By Harper Spires – [email protected] – Contributing writer
Sonia Marcus, the newly-hired director of sustainability, attended last week’s Student Government Association weekly meeting, sharing her interest in working with SGA to promote sustainability as a core value of the university, rather than just an afterthought.
“I recognize there is an active population on campus already dealing with sustainability. I will be working to coordinate, focus and center the vision of where we want to go and what we want to accomplish,” Marcus said.
In other news:
Sen. Daniel Caldwell is talking with Leigh Whittaker, SGA president, and Sen. Rachel Collman about possibly creating an informal, open-house social gathering for students to come to talk with their representatives in a more laidback setting.
Harry Samuels, the executive of sustainability, is working to increase the number of bike racks on campus. Samuels said he hopes to put together a focus group regarding potential changes that could be made to UNC Asheville shuttle routes and Asheville bus routes to campus. He is also putting together a mini-greenfest in November.
Matt Turpin, the executive of external affairs, continues his work on Know Your Rights week, tentatively set for mid-January. Turpin said he hopes to provide information regarding a person’s rights when encountering the police, free speech rights, renters’ rights, Title 9 rights and more.
Sen. Joe Baker and his committee continue their work on putting together a “Did You Know?” campaign to provide students with little-known information about benefits available on campus. Baker is also looking for students from all areas and backgrounds to join a student focus group that will provide feedback to SGA on weekly meetings and other activities. If interested, email [email protected].
Senate members and executives discussed student fee increases in length for the next school year, with everyone eventually coming to a mutual decision on their official recommendation. SGA held four student fee forums, receiving input from student and faculty members about the fee increase proposals, which were considered when establishing the recommendation. SGA’s official recommendation will be taken into account when the next steps are taken to approve and implement next year’s student fees.
Sen. Luke Howe continues work on increasing Bulldog Bargains for students at local businesses.
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
NEW BULLDOG BARGAIN: VegHeads announced two new bargains for UNCA students: During the month of November, buy a sandwich or wrap and get a free side of your choice on Thursdays between 3 p.m. and closing. During the month of December, receive 15 percent off of your purchase.