SGA passes motions for new lab equipment and Nicholls fountain and bayou-side cleanup

The Student Government Association discussed the library’s construction progress, motioned for new microbiology lab stools and discussed funding other projects during their meeting on November 12.

President Jay Clune talked about the screens that are planned to be added to the renovated library. The screens, much like computer monitors, would be able to play slideshows of up-to-date pictures from things, such as student events.

Clune said the screens should be used to display advertisements for upcoming events and library hours.

After a few general announcements from SGA president Grant Henry and SGA vice president Austin Wendt, the meeting moved towards the motions to be discussed.

Senator Brady Levron motioned for SGA to purchase 25 new stools for the microbiology lab. The new stools would cost a total of $1,349.75. He discussed the poor conditions of the current stools and even brought one in for the rest of the Senate to see.

The current stools are short and have a metal seat. Each time Levron sat on it, he demonstrated how distracting the squeaking was for class. He also showed how difficult it was to have to adjust the stool to a comfortable height.

The new stools would have a comfortable seat and would be easily adjustable. The motion was passed, and the new stools will be purchased.

The Senate also passed the motion to fund the Nicholls fountain and bayou-side cleanup. The funding of $4,000 will be put towards renting equipment to remove trees and generally clean up the area.

They also passed to host a toy drive for Thibodaux Regional Medical Center. No definite date is set, but it will be open for all students to bring toys to donate.

“It’s charitable. It’s a great motion,” said senator Caleb Boudreaux.

There were multiple motions that were tabled to be talked about in following meetings, such as a $100 stipend to the Black Student Union and NAACP.

There was also a motion to fund an $800 African American History Month activity. The funding would go to providing 30 students with tickets to the tour of “Finding Our Roots African American Museum” in Houma. The tickets will be $5 a piece and would also fund seven chaperons with tickets for $7 a piece. The remainder of the money would go towards transportation and a storyteller fee.

Senator Juan Howard motioned for a mental health committee to be established in the SGA. He said he was concerned that mental health could be overlooked and wanted to bring awareness to the resources on campus.

Howard also motioned for new desks to be purchased for Peltier Hall. The desks would cost $4,465, including shipping. However, some senators expressed concerns that these new desks would be different than those already purchased for Peltier. This motion was also tabled for further consideration.