Suffolk University’s Student Government Association discussed changes to its constitution, upcoming executive board elections and changes to member-at-large requirements during their meeting Jan. 29.
SGA Vice President Kayleigh Carey said senators, senators-at-large and the Student Judicial Review Board reviewed the constitution during a meeting last week and made several edits. This meeting served as a place to discuss the revisions, with a vote expected at the following meeting.
The proposed changes included updates to eligibility requirements, election procedures and removal and resignation policies.
Most of the discussion focused on the role and requirements of the members-at-large. Carey said the position’s responsibilities would not change, but SGA hopes to emphasize their engagement and responsibility.
Members-at-large would still be unable to vote or serve as committee chairs, but would continue to be able to have speaking privileges, the ability to write resolutions and the opportunity to run for elected positions. Proposed requirements include attending at least three meetings and serving on a committee, with a maximum of two members-at-large assigned per committee.
Several senators debated whether members-at-large should be required to collect signatures to demonstrate commitment. Suggestions ranged from requiring signatures from the student body to having conversations with the senate or receiving recommendations from committee chairs.
Class of 2026 Sen. John Newman suggested requiring potential members-at-large to collect about 25 signatures from the student body.
“Just to kind of show that they’re outstanding citizens of the student body,” said Newman.
He compared it to SGA’s current process, where the student steps out of the room while the senate votes. He believes this additional requirement of getting signatures would be a way to demonstrate their commitment.
Carey was open to the idea but suggested lowering the number of signatures.
Some members of the senate disagreed with the idea.
“I think it creates barriers,” said Joey Pisani, senator-at-large.
Member-at-large Julianna Da Luz thought requiring members to collect signatures would discourage them.
“Requiring them to do signatures and then requiring them to do discussions, it’s completely dismantling the idea of it being any easier than being a senator if you have to get signatures at the same time,” said Da Luz.
Later in the meeting, Carey also announced that nominations for executive board elections will begin the week of Feb. 2. Election packets will be distributed Feb. 12, and candidates will have one week to collect signatures. Executive board candidates must collect a minimum of 75 signatures, senators-at-large 50 signatures and class senators 25 signatures.
During the open forum, Senator-at-large Khadijah Mukhtar raised concerns about the availability of prayer spaces on campus. Currently, the only designated prayer space is located on the eighth floor of Sawyer, encouraging discussions about adding an additional space in Sargent Hall.
SGA Secretary Stephanie Lima recognized Academic Committee Co-Chair and class of 2027 Sen. Bella Wawrzyniak for this week’s P.I.L.L.A.R award for her efforts in organizing Ram Rivalry. The award recognizes senators who meet the six pillars which are passion, integrity, leadership, legacy, activism and “Rambition.”
SGA Treasurer Frank Ezhan reported that SGA has allocated close to $32,000 of its $75,000 annual club funding budget so far.
