Student Government Association conducts first senate of semester

After their initially scheduled meeting was cancelled due to Hurricane Irma, Mercer’s Student Government Association met for the first time this semester on Sept. 18.

Newly elected senators and student correspondents were sworn in by this year’s president, Olivia Buckner. After the Dean of Students, Douglas Pearson, gave them a brief welcome address, they discussed upcoming student events and SGA initiatives.

Two bylaw amendments were passed unanimously after Senator Adam Penland brought them to the table. The first dictates that one student representative, rather than two, can now meet with SGA regarding Bear Grant funding. The second clarified a mistaken contradiction written during the final meeting of last semester.

Bear Grants, which help fund student organizations, are given at the SGA’s discretion. Applications are due by Sept. 22, which Penland said is a hard deadline.

“I will say, point blank, that I try to work banker’s hours,” Penland said. He said he would only be willing to meet with applying organizations’ representatives over the weekend if they have no other availability.

Senator Chase Peplin said he wants to revamp the Mercer app, and make it have less external hyperlinks and more direct communication with SGA. Peplin also said there is a possibility that the weekly Mulberry Market in Tattnall Square Park will begin accepting Bear Bucks.

“We’re considering doing outreach hours in the caf,” he said. This means that SGA members would work in the Fresh Food Company, and help serve the food to students. He said it’s a good way to show that SGA is involved on campus, in addition to connecting with students.

Other upcoming events include Pilgrimage to Penfield on Oct. 15 and MU Formal on Oct. 20. SGA will resume their regular meeting time of 6 p.m. on Mondays starting on Sept. 25. Students are always welcome to attend and watch.