Student Government discusses campus safety

By Brian Bevilacqua

Cade Belisle/Daily Collegian
Cade Belisle/Daily Collegian

After weeks of meetings concerning the recent election, the Student Government Association had a meeting focused on several issues, including their bylaws, the upcoming academic year and funding on Monday night.

Associate Speaker Maddie Goldstein mentioned the possibility of adding blue lights to parts of the town of Amherst. She acknowledged this would be difficult, but said it was preferable to alternative safety suggestions, such as an iPhone app to contact police.

Goldstein also talked about discussions with UMPD and town officials about increased sexual assault training for officers. This comes as SGA looks tries to work with the UMatter at UMass campaign to limit the damage done to student body by sexual assaults, which one in ten University of Massachusetts students said they were affected by in a survey announced at the meeting by the Senate.

Associate Speaker Goldstein also informed the Senate that Director of UMass Dining Ken Toong asked for SGA input into future meal plans.

The Student Senate finalized changes to Residential Hall Association bylaws based on the changes agreed upon in previous meetings. However, a section prohibiting Residential Assistants from becoming Area Governors and a change making Area Secretary and Treasurer appointed positions were struck down in debate.

In opening announcements, President Zac Broughton and Vice President Emily Hajjar encouraged the Senate to maintain focus on upcoming meetings and next year’s SGA events. Hajjar specifically asked the Senate to address their constituents about a potential $12 fee increase that would go to mental health assistance at University Health Services.

The SGA approved $4,892.50 to Autism Speaks for their annual 5K walk in response to a remarkable increase in student participation beyond the RSO’s previous projections.

Ross Kellogg was also appointed to the Administrative Affairs Committee.

Brian Bevilacqua can be reached at [email protected]