SGA Rundown: Senators hear from The Dwelling and fund scholarships for students

A campus group speaks with senators about engaging with students of sexual minorities, and a scholarship proposal passes.

Amanda Frese, Managing Editor • January 31, 2019

Photo courtesy of Courtesy of Biola SGA

In the third senate meeting of the semester, the Student Government Association heard from leaders of The Dwelling, including Talbot School of Theology graduate student Jacob Keeth, about the importance of being leaders and friends to students who identify as sexual minorities through engaging in conversation and cultivating community. Additionally, SGA passed a proposal to fund 12 $1,000 scholarships for students.

THE DWELLING FOSTERS UNDERSTANDING

Keeth spoke to SGA about the Dwelling, a campus group which provides a safe environment for students that identify as a sexual minority or as part of the LGBTQ community. The group has existed for about three years, operating under Spiritual Development administrator Chris Barragan.

The Dwelling, according to the representatives, encourages discipleship in Christ through biblical grace, giving a “dwelling” to students, where they can voice their experiences and engage in conversation. According to Keeth, the group affirms Biola’s statements about marriage and relationships, but will not turn anyone away based on their theological standpoints.

Keeth says the Dwelling averages about 25 students per meeting, with a 93 percent retention of students who attend these meetings throughout the year. The members meet once a month for dinner and discussion, and twice a month for small group discussions. The small groups seek to allow students to discuss their diverse perspectives about sexual identity through discussions about literature, God, blogs and thoughts and questions.

Keeth encouraged the senators to take a larger role in the lives of students who experience same-sex attraction through leadership and friendship. According to Keeth, it is important for leaders to communicate validation to students who share their stories, asking questions at the right time and with the right mindset to show dedicated interest in people’s identity. The Dwelling will also be seeking ways to partner with SGA in the future.

SGA SCHOLARSHIP PROPOSAL APPROVED

Senators then voted on vice president of community relations Katy Hendricks’ internal proposal to fund 12 scholarships for $1,000 each, which was submitted at the previous senate meeting. The senators unanimously supported the proposal, with some senators pointing out that the scholarships allow SGA to tangibly provide for students. The vote to approve the SGA scholarships passed in full, 10-0-1.

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About the Contributor

Amanda Frese, Managing Editor

Amanda Frese is a senior journalism major who sends too many exclamation points in all of her texts and loves to make coffee. [email protected] Studying journalism at Biola University has given me so many opportunities — I don't even know where to start. I took classes on magazine writing and public affairs reporting. I interned at the Borgen Project, Pan de Vida and H3R Magazine. I studied in Quito, Ecuador for a semester. I learned about my voice not only as a journalist, but as a person, and how to connect with people. As a senior this year, looking back at my experience at Biola, I remember writing my first article for The Chimes. Thinking that my article was perfect, I submitted it and soon received copious edits from the editors who published it. The Chimes, since my first article, has taught me the importance of growing, adapting and learning from every experience. Whether it is my relationships with my roommates and friends, travelling to a place that feels unfamiliar or interviewing someone for an article, the Chimes taught me the importance of entering into these opportunities with a desire to learn. This year I am excited to be the managing editor for the Chimes. I look forward to continuing to grow as I serve the Chimes staff and the Biola community in this position.