Theology students will soon have access to specially designed Spanish for ministry classes, after senators voted to approve Bill 5-05-09-05 during Tuesday’s meeting.
The bill, proposed by theology tenators David Mingus and Claudia Loveless, emphasized the growing Hispanic population in Texas and recognized, “it is imperative that we are equipped to communicate with and meet the needs of this steadily increasing population.”
In the bill, senators requested the Senate provide $1,200 to the Perkins Student Association for 16 sessions of Spanish classes.
The Spanish classes, which will be taught by a non-university affiliated company, will offer a different vocabulary than regular classes. While some senators did not believe 16 sessions were enough to provide adequate knowledge of Spanish, Mingus and his supporters were ultimately able to convince the senate to approve the bill.
“The 20 hours theology students will get is much more beneficial than what they’re getting now, which is nothing,” Mingus said.
Although the theology school currently offers certification in Hispanic Ministry, this does not include a language requirement.
In addition to passing the theology bill, the Senate approved multiple recommendations made by the finance committee. The Senate approved the finance committee’s recommendation to give the Chinese Club $3,050 to bring Chinese culture onto campus, funding activities such as Taste of China, Tai Chi and calligraphy classes.
The Senate also approved the committee’s recommendation to give the Lacrosse Club money for jerseys and to give the College Hispanic American Students $100 to provide entertainment at its luncheon this weekend.
Senators approved the executive committee’s recommendations for chairs. Ben Hatch was inaugurated as academic enhancement chair and Ben Manthey was inaugurated as scholarship chair.
The meeting concluded with an announcement that affects all students. SMU recently received a letter from the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities, urging schools to speak out against Congress’ plan to cut $11 billion in student loans.
These budget cuts affect not only those students who receive government aid, as individual schools will have to make up for the lack of government assistance.
The NAICU is asking all students to contest these budget cuts by calling 1-800-574-AID and urging their congressmen to “stop the raid on student aid.” Student Body President Liz Healy asked senators to call and to spread the word to all students.
“I encourage all students to call the number and tell them you’re against the bill to cut student aid,” she said. “Your call matters.”
