Watching a meeting of the Student Government Organization can bea surreal experience. Close your eyes, and you might think you'relistening to a C-SPAN broadcast of the British parliament, halfexpecting someone to jump up and shout, "Cheerio, my right oldchap!"
After the formalities are sorted out, though, the SGA focusesits attention on getting things done for University of Memphisstudents. The first item on the agenda at the first meeting of thissemester, Oct. 2, was the renovation of the University Center.Jason Thompson, an associate for Brailsford & Dunlavey, thecompany handling the plans, gave the SGA a power-point presentationof possible ideas for a revamped UC.
Nothing was decided, but Thompson told the members to "thinkbig" about the project, which could result in the gutting of thebuilding's interior. Some common suggestions included a generalstore, a Laundromat and more entertainment options.
The organization then unveiled its new logo, which Sen. ZachBowders introduced because "all cool organizations have logos."
The new logo will cost $30, a microscopic fraction of the SGA's$235,000 budget. The logo bill, like virtually all other billsbrought before the senate, passed unanimously.
There is very little disagreement within the SGA, though arecent bill introduced by Sen. Frank D. Scott did spark off alively discussion. The bill, which proposed that the SGA throw aparty on campus as a way of getting students' opinions, first hadto withstand the opinions of SGA members themselves.
"It is not the SGA's place to hold a big party," said Sen. SallyGates. "I think it is a waste of money and could be a liabilityissue."
Bowders was also wary of the idea of a party.
"People think of the SGA like they think of the chess club," hesaid.
Scott was undeterred, though, maintaining that people will cometo a party regardless of which organization hosts it, as long as itis promoted right. His feelings, as well as those of other senatorswho agreed with him, seemed to be a twist on the Field of Dreamsline: "If you promote it, they will come."
Still, Sen. Tiffany Taylor advised that if they do throw aparty, the tone should be "different" and "controlled," with thestress on "us meeting them and getting ideas."
After the debate was over, the party bill managed to barelypass, 7-6-1. The time and place of proposed party is still yet tobe determined, and the bill itself still requires the signature ofSGA President Andrew McGarrity to go through.
Whether they have a party or not, though, the SGA has a lot onits agenda this year and it is just getting started. McGarrity ishopeful that the organization will complete that agenda, recentlystating that he no longer feels the SGA is "an inactive, do-nothingbody."
Speaker of the Senate Ashley James seemed to echo that sentimentwhen she ended last Thursday's meeting by saying, "This was a verylong meeting but we accomplished a lot."
