Student Government held its fourth senate meeting of the semester March 3, focusing on major upcoming events, a renewed push for civic engagement and the establishment of a new committee dedicated to mental health resources.
Business analytics and AI major Pranav Gehlot presented a resolution titled “Resolution opposing DFW cities putting Dallas Area Rapid Transit participation on the ballot” on behalf of himself and his coauthors. The resolution was sponsored by SG President Giana Abraham, as well as Graduate Student Assembly’s President and Vice President — Devarsh Pathak and Brandy Wicker, respectively — and Comets for Better Transit. The resolution, which passed with a supermajority, calls on cities in DART to remain in DART and avoid pull-out elections. The resolution was sent to the city councils of all 13 DART member cities.
As of publication, Addison, University Park and Highland Park are still moving forward with pull-out elections in May. Plano, Farmers Branch and Irving have canceled their May withdrawal elections.
The senate passed three allocations to fund more end of semester events. The Galaxy Rave Allocation was the first allocation passed. It set aside $554.64 to purchase various glow in the dark decorations and handouts. The event is the first rave SG has held. The Student Affairs Committee will work with the Student Union Activities and Advisory Board to cover additional expenses and logistics.
The second allocation passed was the Academic Resource Fair Allocation. It set aside $212.99 to buy 480 popsicles, a speaker and AirPods that would be given out to attendees. The fair will be held April 15 from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Plinth. As of publication, the Student Counseling Center, Basic Needs Resource Center, McDermott Library, Comet Cents and the Student Health Center have all confirmed their participation. The senate is still waiting to hear back from five other potential university partners.
The third allocation passed was the SUAAB Mavericks Game Event Allocation. This allocation set aside $163.81 to buy the equipment needed to host the Dallas Mavericks Watch Party event on the Student Union Green in collaboration with SUAAB. The sports ad-hoc committee held this event March 10 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
The centerpiece of the night was the rapid-fire bylaw and constitutional amendments presented by Student Government Vice President David Baker and Secretary Fatimah Yousaf. In total, five changes — covering everything from creating a treasurer role, committee structure, seats allocated to transfer students and an increased number of at-large and freshman seats — were discussed. All five resolutions were tabled at the request of the presenters.
Baker said the next SG meeting is the last chance to get items on the spring election ballot for students to vote on and that any amendments done then would not be seen as friendly. The five tabled resolutions are expected to see final approval at the March 24 senate meeting. Changes in the constitution will only go into effect if they are approved by a majority of students during this semester’s election.
The senate meeting also included presentations from various invited campus student media outlets. Lauren Rodriguez, the outgoing station manager of UTD TV, spoke about tensions in the student media office and her desire to see the senate support UTD student media. The Retrograde presented briefly over its first year of operation, viewership metrics and top stories.
The meeting concluded with time dedicated to nominating students to fill vacant undergraduate seats on the Committee on Students Media. After Abraham introduced the item, Baker motioned to limit discussion to one minute. The motion passed unanimously. No nominations were made, after which, the meeting ended.
SG meetings are open to the public. The next senate meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. March 24 in the SU Galaxy Rooms.