This week, the Student Government Association discussed a Valentine’s Day bachelor panel and considered allocating money to fund proposals.

FIND YOUR VALENTINE

Senators discussed an event called “Find Your Valentine” in which Biolans nominate contestants to participate in a bachelor panel. Panelists would include four males and four females. During the panel, one contestant will face the audience and ask the four panelists of the opposite gender a series of questions. A curtain will separate the contestant from the panelists so the contestants can hear the replies without seeing the speaker. Every round, the contestant asking the question judges whose response is best and awards that panelist a point. The male and female panelists with the most points at the end win. 

Biolans can nominate students to participate in the panel by scanning the QR code on the weekly newsletter posted in their hall. Nominees’ names, phone numbers and email addresses must be submitted by Feb. 5—whoever gets the most votes will be selected for the panel. The event will be held Thursday, Feb. 10 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. in Sutherland Auditorium. 

CONFERENCE AND POOL TABLES

Students requested $1,132 to fund the Restored Conference on April 2, a free one-day event for Biolans to experience healing from sin and shame as well as encounter the hope Jesus offers. The conference will be held at Coast Hills Community Church in south Orange County from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The funds requested go toward Chick-Fil-A catering, coffee and snacks, a shuttle, and posters and fliers for advertising. Senior psychology major Alexis Montgomery organized the event and expressed her desire that the conference bring hope and spark revival by advocating for the mental, physical and spiritual health of attendees.

Office of Campus Engagement traditions coordinator Emily Propst requested funds for new pool tables in the Student Union Building as the current pool tables have damaged felt and some are off balance. They explained their desire for students to enjoy community not only through nightly pool games in the SUB, but also via an upcoming intramural pool tournament OCE continues to plan.   

MENTAL HEALTH

Commuter senator Alyssa Walkup gave a presentation about how to support peers with mental health issues and mental illnesses. She explained that just because someone has a period of poor mental health does not mean they have a mental illness, and someone diagnosed with a mental illness can experience times of well-being. 

Walkup cited statistics that highlighted the prevalence of mental illness and suicidal behaviors on college campuses across the nation. She suggested that students point people with mental health problems and mental illnesses to professionals at the Biola Counseling Center and Pastoral Care. She emphasized the importance of praying for friends who are struggling, sitting with them and reminding them that there is hope in Christ.