The Association of Student Representatives (ASR) is attempting to change its name to the Student Government Association of Trinity University (SGA). Sophomore senator Mikaela McDonald introduced the amendment during the ASR meeting on Sept. 3.
McDonald said that she cannot take complete credit for the new name.
“The name was actually Justin Adler’s idea, but I took the necessary steps to submit a proposal and get it done,” McDonald said. “I believe that the name change is something that needs to happen.”
According to senior senator Megan Smith, the majority of senators are in favor of the change.
“This name better expresses the mission of the governing group of the student body,” Smith said through email correspondence.
In order to successfully amend the constitution, the majority of the student senate must first vote in favor of the amendment. Next, the amendment is taken to the student body to be voted on during elections.
Smith said that this amendment, if it passes, will be be a positive addition to the constitution.
“The name “˜Student Government Association’ leaves no room for question regarding the function of the group like “˜Association of Student Representatives’ does,” Smith said.
McDonald agreed and said that changing the name of ASR will eliminate ambiguity regarding both the name and purpose of the organization.
“During my previous two terms in ASR, I’ve noticed that the majority of the student body either doesn’t know what ASR stands for, or they aren’t even sure what ASR does,” McDonald said through email. “For instance, during the Student Involvement Fair, I stood behind the ASR table and not a single first year knew that ASR is Trinity’s student government.”
Sophomore senator Sarah Perkins, who is currently on a leave of absence with ASR due to her involvement with the production “Pippin,” agreed with Smith and said that the majority of senators found the amendment “very logical.”
Perkins said she personally supports the name change because it makes sense.
“The name change clarifies who we are,” said Perkins in an email. “Hopefully it will be a simple transformation that will create a presence for the organization.”
As the sponsor of the amendment, McDonald said the name change is also beneficial for practicality purposes. She added that ASR plans to introduce the possible name change to the student body in a variety of ways.
“If the majority of the student body votes in favor of the name change, then it will be publicized by the new SGA through different promos, such as new ads, signs,” McDonald said.
Applications for ASR elections were available from Oct. 21 until Nov. 1. The campaign dates are from Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. until Nov. 10 at 10 p.m. Election dates are Nov. 11 through Nov. 22 at 5 p.m.
A video is available on the ASR webpage which describes the benefits of being an ASR senator. This can be found at http://web.trinity.edu/x33126.xml. The top five reasons include giving back to the Trinity community, a resume booster, leadership experience, resolution of issues that “directly affect you” and connections with administrators.
