The following covers the meeting on April 16.
CLIMATE CHECK
First-year Senator Pilar Mier commented that many students are confused about the recent meal plan changes, specifically the allocation of Bonus Bucks. Dean of Students and SGA adviser Jessica Edonick said that she would look further into this issue to provide answers for students. Senior Senator Jackson Delhagen alerted SGA to the recent Harvard decision not to capitulate to President Trump’s exhaustive demands on universities. He said this is a move that should be closely monitored for the precedent it sets for Trinity and other private universities.
USO FUNDING: TUSA
After this climate check, the senators moved to university-sponsored organizations’ funding presentations. Trinity University Student Ambassadors, an organization that serves as a bridge between Trinity’s student body and the broader university community, including alumni, parents and donors, presented their annual budget, requesting $28,050, a decrease from last year’s $34,350 budget. They noted that streamlining the budget through limiting executive board retreats and cutting spending on campus outreach, such as less profitable funding events, made this budget cut possible.
DEI Chair Omar Ratrut asked the presenters if they anticipate having the same success collecting donations with the proposed budget cut. The presenters confirmed that their most lucrative events would not experience a cut in funding and that TUSA has enough money saved from donations to ensure the organization’s operations can continue to thrive. Sophomore Senator Madelyn Stovall asked about an line item requesting $500 in champagne, questioning if SGA is allowed to fund alcohol. Vice President Allison Waters suggested that the line item be replaced with a non-alcoholic alternative. Multiple senators praised TUSA for their proposed budget, and the majority of senators voted to fully fund them in a straw poll.
USO FUNDING: GREEK COUNCIL
Greek Council, the governing body for Fraternity and Sorority Life at Trinity, requested a budget of $32,210. The council asked for an additional $1,250 from last year’s funding to keep up with the continued growth of FSL. This would include expanding current events, collaborating with other USOs, fostering increased inclusion in Greek life and helping the city-wide chapters continue working on Trinity’s campus.
DEI Chair Ratrut asked the presenters about an line item requesting $5,000 for speaker expenditures, questioning what exactly that money goes towards. The presenters said that the money covers travel, lodging and compensation for speakers. They noted that one recent speaking event received positive feedback from attendees and covered an important discussion of sex, alcohol and drugs.
Senior Senator William Blaine Martin asked the speakers about their goal of increased inclusion, questioning how the organization ensures DEI in each Greek organization. The presenters countered that there are many different training programs targeted towards both older and younger FSL members, as well as round table discussions with each Greek organization’s DEI chairs to get feedback and check in with each organization. During deliberation, Senior Senator Pierce Jackson challenged one line item labeled spring events, which had a notable increase from $3,858.21 to $4,500. In a straw poll, the majority of senators voted to fully fund the budget, with a few others voting to fund less than the requested amount.
