CLIMATE CHECK
Judicial chair Odi Aneji said that many people complained to her about new meal plan prices, such as the Bronze plan’s one meal exchange per week limit. President Omar Ratrut said that campus leadership is aware of these concerns, and they are working to improve communication between students and administration. First-year Senator Hannah Kim said that Chase Taylor, the residential district manager of Trinity Dining, previously indicated in his Staff Chat that meal exchanges could increase from one to two per day. Inclusion and Belonging Chair Ayesha Farrukh said that this change will push more students to Mabee Dining Hall, which may lack sufficient capacity, and asked about bringing Taylor back for another Staff Chat. Associate Dean of Students Ben Williams said Taylor did not make the decision and is trying to find the right channel for student concerns. President Ratrut said SGA should table the discussion until more information is available.
FUNDING REQUESTS
ALPHA KAPPA PSI: FULLY FUNDED FOR $4,550.41
Alpha Kappa Psi (AKPsi) requested $4,550.41 for a national AKPsi convention that occurs biannually. They said that the national chapter requires that Trinity send at least two students, who were selected through a blind merit process, and that attending the convention will provide leadership opportunities and strengthen Trinity’s national presence. Sophomore Senator Andrew Cernosek motioned to fully fund the request, and all senators unanimously voted to fund it.
CLIMBING CLUB: PARTIALLY FUNDED FOR $1,070
The Climbing Club requested $3,650 for membership fees to a local climbing gym and equipment. They said they have 100 members in their GroupMe, but only 15 can participate due to monthly membership fees, including a $60 fee for all new members and a $69 monthly charge. Senators deliberated about setting precedent to funding individual membership fees, and Associate Dean Williams said he could not condone allowing a vote on those fees due to the variables and long-term liabilities involved. Chief of Staff Bocar Diagana suggested tabling the fee discussion, and to focus on fundable items. Sophomore Senator Eva Smith motioned to partially fund the request for $1,070 with unanimous agreement.
STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND DEVELOPMENT: FULLY FUNDED FOR $7,490
The Student Engagement and Development (SED) office requested $7,490 for storage lockers in South Hall for university-sponsored organizations (USOs). He mentioned that many organizations’ equipment and supplies were damaged or lost in their current storage system, and that SED needs SGA funding to pilot the program. During deliberation, President Ratrut said he and Vice President Madelyn Stovall had already discussed using the carryover funds to invest in a solution after reports of damage. First-year Senator Annie Trammell motioned to fully fund the storage lockers with unanimous agreement.
TRINITY UNIVERSITY FORMULA RACING: FULLY FUNDED FOR $13,093.23
Trinity University Formula Racing requested $13,093.23 to participate in a Formula Society of Automotive Engineers engineering competition in Michigan. They would be one of 11 private universities participating in the competition. The club would strengthen Trinity’s national presence and make connections with companies such as Ford or SpaceX, club representatives said. Senators deliberated briefly on the technicalities of the student project, as it is neither a class nor a USO, but ultimately unanimously approved the request.
WOMEN’S ULTIMATE FRISBEE: PARTIALLY FUNDED FOR $9,687.67
Women’s Ultimate Frisbee requested $10,701 for their regional competition in Missouri. The club funded two of the four competitions this semester, but needed help covering flights and accommodations. They hoped to bring 15 people, including two coaches. However, during deliberations, multiple senators raised concerns about funding the coaches’ plane fare. Head Treasurer Khushi Kakadia asked whether the coaches could still attend without funding, and President Ratrut assured her they would. Vice President Stovall recalculated their balance by subtracting the airfare for both coaches, totaling $9,687.67. First-year Senator Oliver Billings motioned to partially fund Women’s Ultimate Frisbee for this amount, and senators unanimously agreed to partially fund it.
HILLEL: FULLY FUNDED FOR $3,690.67
Hillel did not attend to present their budget, so President Ratrut and Vice President Stovall presented on their behalf. They said that Hillel requested $3,690.67 for their Passover Seder dinner catered by Chartwells. Sophomore Senator Nellie Clark motioned to fully fund Hillel’s Passover Seder, and all senators unanimously voted to fully fund the meal.
STAFF CHAT WITH JUSTIN DOTY
Justin Doty, dean of admissions, updated SGA on the incoming Class of 2030’s admissions rate. He said that the acceptance rate has dropped from 64% in 2014 to 25% in 2025, attributing the change to marketing and strategic outreach practices to prospective students. He said this allows Trinity to be more selective and “shape” its applicant pool based on factors such as socioeconomic status, gender balance, diversity of majors and academic profiles.
Doty also showed mock photos of the completed Welcome Center and Event Hall, adding that it will transform the northern part of campus by creating a grand entrance. He said that the Welcome Center will have a spirit shop and a cafe, and even mentioned that there will be automated, technological personalized parking spots for prospective students. Senator Clark asked how Coates Student Center will change now once the Welcome Center houses the Spirit Shop and a new cafe. Doty said he doesn’t know yet, but discussions are ongoing.
