The Student Government Association Senate will hold their last scheduled meeting of the fall semester Thursday, and there are two bills up for consideration on the agenda, including one that will have a constitutional impact.
The senate will be considering a measure to amend the SGA Constitution regarding the responsibilities of the vice president. Currently the vice president is informally in charge of the selection process for Mr. and Miss University of Memphis in the fall and Project Unite and the Multi-cultural Festival in the spring.
Brandon Gravley, the current vice president, recused himself from the Mr. and Miss U of M selection process this year so he would be eligible to run himself. Senate Speaker Michael Lipe and a few senators had to take over the process, and everything went on without any problems.
While it did not cause a major issue this semester, some people felt it was important to officially make the vice president oversee the process. The office has very few outlined responsibilities, so adopting this amendment will give the position greater importance.
Gravley is not opposed to the amendment, but he feels it is more important to work closely with the president.
"If the senate wants to change the constitution to address the situation, that's fine," he said. "However, the vice president serves at the pleasure of the president and student body."
The other issue the senate is debating covers the Tiger Patrol golf carts. The golf carts used by the organization do not have the complete covers over them, and when it is raining or cold, the driver and passengers are not protected from the elements.
Senator Joe Lane is sponsoring the bill, and he said many students have spoken to him about wanting to use the service in winter but choosing not to because of the cold temperatures.
"Tiger Patrol is a very important service provided to the students, and we should do everything possible to make sure it is safe and comfortable for anyone who wants to use it," Lane said.
If adopted, the bill requests The University refit the golf carts with covers similar to those used by the physical plant carts. The interior of the cart will then be completely enclosed, making the vehicle more pleasing to the public.
Senate Speaker Michael Lipe hopes the bill will encourage more students to take advantage of the service.
"We need to make sure that students feel free to call on Tiger Patrol every time they need a ride, and if this helps out just one student, then it is worth our time to pursue it," he said.
The senate was also scheduled to debate a constitutional amendment dealing with the selection of the members of the student court, however that bill is being tabled in committee for revisions.
The meeting will be at 7 p.m. in The University Center senate chamber room, and there will be a time set aside for students to address the Senate over any issue they find important.
