Before the meeting officially began, the members of SGA had a very serious discussion regarding whether or not President Danny Nguyen resembled the “Boss Baby” from the acclaimed Oscar-nominated film. The general consensus was yes, especially with a baby picture provided by President Nguyen himself as evidence.
Climate Check
Junior Senator Ella Charbonnet inquired about who to contact about her ice cream machine being broken. Junior Senator Harrison Tinker confirmed that she could email Chase Taylor, resident district manager of Chartwells, but that repairs to the ice cream machine were already in the works.
Collaborations Chair Natalie Kim brought up the issue of the lack of door knobs on the exterior of the Prassel Hall’s balcony doors, which she feared could be a safety hazard. President Nguyen said that she could go to Residential Life, and sophomore Senator Bocar Diagana mentioned a trick of using a rubberband to be able to open the door.
Sophomore Senator Odi Aneji asked if anyone wanted to work with her on the issue of TUPD unresponsiveness she brought up last week. Junior Senator Joy Areola said that she had spoken with someone at TUPD who said that it was just a staffing issue and that if an officer is available, they will escort you home. Senator Aneji also inquired about the water fountain filter replacement status, and Senator Tinker assured her that he was working on it.
Staff Chats: Andrew Wells, Vice President for Student Affairs
Wells, now in his third month as vice president for student affairs, came to speak to SGA about the division of student affairs, a department that includes about 40 staff across residential life, Chapel and Spiritual Life, health services and more.
After delving into the different offices that fall under student affairs, Wells asked the members of SGA where they found belonging on campus, whether a physical space or a community, a question he’s been asking around Trinity. The SGA members threw out the library, Coates Student Center, Beze Underground and more.
Wells is looking into where Trinity can shift energy and direct resources. He is also working on staffing, taking the number of interim positions and making those permanent. Wells is dedicated to connecting more with students after being stuck in his office as the semester has ramped up, which is why he has been focused on having student groups over to his house.
Emergency Funding Session
SGA, represented by President Nguyen, the student programming board (SPB) and choir director Gary Seighman along with five chamber singers presented for Tigers Night Out, an annual event where students are taken to a Spurs game. This academic year’s game falls on Jan. 26, 2024 at the Frost Bank Center (formerly AT&T Center), where Trinity’s choir will perform the national anthem. The presenters requested $10,150 to purchase around 290 tickets (200 for students, 50 for choir, 33 for SGA and two for the Beasleys) and group transportation.
Because the Spurs got a number one draft pick in Victor Wembanyama, tickets are more expensive this year. Besides this, the main point of concern for senators was that the date fell on Bid Day, though neither date could be moved.
Ultimately, Senator Charbonnet motioned to fully fund the proposal, and Senator Diagana seconded. The motion unanimously passed.
