catcalling remarks from construction workers on campus. One senator informed the SGA that a student had approached them with a personal experience near Willett Hall.
President Dillon Yonker swore in three freshmen council members into the SGA.
Historian Maribeth Stotler-Watkins chose to table the constitution regarding the Sport and Leisure Industry Management (SLIM) organization due to lack of representation.
The SGA approved the motion to allocate $10 to the League of Legends Club for advertising purposes to increase membership.
The SGA approved the allocation of $100 to the Outdoor Club for an upcoming canoe trip.
The SGA reallocated the funds to WMLU from their event, Battle of the Bands, to a new event in the amount of $4,150. WMLU cancelled Battle of the Bands and is going to replace it with a new event with the reallocated funds.
The SGA held a closed forum meeting to discuss committees within the SGA.
There will be a SGA meeting on Tues, Sept. 27 in the Martinelli Board Room in Maugans Alumni Center at 3:45 p.m.
New senators were inducted into SGA at their last meeting.
Senator Rollins and Senator Napier
