SGA Current Legislations/Initiatives

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY 

WHEREAS, the Barnes & Noble at Georgia College & State University (hereinafter referred to as ‘the Bookstore’) serves as a central resource for students on campus, providing essential academic materials, textbooks, food, and everyday goods, as well as a spirit shop where students and visitors can purchase merchandise to show pride in and support for the college; 

WHEREAS, in addition to merch endorsing the college as a whole for students and parents, alike, the Bookstore also sells sports-specific merch, including apparel for the golf, basketball, baseball, and tennis teams, as well as items promoting the “Sassycats,” a non-NCAA cheer team, and football-style jerseys; 

WHEREAS, despite the wide availability of merchandise for many of the college’s athletic teams, there is a notable absence of merchandise representing women’s sports teams, including but not limited to volleyball, soccer, softball, which are exclusively women’s teams, and cross country and women’s basketball; 

WHEREAS, female athletes at Georgia College & State University comprise a significant portion of the student-athlete population, and their contributions to the success of the athletic department are both valuable and commendable; these athletes embody the spirit and pride of the institution through their dedication and excellence;   

WHEREAS, it is essential that female student-athletes receive equal recognition and visibility, both on and off campus, as they represent Georgia College with pride and commitment; all student-athletes, regardless of gender, should have the opportunity to be equally supported by their peers and the broader college community; 

WHEREAS, the lack of merchandise representing women’s sports inadvertently sends a message that these athletes and their achievements are less deserving of recognition than their male counterparts, and this disparity in representation must be addressed in order to foster a more inclusive and supportive campus culture; 

WHEREAS, offering merchandise that represents women’s sports would not only provide students and alumni the opportunity to support their female athletes, but would also serve as a visible sign of the institution’s commitment to gender equity, inclusivity, and respect for all athletes, regardless of gender; 

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Georgia College & State University Student Government Association, on behalf of the student body, hereby urges the administration to take immediate action to address the absence of merchandise representing women’s sports at the Bookstore and work toward ensuring that female athletes at Georgia College are provided the same opportunities for recognition and support as their male counterparts, thereby fostering an environment of equality, respect, and pride across the university community. 

A RESOLUTION  

Urging the Soundproofing of Classrooms that Contain Instruments 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY  

WHEREAS, Georgia College & State University contains several classrooms housing loud instruments such as drum sets and saxophones;  

WHEREAS, the classrooms surrounding these – above, around, and below – can hear the loud the noise and vibrations produced by the instruments;  

WHEREAS, the sounds and vibrations of instruments can be distracting to students outside of the classrooms where they are being played; 

WHEREAS, the students practicing with these instruments deserve a classroom to perform without worry of disturbing others; 

WHEREAS, the students attending lectures in the other classrooms deserve a chance to learn without distraction;  

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED The Student Government Association of Georgia College & State University urges the college administration to soundproof the classrooms that contain instruments or regularly host groups of students who perform with instruments.  

A RESOLUTION

To Urge the Administration to Give the Student Body a Voice in Selecting GC Reads Article Themes for the Incoming Freshman Class

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY

WHEREAS, GC Reads is a reading program for first-year students which seeks engage students, faculty, and staff in the exploration of current topics and institutional values;

WHEREAS, students are required to choose an article they are interested in, read it, and subsequently sign up for and participate in a micro-seminar with other students and faculty members;

WHEREAS, this seminar provides a space for first-year students to deepen their understanding of important issues, engage in impactful and reflective discussion, and relate to other first-year students;

WHEREAS, last year, for the first time, GCSU decided to select a theme for GC Reads which connected all the articles. In previous years, the articles were unrelated to one another;

WHEREAS, the theme is selected by the office of the Provost for Transformative Learning Experiences and is facilitated by the Executive Director of Student Success and Career Development;

WHEREAS, the current student-body, having experienced the benefits of GC Reads and more literate in the experience of being a college student, has the potential to impart wisdom on incoming classes to come;

WHEREAS, the current student body has powerful insight into life at Georgia College and how first-year students can best adapt to the changes the transition from high school to college brings. Their involvement in choosing a theme for GC Reads could prove impactful for first-year students and foster a community that blurs the line between freshmen and upperclassmen;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Georgia College & State University Student Government Association, on behalf of the student body, advocates for the restructuring of the selection process for GC Reads article themes so that the current student body has the opportunity to impart their knowledge and valuable experience for the benefit of incoming freshmen and create a community of success and comradery.

A RESOLUTION

Requesting the Administration to Explore the Feasibility of Mobile Ordering at Georgia College’s Chick-fil-A Restaurant

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY 

WHEREAS, the Georgia College Chick-fil-A is a popular dining establishment among students, faculty, and staff on campus;

WHEREAS, the convenience of mobile ordering has become increasingly important for efficient and timely service at dining establishments;

WHEREAS, collaborating with Sodexo, the operator of Georgia College & State University's Chick-fil-A, to implement mobile ordering, enhancing the overall dining experience for the university community;

WHEREAS, implementing mobile ordering would increase publicity of Georgia College & State University’s Chick-fil-A, therefore increasing profit;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Student Government Association urges the administration of Georgia College & State University to explore the feasibility of collaborating with Sodexo to implement mobile ordering services at the Georgia College Chick-fil-A location.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the administration is encouraged to discuss with Sodexo representatives to assess the technical, logistical, and operational aspects of integrating mobile ordering at the Georgia College Chick-fil-A.

A Resolution Requesting an Investigation into the Practical Use of Virtual Student Identification Cards

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY 

WHEREAS, technology continues to advance, providing innovative solutions to enhance efficiency and convenience in various aspects of university life;

WHEREAS, traditional physical student ID cards may pose challenges such as loss, damage, and inconvenience to students;

WHEREAS, virtual student ID cards present an opportunity to leverage modern technology, providing a secure and accessible alternative for students;

WHEREAS, virtual student ID cards could offer a range of benefits, including but not limited to ease of access to campus facilities, contactless transactions, streamlined administrative processes, improved printing services, enhanced management of laundry equipment, convenient vending machine access, efficient parcel handling, accessibility to study rooms, and simplified tracking of meal plans, swipe count, and dining dollars count.

WHEREAS, the exploration of virtual student ID cards aligns with the university's commitment to embracing technological advancements for the improvement of student services;

WHEREAS, Auxiliary Services has expressed their support for this initiative, contingent upon the support of the student body;

WHEREAS, no significant increase in student fees is anticipated for the implementation of virtual student ID cards, with the possibility of using existing resources, such as wellness fees and the Bobcat Card ID, to cover associated costs;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Student Government Association initiates the exploration of implementing virtual student ID cards at Georgia College & State University.

FURTHER RESOLVED that a task force, comprising representatives from the Student Government Association, university administration, and relevant technological departments, be formed to conduct a comprehensive feasibility study on the implementation of virtual student ID cards.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force evaluates the potential benefits, challenges, and technological requirements associated with the introduction of virtual student ID cards.

FURTHER RESOLVED that the task force solicits input from the student body through surveys, forums, and other engagement initiatives to ensure the diverse perspectives and preferences of students are considered in the decision-making process.

FURTHER RESOLVED that a comprehensive report on the findings and recommendations of the task force be presented to the university administration for further consideration.

FURTHER RESOLVED that a copy of this resolution be formally presented to the university administration, expressing the Student Government Association's commitment to exploring innovative solutions for the improvement of student services.

A RESOLUTION  

To Forgive Parking Ticket Fees in Exchange for Donations to Campus Corner 

 BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY  

WHEREAS, Georgia College & State University is committed to fostering a campus environment that supports the well-being and success of all its students, including those facing financial challenges; 

WHEREAS, access to basic necessities such as food and clothing is essential for students' academic and personal development; 

WHEREAS, Campus Corner is a vital resource on our campus, providing a food pantry and clothes closet for underprivileged students, helping to address issues of food insecurity and access to clothing; 

WHEREAS, many students have faced financial difficulties and unexpected expenses, such as parking fines, which can create additional financial burdens and negatively impact their ability to access education; 

WHEREAS, fostering a culture of giving and community support can enhance the sense of unity and philanthropy within our student body; 

WHEREAS, each semester there will be a specific holiday dedicated for this initiative. The designated holiday will be determined by SGA each year. It is likely that the holiday in the Fall would be Thanksgiving and Spring would be Easter.  

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Georgia College & State University Student Government Association (SGA) proposes a Parking Ticket Forgiveness Program in which students may have their Georgia College parking fines forgiven in exchange for donations to Campus Corner. 

FURTHER RESOLVED that students who wish to participate in the Parking Ticket Forgiveness Program may do so by donating non-perishable food items, clothing, or other approved necessities to Campus Corner, as determined by the program guidelines. 

FURTHER RESOLVED, The Campus Corner guidelines will be provided to students. These guidelines include a specific number of goods to have your parking ticket forgiven. For students parking tickets to be forgiven they can choose one of the options mentioned, donate 10 canned good/nonperishables, 3-5 toiletries/selfcare, and clothing donations will be determined. Meeting one of these requirements will forgive a Georgia College parking ticket.  

FURTHER RESOLVED the holidays for this initiative will be determined by Georgia College & State University Student Government.  

FURTHER RESOLVED Georgia College & State University Student Government will designate Thanksgiving (Fall) and Easter (Spring) as the chosen holidays for this initiative this academic year. However, other holidays or dates could be added.  

FURTHER RESOLVED that the SGA shall work in collaboration with the university's parking services and Campus Corner to establish clear guidelines and procedures for the Parking Ticket Forgiveness Program, including the types and quantity of donations required to offset parking fines. 

FURTHER RESOLVED that the Parking Ticket Forgiveness Program shall be promoted widely to the student body, with information on how to participate and benefit from the program. 

FURTHER RESOLVED that this program will not only provide an opportunity for students to have their parking fines forgiven but also contribute to the well-being of underprivileged students on campus. 

FURTHER RESOLVED that this initiative aligns with the university's commitment to social responsibility and community engagement, fostering a sense of empathy and support within the student community. 

FURTHER RESOLVED that copies of this resolution be distributed to the university administration, parking services, and Campus Corner for their consideration and implementation.

A RESOLUTION 

To call on Georgia College and State University to provide a late-night transportation Safe Ride program for students living at West Campus on the weekends 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY 

SECTION I 

1. WHEREAS, West Campus is a part of GCSUs on campus housing and should provide safe transportation for those students to get back and forth on late nights weekends;

2. WHEREAS, the Safe Ride program would run in a singular loop from the Maxwell Student Union to West Campus bus stop making no other stops;

3. WHEREAS, other schools in the USG system such as GA Tech and UWG have programs that provide late-night transportation to their students in campus housing;

4. WHEREAS, only 7 out 26 universities in the USG have Safe Ride Programs;

5. WHEREAS, bridge students are forced to live in the West Campus housing;

6. WHEREAS, second-year sorority students are forced to live in the West Campus housing;

7. WHEREAS, other apartment complexes in Baldwin County such as Magnolia and Arcadia offer late-night transportation back to their housing areas making the West Campus living undesirable;

8. WHEREAS, the town is popular for late nights on the weekends especially, for students that are forced into living at West Campus;

9. WHEREAS, GCSU used to provide this service through SNAP, and since the late-night transportation service was discontinued, students have been entering unsafe encounters such as walking across the highway to Magnolia’s shuttle service, walking home from downtown to West at late hours of the night, and driving under the influence;

10. WHEREAS, the school’s failure to act on this issue portrays the school in a negative light in the way they care for their students and safety;

11. WHEREAS, if transportation was provided by the school late nights, it would create a safer environment for all our students;

12. WHEREAS, 740 students have already signed a petition for late-night transportation on change.org associated with Georgia College;

13. WHEREAS, the late-night transportation will run from 9pm-3am on Thursday-Saturday and special events days such as homecomings or week of welcome;

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED; the Student Government Association calls on Georgia College and State University to provide a late-night transportation Safe Ride program to students living at West Campus on the weekends 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION OF GEORGIA COLLEGE & STATE UNIVERSITY

WHEREAS,  recent student feedback highlights limited menu variety and insufficient dietary accommodations, with 77 unique mentions calling for improvements to include vegetarian, vegan, allergen-friendly, and other specific dietary needs;

WHEREAS, operational concerns, including inconsistent adherence to advertised hours of operation for “The Max” dining hall, were cited in 18 comments, leading to frustration among students who rely on predictable access to meals at advertised times;

WHEREAS, 17 students emphasized the importance of food quality consistency, noting that popular items such as pizza frequently vary in taste and ingredients, creating dissatisfaction and diminishing trust in meal offerings;

WHEREAS, the lack of transparency regarding dietary information and ingredients for meals has posed significant challenges for students with specific health requirements or dietary restrictions, thereby limiting their ability to make informed dining choices;

WHEREAS, cleanliness and ambiance of dining facilities, although only mentioned 8 times, remain critical to creating a welcoming dining environment that supports overall satisfaction;

WHEREAS, reinforcing and recognizing the strength of staff friendliness, highlighted in 9 mentions, can serve as a foundation for improving overall dining experiences and fostering a sense of community;

THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that Georgia College and State University Dining Services will implement the following strategies to address dietary variety, operational hours, food quality, and ingredient transparency through The Max Experience Upgrade:

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED That GCSU Dining Services will publicize these initiatives through email communications, dining area posters, and student newsletters to ensure students are informed and can provide feedback on ongoing improvements under the banner of The Max Experience Upgrade.