Photo by Ali Meizels ’23
Lenore Reilly spoke at Senate on Tuesday, Feb. 18.
BY KATIE GOSS ’23
The Student Government Association’s (SGA) weekly senate meeting primarily focused on the Board of Trustees, what they do and how they operate on campus this past Tuesday.
Other items on the agenda included discussing the budget for December to February and getting together with working groups. The meeting started out as usual, with senators being encouraged to speak out with feedback, concerns or ideas from themselves or others.
After this portion of the evening, a few new senators were welcomed to the meeting, as senator spots had been filled for some of the residence halls.
Senior Advisor to the President and Secretary of the College Lenore Reilly came to the meeting to speak about the Board of Trustees. The role of the Board is mainly to successfully give directions and advice for the College along with the president. This includes voting on substantial capital requests and approving tenure, promotions and the College’s budget.
Currently, there are 28 trustees on the Board. Though there are usually 31 trustees, there are a total of 34 spots that can be filled. The Board itself meets three times per year, but certain committees — such as the Conference or Student Affairs committee — meet two or three times a year, and each Trustee is expected to be on at least three committees.
Reilly highlighted that the board usually stays within their committee to get as much done as they can, but that they also try to schedule to meet with staff, faculty, and students. After Reilly’s presentation, the floor was opened to questions from the senators.
In the wake of the movement to divest from fossil fuels on campus, a few questions about what the committee actually plans to do regarding fossil fuel divestment were asked. However, Reilly said that she would have to ask the trustees to clarify on anything before giving students specific answers.
Afterwards, Maha Mapara ’21, the SGA treasurer, went over the budget from December to February. She discussed the four organizations which are currently being funded, and how much was allocated to them.
To end the meeting, senators were asked to get into their working groups to continue to work on their group projects.
Senate meetings are held every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. in the Great Room of Blanchard Community Center.