The Student Government Association is considering a budget appeal of Emerson Esports, which would grant the student gaming organization nearly $4,000 to hire coaches for the team.

The appeal to grant Esports was introduced at the body’s regular meeting on Friday. Esports requested a financial appeal of 3,625 dollars to hire four coaches.

After SGA President Pranit Chand announced the sum, several representatives jumped in with questions and concerns, such as; “What would an ESports coach do?” and, “Do they need four coaches for different games?”

The gaming and esports organization is a space for those who are highly dedicated to working in the esports and gaming industries. The org allows students the ability to learn from the best and explore whether a career in Esports is the right fit for them.

The senators arrived at the consensus that, although it was not an unreasonable request, considering that Emerson Esports is one of the largest orgs on campus, how many coaches is necessary was an important question. 

The Emerson ESports representative that was meant to answer questions at Friday’s meeting was not in attendance..

As a result, SGA voted to postpone consideration of the appeal for its next meeting, which will be held on Feb. 17.

During Friday’s meeting, SGA participants also voted in several new senators, including Arienne Dinh as deputy writing, literature, and publishing senator, Monica Rivera Sosa as deputy political communications senator, Claire Licameli as student accessibility senator and Allie McDonough-Paden as senator for Fraternity and Sorority Life. All of the candidates mentioned previous experience in student government and community organizations, and expressed excitement for future plans. 

Several projects are on the horizon, with Chand introducing the idea running a year long clothing drive. Chand claims that although students have organized their own drives in the past, they “can be mismanaged, although they are well intentioned,” and hopes to partner with Housing and Residential Education to jump start the project. 

The senators also acknowledged the death of Emerson student Brooks Walker the previous week. Chand said that student leaders have a responsibility to address the grief felt by the student body, which can take a toll on their mental health. 

“Often our student leaders bear the brunt of our community in silence,” said Pranit Chand.  “Please check in with yourself and with a friend.”