The Student Government Association, SGA, discussed a new resolution that would include students in conversations about “federal compliance discussions” at its most recent general assembly meeting Friday and heard from EVVYs staff to discuss a $30,000 appeals request.
The first resolution, called S. Res. 2, “oppos[ed] attacks on students from immigrant backgrounds and call[ed] for transparency and student voice in” these discussions.
Student Accessibility Senator Karli Wallace, chair of the committee for the resolution, said the committee met last week with President Jay Bernhardt, Vice President of Student Affairs Christie Anglade, and Director of Student Engagement and Leadership Jennifer Nival to discuss application of the resolution.
“We were hoping to discuss application and practical application communicating with folks, instead, [we were] talking a little more about campus infrastructure,” she said.
Part of the process right now with the resolution is strategizing and communicating ideas, both within the committee and to the community, according to Wallace.
“One of the things [we are] looking to do more for [the resolution] is [a] recurring thing of [bringing] it back to [the] center,” Wallace said. “[Like], working on when presenting ideas to Christie and Jay, what we present [is] succinct, easy to translate.”
One challenge the committee is working on concerning the resolution is communication. Wallace said there is a lot to be mindful of when it comes to communication between communities that may be at odds with one another. The current makeup of the committee from SGA includes Wallace, Executive President Nandan Nair, Executive President Kayla Armbruster, Executive Treasurer Oliver Katz, Executive Vice Treasurer Angus Abercrombie, and First Generation Low Income Senator Jazzy Compton.
“Admin is concerned that specific language that raises concerns with current federal administration could redirect more attention from that to the college,” Abercrombie said.
Wallace said the resolution is in the works, and will continue to be for a while. “I personally encourage folks to not only engage with folks on campus, when you build relationships, that you feel empowered and comfortable a lot to respectfully dissent,” she said. “Bring that to their attention, figure out ways we do and don’t agree with [the] current application.”
When SGA heard from EVVYs staff, members of the general assembly asked more questions about this year’s budget for the show.
Last year, the EVVYs did not receive as high of a budget as years prior, according to Ben Clarke, a sophomore visual media arts major and technical producer for the EVVYs. “[The] difference [was] made up by [by a] one-time contribution from the college,” Clarke said, and the EVVYs would not receive the contribution again.
The funding the EVVYs receive from SGA is one of its primary sources of revenue, according to Clarke. “[The funding] allows us to execute the show each year [and] truly goes to the entire budget [of] $90,000 to $100,000,” said Clarke. The budget represents the costs of scenic design and installation, rentals of lighting packages and cameras, and other expenses.
At the last general assembly meeting, some members expressed concern over EVVYs staff not being present at the meeting, and wanted more of an explanation as to what the EVVYs would spend the allocated funds on.
“Even though this is a pattern, $30,000 generally speaking is a lot of money,” said Wallace, adding, “There can at least be some level of communication, accountability if that needs to happen.” Wallace said, “[The EVVYs were] dealt with an interesting set of cards last year,” and this was part of the reason why she and other members of SGA wanted EVVYs staff present at the meeting.
The general assembly was able to ask some clarifying questions about some of the ways the EVVYs spend its budget. Armbruster asked if the set every year is reusable year to year, or a one-time purchase.
“[The EVVYs] change year to year to change up our aesthetic,” Clarke said. This year, the EVVYs are doing an afternoon and evening show both in the Cutler Majestic Theatre. “[This] reduces cost,” said Clarke, “Only one set, one lighting rental, give[s] everyone a chance to accept [an] award on [the] Majestic stage.” The cost of the set is around $20,000, according to Clarke.
Marketing Communications Senator Jackie Weyker asked, “[If] the cost of the set is $20,000, [where] is the other $11,000 going to?”
“[The $11,000] is going to rentals for cameras, tech and cabling, [and] platforms,” Oliver Worner, a junior stage and production management major and logistics producer for the EVVYs, said. He added that the costs are around the same this year if not a little lower.
Armbruster also asked, “Why are [the EVVYs] choosing to buy [equipment] instead of renting from [Emerson]?”
“There is nothing to make up for what we already buy,” said Clarke. “Everything we do is rented, nothing we can actually buy and keep for ourselves.”
In a roll call vote, the EVVYs’ $30,000 appeals request passed unanimously.
SGA also discussed a second resolution at the meeting.
The second resolution “honor[ed] the contributions of Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.” Nair said that resolutions do not always have to “come from the same group of people,” adding that this resolution may make resolutions more common in SGA.
Some general assembly members asked how the values align with SGA.
Abercrombie, who offered the resolution with Armbruster, said, “Beyoncé tells a story about expression, looking inwards, something that we should support [about] her, a story about persistence.”
“[SGA] can continue to change and evolve, [we] do not have to look to our own example to change, until someone reaches her level, we might not have a similar resolution,” Winn said.
In a roll call vote, the resolution passed 5-4, with a few abstentions.
“Officially, SGA is proud of Beyoncé,” Armbruster said.
