The Student Government Association discussed how to engage the student body through campus holiday activities. This week, senators considered Christmas events to give students the chance to relax as well as serve.

HOLIDAY ACTIVITIES 

Senators discussed the return of Biola’s Christmas tree lighting ceremony. 

In addition to the tree lighting ceremony, senators considered a second holiday event  filled with hot chocolate, fake snow and activity booths. Proposed booth ideas included gift bags for global students and writing cards for elderly people in nursing homes. Another proposal was to have a speaker give a Christmas message before playing the movie “Elf” on Metzger Lawn while booths were in operation.

Senators floated other ideas for holiday events, including an ugly sweater contest, gingerbread house and cookie decorating, as well as live Christmas music.

Hart Hall residents gave a presentation asking senators for $3,500 to fund “Deck the Haven,” a Christmas-themed event filled with rides and experiences. The money would go toward catering, lights, music and activities. They suggested holding the event on the fourth floor of the parking garage to accommodate more guests and provide for social distancing. 

SERVING STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

SGA diversity coordinator Clarissa Aubin  gave a presentation about how best to serve students with disabilities. They explained several halls at Biola are not ADA accessible, which can cause challenges for students with disabilities. Aubin gave tips about using alternative text for people who are visually impaired and speaking clearly to students who are deaf or hard of hearing. 

PRESIDENT COREY’S SPEECH

President Barry Corey gave an address on his leadership experience at Biola during the COVID-19 pandemic. Corey affirmed that Biola is putting more money toward scholarships and will not raise tuition next semester. He reflected on  founders’ desires to take Scripture seriously and emphasized the university’s commitment to walk in the founders’ footsteps by focusing on scholarship, character and evangelism.