At the beginning of this week’s Student Senate meeting, Student Body President Liz Healy presented professor Barbara Kinkade with the “Faculty of the Month” award for being one of the “biggest advocates for students” on campus.
“Professor Kinkade goes above and beyond what we ask of our faculty,” Healy said.
During the Speaker’s Podium, representatives spoke on behalf of the Mock Trial team and voiced its need for monetary assistance to attend a national tournament over spring break. Senate funded Mock Trial $5,770 to send one team from SMU to compete at nationals, which will be held in Florida this year.
Representatives from the Perkins School of Theology asked Senate to fund the Perkins Student Journal, which would serve the 500 theology students. After lengthy debate, Senate funded it $3,500.
The Pom and Cheerleading Squads requested Senate funding towards their competition and championship trips.
“SMU is really the home of modern cheerleading,” said Cheer captain Ryan Trimble, in hopes of gaining Senate funds.
After Speaker’s Podium, Healy shared her thoughts about the Student Body elections that took place last week.
“This year’s was the best elections I’ve witnessed on campus,” Healy said.
Run-off elections for Student Body officers will be held March 7 and 8.
Senate appointed Dedman II Sen. Ben Wells for chair of the Diversity Committee.
“It’s been great how many new people have been involved in Senate this semester,” Healy said. “Senate will be in great hands next year.”
Spring Inauguration for new officers will be held April 25 at 3 p.m. in the Hughes-Trigg Commons.
Senators passed a resolution encouraging Residence Life and Student Housing to provide its residents the opportunity to participate in a more convenient recycling program.
Senate tabled a resolution encouraging SMU Dining Services and the SMU Board of Trustees to provide a more cost-effective alternative meal plan for non-first-years living on campus until next week’s meeting.
Senate heard the first of many presentations to come on student organization’s spring budgets. The budgets will be posted online later this week.
