The new Chili’s and Topper Grill and Pub are expected to open by the end of the month.

During Tuesday’s Student Government Association meeting, Aramark resident district manager Steve Hoyng addressed the senate about concerns regarding the new restaurants. 

Both restaurants have been briefly postponed due to various weather-related incidents, though they should be opening by the end of the month, Hoyng said. 

During his report, SGA President Jay Todd Richey said he would like to see more student involvement in the selection process of WKU’s next president.  Richey said he recommends a student or senator to draft a resolution calling for what they would like to see in WKU’s next president. 

Richey also said he would like the Senate to write a resolution on the recent budget cuts imposed by Gov. Matt Bevin. Richey said student retainment should be focused on by students, faculty and staff.

In addition to drafting a resolution regarding the proposed budget, Richey said he hopes senators will engage in lobbying efforts in Frankfort. Executive Vice President Nolan Miles said a date will be determined in the near future for lobbying. 

Last semester, there was talk of a resolution regarding the implementation of policies for students who are also parents. Chief of staff James Line is continuing with these efforts and hopes to have a resolution up for first read next week. 

Bill 1-16-S, Funding for the 50th Anniversary Celebration of WKU SGA, was approved with no debate. It allocates $1,000 from the SGA for the 50th anniversary celebration of WKU SGA, which will take place on April 30 in the Augenstein Alumni Center.

Bill 2-16-S, Funding for Posters to Advertise a Cosponsored Movie Showing of Bamboozled and the Forum of “Dear White People/Dear Black People, Life and Race on the Hill, was also approved with no debate. This allocates $64.30 in funding from the Senate Discretionary funds for the posters.

Bill 3-16-S, Funding for the Identification Vouchers Program, was approved with no debate. The funding for the Identification Vouchers Program will allocate $300 to partially fund ID vouchers for students. 

Bill 4-16-S, Funding for the Preston Membership Voucher Program, was approved with no debate. This bill allocated $350 from Legislative Discretionary funding for Preston vouchers. 

Next Tuesday, Bill 5-16-S, Funding from Organizational Aid Appropriations for Model Arab League, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, and Financial Management Association, will be up for a vote. If approved, this bill will allocate $1,450 for the organizations listed.