Senators in Student Government Association are flooding the senate floor with new legislation.
At Wednesday's meeting, two new pieces were introduced. Two pieces were introduced last week, and at least one more is in the works, senators said. Legislation issues range from student safety to increased funding for the Multicultural Center.
President Tolu Olowomeye is impressed at the influx of new legislative initiatives and the efforts of the senators.
"I think the senators just needed a challenge," Olowomeye said.
That challenge came Oct. 23, when Olowomeye urged senators to begin drafting legislation, an effort she sees as effective.
"They knew I was going to hold them accountable for the success of this organization," Olowomeye said. "They needed me to say that something needed to be done."
Though senators did not vote on or discuss legislation, they are forming opinions on the issues.
A piece setting guidelines for academic advising improvements was tabled by the Academic Affairs Committee. Chairwoman Donna Dodson said if the legislation is not voted on next week, it will die.
"We wanted to get some more sponsorship from faculty and advisers," Dodson said. She added that anyone interested in supporting the legislation can read it.
Senators must also make decisions on increasing funding for the Multicultural Center.
"It's part of the Strategic Plan to promote multicultural awareness," Sen. Nataki Sanders said. "They can't do that if they don't give the center the funds."
Another argument the legislation contains said Ball State spends less per student for multicultural programs than other MAC schools. According to the legislation, Bowling Green spends an average of $3.78 per student and $51.74 per minority on multicultural programs. Ball State, according to the legislation, pays $0.83 per student and $11.86 per minority.
Senators may vote on the issues next week.
An additional piece introduced Wednesday calls for a "proceed with caution" and flashing yellow light warning on Tillotson Ave. near the overflow lot. Senators said this area is dangerous for students.
"It's a good idea to install something," Sen. Andy Rago said. "It's also good for the football games."
Sen. Jeremy Kalvaitis said as long as there is no Shuttle Bus stop at the overflow lot, this is the least the university can do to protect its students.
The remaining two pieces of legislation deal with changes within SGA. One piece, if passed, will add a freshman sub-caucus to help freshman learn about senate processes while working with other people of their class. Legislation that has yet to hit the floor calls for revision of the SGA elections code.
Next week, senators will spend their time discussing governance restructuring issues and the future of these pieces of legislation.
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