SGA Bureau Chief Ria Vasishtha covered Barnard College’s Student Government Association (SGA) Meeting on Monday.

On March 25, Barnard’s SGA convened to discuss ongoing representative-led projects and participate in a policy development workshop. 

Emphasis was placed on running for SGA next year, encouraging interested individuals to either email the SGA email or reach out to students in SGA. Representatives are happy to answer questions about their role and discuss where prospective representatives could fit within the SGA. There will be information sessions happening over the next two weeks. The campaign guidelines were recently revised, and candidates should review the guidelines when promoting their platform. There is no longer print campaigning. 

Going around the table, students shouted out what they were working on and upcoming events to attend. Events included a junior and senior networking event where students can meet with alumni, and a conference debrief of the AI survey taken by students and faculty. Barnard’s SGA has also helped implement a QR code in bathrooms, and representatives encourage students to use the QR code to report issues. As the Barnard Greek Games approach, interested students should begin to sign up. Further information about these events can be found on the SGA’s Instagram page and the respective department websites. 

A member of the University Senate also announced the establishment of a dedicated first-generation, low-income space at Columbia University. This space was inspired by the success of Access Barnard and was recently approved.

When external announcements came to a close, the SGA adviser held a policy workshop where representatives learned the process of writing policy via the structure of resolutions. SGAs across the country operate using the resolution format, modeling the government institutions around us. Resolutions are an effective way of making direct points to the administration. SGA often spearheads important projects, like winter housing and menstrual products. Resolutions are a tangible record of their work.

Overall, the meeting served as a platform for collaborative discourse and skill development, reinforcing the SGA’s commitment to effecting change within the student body.

Diana Center via Bwog Archives