CLIMATE CHECK

Junior Senator Harrison Tinker asked how to request to replace water fountain filters around campus. President Danny Nguyen said to put in a work order if it is just one water fountain. If it is more than one water fountain, email Ernesto Gonzalez, associate director of facilities services. Nguyen asked Tinker if this was an initiative he wanted to pursue and if anyone wanted to help collaborate. Sophomore Senator Odi Aneji volunteered to help catalog water fountain filters across campus and put in requests for replacement.

FUNDING REQUESTS

Trinity University Players (TUPS) was the first to present their funding request for the Rocky Horror Picture Show, represented by Cole McGuire, the production manager. McGuire asked for $2,300, with $1,000 for two nights of production rights, $480 for professional intimacy training to ensure the actors and crew feel comfortable while performing and other money to purchase costumes and makeup kits. The costumes will be saved in a closet for future productions, which past performers can donate to. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is slated for Oct. 27-28.

After the presentation, junior Senator Allison Waters, senior Senator Adam Garza, Senator Aneji and assistant Treasurer Avery Lim voiced their support. Waters said it’s a great event for community building. Garza agreed, saying it is an event everyone on campus knows about. Aneji said funding the show reflects SGA’s commitment to the LGBTQ+ community. Lim pointed toward the precedent of success that the show has. Sophomore Senator Molly Van Ackeren motioned to fully fund the show, and Aneji seconded. Junior Senator Andrew Phillips abstained from voting because he is directing the production. There were no votes against funding the show.

The Society of Women Engineers (SWE) gave a presentation asking for $9,623.25 in funding for SWE members to attend the SWE conference in Los Angeles from Oct. 26-28. This conference allows students to network with other members of SWE and companies attending the career fair. Last year, 18 SWE members attended the SWE conference in Houston and 75% of Trinity Attendees received interviews and job offers, including multiple from Fortune 500 companies. SGA partially funded the request with $5,815.50, after President Nguyen evoked an Executive Session, which the Trinitonian could not be present for.

The Trinity Community Garden asked for funding to expand their garden into the existing beds by the Storch statue and increase plant diversity. The funds will also go toward irrigation systems, new tools and bringing in guest speakers. Sophomore Senator Omar Ratrut motioned to partially fund the $8125.69 request with $3,500, and junior Senator Joy Areola seconded the motion. The request was partially funded because of the high price estimate for T-shirts and because SGA wants to gradually fund expansions to monitor the Student Activity Fund (SAF) responsibly.

The Tiger Club Rugby team requested $3,142 to move fields and purchase equipment. The current fields the rugby team plays on have large areas of dirt and stray dogs. The team wants to move to the fields at the South Texas Area Regional Soccer Complex. Currently, the team borrows equipment from the San Antonio Rugby Club but wants to purchase their own supplies to avoid potential problems in the future.

In response to the presentation, Judicial Chair Pierce Jackson agreed that a nicer playing field might result in better retention. Junior Senator Ella Charbonnet motioned to fully fund the proposal, and Senator Waters seconded the motion.

Kevin Beiter, captain of the Men’s Club Soccer Team, presented a proposal to fund a charter bus for $2,850. The charter bus will take the men’s club team to Tarleton State for their game this Saturday. However, Senator Ratrut motioned to deny funding, and Senator Areola seconded. Senator Garza was the only one to disagree with the motion. The motion to deny came after comments that other club teams have not had the same privilege and had to carpool or take Trinity vans.

The Trinity University Latino Association (TULA) requested $3,259 to fund Viva Las Americas, a celebration of Latinx culture on Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m. in Laurie Auditorium. The event will host performances from various student and external organizations and provide various foods from different Latin and Hispanic cultures. Sophomore Senator Bocar Diagana motioned to fully fund the TULA event, and SGA passed the motion unanimously.

The Filipino Student Association (FSA) requested $7,178 to fund the Mabuhay performance, which was a yearly event for 15 years prior to COVID. The theme for this year’s performance is based on the Filipino TV show “Showtime,” mixed with elements from “America’s Got Talent.” A common concern among senators was spending money on a large variety of food items instead of higher quantities with less variety for a better price. Senator Garza motioned to partially fund FSA for $5,390.10, and Senator Ratrut seconded the motion. The motion was unanimously approved.