An earlier version of this article mentioned that SGA’s budget for the year is $7000. This is an error. SGA’s budget for the semester is $7000. The Chimes regrets this error and is committed to correcting all errors of fact. Readers are urged to notify the staff of such errors as soon as possible.
On Friday Oct. 4, the Student Government Association (SGA) held their fifth senate meeting of the 2024-2025 academic year. This week, they received their first big proposal of the year: funding Deck the Haven, a Biola legacy event.
WHAT IS DECK THE HAVEN?
Deck the Haven is a Christmas event in which residents of Hope Hall decorate their floor in multiple themes. It is an interactive event that invites all students, including those in off-campus apartments and commuters.
The name “Haven” comes from a floor in Hope Hall, which used to be in Hart Hall. Deck the Haven was first held in 2005 by Jesse Cone and Ty Dameron, its co-founders. It was very successful, having attracted many people on campus.
In 2022, Deck the Haven was run as an all-hall event in Hart. In 2023, Haven moved to Hope Hall and was proposed in SGA that year. The proposal was passed.
The Deck the Haven proposal is currently asking for $4000, which is around $4 per person attending. SGA’s budget for this semester is $7000.
PLANNING
The initial floor planning for Deck the Haven was held on Sept. 23. In this meeting, leaders discussed decor, use of space and different costumes.
Deck the Haven leaders saved around 80-85 percent of their decor and costumes from previous years. They desire to see the event flourish even more than previous years, thus, want to advertise the event more.
If the proposal is passed in full, the money would be used to buy materials, build story, work with volunteers across campus, and start advertising.
Set up for Deck the Haven is set to begin after Thanksgiving break. Leaders are also planning to start caroling around the dorms on Dec. 5 to begin spreading the Christmas spirit. They will end at 10 p.m. to adhere to quiet hours, as required. Deck the Haven is set to be held on Dec. 7.
WHY DECK THE HAVEN?
Deck the Haven is offered as a gift to the Biola community. It serves to bring students together even if they are not in the same dorm. It is especially beneficial for first year students who may not yet have an established community.
The event also serves as a means of de-stressing before finals. With Deck the Haven occurring earlier in December, students do not have to worry about not having enough time because of finals. It seeks to refresh the minds of students so they are ready to focus during finals week.
Ultimately, Deck the Haven aims to be a channel for creative input while also spreading the Christmas cheer and Christian love.
