With a new semester underway, Tarleton State University Student Government Association (SGA) has multiple new projects in the works, some of which may affect Tarleton this year, including changes to Rec Center hours, Founders Week and parking.

“Regarding [this] semester we have a few big projects,” said SGA President Jay Johnson. “We aim to integrate our satellite locations (Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian) into SGA, as they make up a significant portion of our students and are underrepresented as of now… We feel it is a great time to embark on this project especially with the announcement of the new Fort Worth Campus.”

Several of these projects, it seems, involve extending SGA’s influence and involvement on campus.

“We are also looking to host an SGA Faculty/Student Senate meeting soon after Student Body Elections in order to facilitate the relationship between collegiate senators and the faculty from the colleges they represent,” said Johnson. “We are also aiming to continue our partnership with the Stephenville community through continued attendance at City Council meetings, as well as acting on some of the ideas we discussed with Dr. Dottavio’s cabinet last semester.”

In addition to expanding SGA’s reach, a previously passed legislation will be tested beginning this week.

“The Recreation Center will extend hours from 11 p.m. to 12 a.m. for the first week of school, as SGA passed legislation in support of extended hours,” Johnson said. “This will be a trial period to gauge usage and determine if longer hours will be something students utilize.”

SGA at Tarleton is also involved in the “It’s On Us” campaign, a nationwide movement against sexual assault. According to its official website, the goals of “It’s On Us” are to “recognize that non-consensual sex is sexual assault. To identify situations in which sexual assault may occur. To intervene in situations where consent has not or cannot be given. [And] to create an environment in which sexual assault is unacceptable and survivors are supported.” According to Johnson, SGA is “aiming to expand [its] involvement with the “It’s On Us” campaign.”

Other changes include campus construction and community outreach.

“We are looking to make Founder’s Week a much larger event through cooperation with other organizations who help plan events,” Johnson said. “We of course will be hosting Sixth Grade Day Away for area schools to attend a “college day” as we do each year.”

Johnson said that SGA is accepting suggestions for names of the new residence hall as well.

“Regarding campus developments, there is obviously the new residence hall on Frey Street and the new construction on the island (don’t worry, the Three Penny Triangle is safe and sound) that will make the additions of a John Tarleton statue and fountains,” Johnson said. “We will also begin construction on another residence hall in the upcoming year. Also, many students are aware that Davis Hall, Bender Hall, and Ferguson Hall are set to be torn down, but I am not sure on dates as of yet. We may see some more changes on campus depending on how the State Legislature votes on Tuition Revenue Bonds (TRBs) in the upcoming session as these determine many of the changes on public campuses. We will be sure and keep the student body updated as soon as we know. Also, we are taking suggestions for names for the new residence hall.”

Finally, Johnson mentioned that SGA will be involved in the recently created Parking Committee, which has already begun meeting and will continue to do so throughout the semester.

“As parking is continuously a big issue, SGA has two student representatives on the newly formed Parking Committee to provide student input,” Johnson said.

In regard to other previous legislation, Johnson addressed the construction of covered areas at shuttle stops that was requested by SGA last semester.

“I’m not sure when the weather protection for the shuttle stops will be constructed, as there is some question as to the permanency of the current shuttle drops,” Johnson explained. “However, around the same time that SGA Congress passed the legislation requesting this change, administration had already begun talks regarding constructing covers, so I can confidently say that they are on the horizon.”

SGA House and Senate meetings occur on alternate weeks throughout the semester. For information on meetings and how to get involved with SGA, visit Tarleton.edu/SGA.