The Student Government Association held its fifth meeting of the semester on Sept. 27 at 5 p.m. to discuss the new e-bikes on campus, homecoming queen nominations and new scholarships.

Bruce Schulte, who is the associate Vice President for Strategy, Performance and Accountability, spoke to SGA. As part of President Caboni’s 10-year strategic plan, Schulte is reviewing how things have been done for the past five years, but is also “looking forward.” 

Once the meeting was called to order, President Cole Bornefeld asked about comments, concerns and ideas regarding the new e-bikes on campus. Lauren Willet, Chief of Staff, mentioned that lots of bikes get left on Park Street, so it might be a good idea to add a dock there. Director of Public Relations Preston Romanov suggested creating a campaign to spread awareness about the bikes and how to use them safely.

“There are no pressing issues or concerns that we have heard. So far, we have received positive feedback about the bikes, and students are enjoying them,” Romanov said. “We will be working with admin to get more safety rules messaging out to students.”

Bornefeld also nominated Anne-Marie Wright to serve as a senator-at-large, and she was unanimously appointed to the position. Senator Sydney Denney and Senator Liz Delozier were nominated to faculty senate positions, and both were voted in unanimously. 

Additionally, Administrative Vice President Sam Kurtz nominated Lauren Willet for homecoming queen candidate to represent SGA.

Director of Enrollment and Student Experience Donte’ Reed announced that SGA will be partnering with the Student Veterans Association to provide a scholarship to a student veteran.

“I am looking forward to working with other Hilltoppers to make the SGA Veterans scholarship a reality,” Reed said. “This scholarship is a great way to show them that we are all very thankful for their bravery and dedication to the United States.”

Applications should be going live shortly and will potentially be due the weekend of homecoming.

Senator Meghan Pierce presented and passed a bill to allocate funds to help sponsor Bowling Green Pride. The bill allotted $250 from the Legislative Directory for Bowling Green Pride. This sponsorship will name SGA as a Rainbow Sponsor, and also provide a space for further tabling on diversity, equity and inclusion. 

Despite it being the fifth meeting, it was the first meeting for the new Freshman Senators, who were able to be sworn in and officially partake in SGA’s affairs.

“It was so cool. I got sworn in and got to watch legislation get passed, so it was very exciting,” Freshman Senator Callison Padgett said.

Freshman Senator Rush Robinson was unable to attend, but said “I can’t wait to start working with my fellow senators to make the changes we want to see.”

SGA reporter Bailey Reed can be reached at [email protected].