Stetson University's SGA met on February 15, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. in LBC room 108.

UCAAP, the faculty-run committee which decides many things, including cultural credit, met. The executive summary of the cultural credit change will go to the Deans and the Provost. From there, it will go to the faculty Senate and then return to SGA. This cycle will continue until every detail for the cultural credit change can be hammered out and implemented.

SGA representatives will be visiting Florida government representatives to build more support for the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) scholarship. The FRAG scholarship is a scholarship provided to students who attend private institutions over public colleges. Earlier in the year, SGA took a picture of the current Senators who benefit from the FRAG scholarship. This picture will be used in support of the FRAG.

An email list of every student organization president/runner will be released later this semester. Along with it will be updates from the SGA Campus Life committee. This will happen after the SGA website is updated.

There was one special order at Senate that night. SGA President Jeffrey Hahn vetoed the S.7 bill which ordered the school to begin research for a tuition lock program. Because the main goal of the bill was financial transparency, it was seen by President Hahn that the bill would only put SGA's goal on tuition, not financial transparency. The veto was overturned and is still moving forward. SGA decided to do this because we want a conversation between the school and SGA for more financial transparency.

The S.8 CDO resolution was voted upon even though there was a quorum. The vote tied with 11 voting in favor of a new CDO, 11 voting against, and five abstaining from the vote. The rules for what happens during a tie are a bit confusing, even more so when there's a quorum. In order to break a tie, the President of SGA needs to vote affirmative in order for the resolution to pass. Because President Hahn was not there, Vice President Alyssa Morley had to vote. She voted against passing resolution S.8. Therefore, it did not pass.

Resolution S.5 Revolving Green Fund was amended and returned to Senate. 301 people answered the survey, representing 10% of the Stetson campus. Previously, it was only 2%. The amended resolution is as follows:

"The Committee of Policy and Finance introduces the following resolution, presented by Senator Fortuna

Resolution: To institute a sustainability allowance that will go towards a revolving green fund. This green fund will be used for sustainable initiatives to protect the environment, as well as save money on Stetson’s campus.

Whereas Stetson University upholds the value of Global Citizenship, which encompasses environmental responsibility.

Whereas in the fiscal year 2015, greenhouse gas audit calculations, Stetson University emitted 16,134.18 metric tons of CO2 into the atmosphere.

Whereas 57% of students would approve a fee of at least $5 per semester, as demonstrated by a survey conducted by the SGA.

Whereas the creation of a revolving green fund would entail a yearly allotment of funds used towards initiatives, which save money, and decrease environmental impact. Examples of potential achievements include: solar panels, motion-sensing light switches, water-saving toilets, and motion-sensing faucets.

Whereas institutions such as: Furman University, Bowie State University, Rollins College, Harvard, Cornell, University of Pennsylvania, Stanford, Columbia, University of Texas, University of Arizona, University of North Florida, Florida Atlantic University, and University of South Florida have revolving green funds, like the one proposed today.

Whereas Stetson University Board of Trustees has asked for the Student Government Association to vote on whether or not to support this sustainability allowance, before any changes are implemented into the university budget.

Whereas a $5 per semester student green fee would be implemented beginning the fall semester of 2017, allowing for the creation of the revolving green fund.

Whereas Stetson University is committed to the transparency of this green fund, and leftover funds are committed to the use of these retained earnings and savings in future green projects.

Whereas the projects funded by the revolving green fund would ultimately be voted upon by the student body, they would first be developed by a student committee consisting of the Environmental Fellows and interested SGA senators, and would be approved by the Environmental Working Group.

Whereas any money saved as a result of the initiatives made possible by the revolving green fund will be tracked and used only for future initiatives, not taken by Stetson University.

Whereas the progress of this fee shall be reassessed every 3 years and its continued institution shall be voted on.

Be it Resolved Stetson University:

1. Institute a $5 student contribution to create and promote a revolving green fund

2. Any money saved from projects purchased by this sum will be cycled back into the fund

3. Stetson University is committed to financial transparency on this matter

4. Vote on the reinstitution of the contribution every 3 years

Because this was an amendment and not a new bill, it was not tabled and was voted on that evening. It passed Senate.

The Diversity and Inclusion Committee meets at 5 p.m. in CUB 204 on Mondays. Students are encouraged to attend.

The Academics Committee met with Library Dean Ryan and discussed many things. Firstly, patio hours could not be extended past 5 p.m. Dean Ryan fought for 15 years to even have the patios open to students. Secondly, the library is getting a new roof, according to facilities. However, facilities said this two years ago and there is no fixed date. Students, please bug facilities to get a new roof for the library. It can be installed over the summer. Seriously, there are holes in the ceiling and it leaks whenever it rains. Water and mold caused by water are two of the most common book-destroyers. Dean Ryan is also planning on turning the basement into a 24/7 study area for students. According to the Academics Committee, it will look futuristic and be like the Innovation lab on crack. More 3D printers and sewing machines will be provided and walls will move to create larger, smaller, and personal study spaces. However, it currently costs $5 million to upgrade the basement. Currently, books are being cleared out so that there may be more tables and chairs for students to study.

Policy and Finance met with Title IX Coordinator Cathy. They will be meeting with her again with the public this time on Tuesday, February 28th at 6 p.m. in CUB 204. Students are encouraged to attend and ask questions because Cathy will be answering and asking questions of her own too.

The Residential Life Committee is working on adding locks to sorority bathrooms. They are also working on a super secret fun project, so be on the lookout!

Campus Life Committee is making a formatted email to send to the entire school. This email will be used to update students and organizations from Campus Life.

Voting for next year's SGA Senate takes place on Wednesday, February 22nd, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. all across campus. Students, please vote for next year's representatives.

For any questions or suggestions for SGA, please stop by the new SGA office in Elizabeth 112. It is on the first floor of Elizabeth Hall next to the side stairs. If you would like to sit in on Senate and hear everything in person, Senate takes place in LBC 108 every Wednesday night at 7:30.