By Courtney Walsh, Staff Writer
Student Government Association (SGA) senate meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 21 began with a heated debate about the obligatory float-building hours for SGA senators. Some senators felt that the requested obligatory hours were far too demanding in addition to their weekly schedule.
One senator went as far as to say that since the obligatory hours were delegated by the council, and not voted in by the senate, that the hours were “unconstitutional”. The debate continued for quite some time until Spirit Chairwoman Victoria Vullo opted to amend the minutes of the previous SGA senate meeting. The senator obligatory hours were adjusted from four hours down to two hours, while council members must fulfill four hours.
After obligatory hours were adjusted, the focus of the meeting shifted to the new Internal Review and Control Board (IRC). Handouts were given to senators providing detailed descriptions on membership, organization and power. After reading read over the IRC handouts, the senate swore in five IRC board members: Matt Garcia, Fatima Sow, Dara Adeeyo, Beth Laschever and Scott Berozi. Comptroller Brian Marquis created the IRC with both SGA and non-SGA members with the hopes of a “fairer” means of auditing clubs.
Two of the committee’s potential members, Alex Hosner and Britney Hinds, were not present and will be voted in on a later date.
Two new clubs were passed at the meeting: the Nerf Gun Club and the Triathlon Club.
Meanwhile the race is still on for SGA hopefuls. The senate is in the process of voting in new delegates; it’s going to be a competitive season with 35 members of the senate and 26 spots open. Vice President Luke Miedreich provided the senate with sheets disclosing which delegates are eligible for election.
Afterward the brief meeting senate and council members made their way to Hofstra USA to continue the arduous process of completing their float. For Homecoming, SGA is working in partnership with Phi Sigma Sigma and Sigma Alpha Mu. Homecoming is scheduled for Sept. 22, and marks the kicks off of Hofstra’s yearlong 75th year celebration.