Since the first hour of this meeting was deemed “Q & A with Dr. Corey,” the meeting began as senators shared some brief information about their specific President’s Administrative Council partnerships with President Barry Corey. The main things noted were the LGBTQ conversation survey, the success of the third annual diversity summit, the student leadership session of SCORR, and the creation of the SGA student scholarship.

As current and future senators asked questions, the main topics covered were the legal status of Biola’s application for partial Title IX exemption and Biola as an environment that supports students of diversity, a concern because the retention rate for students of color is below Biola’s average. A few students outside SGA attended but did not ask any questions.

Senior communications major Gavin Sweeney came in after the meeting with Corey and shared with the senators about a bone marrow donor registry event he will host on campus. On April 20 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and April 22 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sweeney will host a booth outside Common Grounds, though this location is subject to change. Students can decide to be added to the registry and will use a cheek swab to be tested after signing up to determine if they are a genetic match for anyone in need. No procedures will occur during this event.

Despite previous consideration, a farmers market will not occur on campus this semester. It was determined unrealistic to have an event planned before the end of the school year and would make more sense to host as a weekly occurrence rather than a one time event. The SGA executive board has been working on a student discount card for use at local restaurants and stores and will continue adding more locations over summer. The card will first be released to incoming students during Student Orientation Services week and to continuing students at the beginning of the school year. The website page for the SGA student scholarship remains in the works but will be up and running within the next couple of weeks.

Due to the success of the Lecrae concert on Biola’s campus and that the tickets sold out, Biola’s administration is considering an event with the band All Sons & Daughters and would appreciate student feedback regarding this impending decision.

Senators then discussed their experience in senate as preparation for incoming senator training.

Voting

Last week’s proposal for the redesigning of the Student Union Building passed in the full amount of $19,000 in a vote of 11-1-3.