By Joe Pinter, News Editor, @JPinter93
ST. BONAVENTURE, N.Y. (Feb. 12) – The St. Bonaventure University Student Government Association is currently in the process of helping with the updating and altering of both the code of conduct and the SGA election process.
At its biweekly meeting, the SGA welcomed Nichole Gonzalez, executive director for residential education and housing, and Angie Wolfe, assistant director of the career and professional readiness center (CPRC), who both spoke separately about changes they are in the process of making.
Afterwards, the floor was opened for updates on campus clubs.
Gonzalez said her department realized the need to continue to update the code of conduct and to modernize it, because lots of things have changed since when it was originally written.
“The review is just basically to make sure that what we’re doing is in line with what other schools and universities are doing,” said Gonzalez, “but also to make sure that we’re staying current and that our students have an opportunity to give their feedback and their input.”
She said they are still looking for juniors and seniors to be a part of the committee. If you are interested, please let SGA know. Once the committee proposes changes, they will be sent to university president Sr. Margaret’s cabinet for approval.
Some of the proposed changes include: updating the hazing policy and updating the policy on hookas.
Some changes have occurred already, Gonzalez said.
“One of the major changes that happened last year was with our sexual violence policy,” she said. “It is very detailed (Appendix S in code of conduct). We were obligated legally in order to come in compliance with Title IX.”
If you have any questions or comments, she will try to be available.
“Whenever my door is open you are welcome to come in,” said Gonzalez. “Please stop by if you have any questions.”
The present code of conduct can be found at www.sbu.edu/codeofconduct .
Wolfe then presented the CPRC’s new ideas for the SGA campaigns.
“Our goal is to still have the traditional method of getting enough signatures to run,” said Wolfe. “But that the elections become more public, streamlined and less of a popularity contest.”
One of the ideas she proposed was that students running for office make a quick minute-long video on why they want to run, what qualifications they have and their positions on certain topics. This would be easily accessible to students. A QR code would be located at the bottom of each candidate’s flyer. She said the video would be made with assistance from the CPRC, and that it could be done under twenty minutes.
In addition, she proposed each candidate make a statement of intent to run.
“It isn’t very time consuming and I think it will help to make the process more competitive and legitimize it for both the candidates and the students voting,” said Wolfe.
Robby Chulick, SGA executive secretary, suggested that the candidates be instructed ahead of time on what the duties are for each office they run for. Also, he said the SGA website will be updated with the duties of each position in the description.
Some important dates for the upcoming SGA elections:
*Tape Video in the CPRC – Monday, March 4 – Friday, March 5 (Make an appointment with career@sbu.edu) SUBJECT LINE – SGA
*Videos due by March 15
*Petition signatures due by March 22
*Campaign signs and flyers posted March 15
*Elections on my.sbu.edu 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 2 to 4 p.m. April 5
*Results announced via notice board Tuesday, April 9
*Induction ceremony in Doyle Trustees Room 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, April 23
Once Chulick opened the floor to club presentations, Intervarsity, Mountain Community Leaders, Alpha Phi Omega (APO), SEARCH Retreat Team, SBU For Life Knights of Columbus, Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE), Psych Associates, College Republicans and Philosophy Club all gave updates on their events last summer and their future plans.
Some highlights:
*SBU For Life announced it marched on Washington, D.C. for the recent Pro-Life March
*College Republicans announced they will be selling red, white & blue cupcakes and pocket constitutions outside the RC Café. They also hope to bring a well-known speaker to campus in the near future.
Afterward, SGA reminded everyone that the Wolfpack is currently ranked number one in student section voting. They ask for everyone’s help in keeping the ranking. The voting ends Friday, Feb. 22.
You can vote daily at www.facebook.com/ilovecollegehoops.
In a mild surprise, new women’s soccer coach Steve Brdaski attended the meeting. He said he wanted to get a feel for the campus and get to know the school’s leadership.
“I wanted to say hello and that I’m really happy to be here,” said Brdaski. “The leadership group is what drives and motivates this campus and I would like to help any way I can.”
Brdaski, hired on Monday, comes to Bonaventure from Longwood University. In addition, he coaches the Haiti U20 Women’s Team and is an assistant coach for the women’s national team.
He has also had stops at FC Indiana (WPSL) and his alma mater, Pfeiffer University, where he even coached the men’s team for a few seasons.
Lastly, SGA asked if everyone could keep the families of Dr. Peterson, Dr. Palmer and Dr. Paula, respectively, in their thoughts and prayers over the next few weeks.
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