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SGA makes plans for Sept. 11


On Thurs. Aug. 29th at the SGA meeting, discussion of new business included events for September 11th and voter registration drive. Eric Tolbert, Student Body President also told of SGA plans for this semester.

Katie High, advisor for SGA and Vice Chancellor of student affairs, said during the meeting that the student affairs office has organized a program called Unite Our Schools. This event will take place on Sept. 11th at noon on the plaza north of the University Center. If dismal weather occurs, the event will take place in the Watkins Auditorium.

High says the purpose of this event is two fold. Tribute will be given to the victims and to the men and women of uniform who served their country. Honor will also be given to the current men and women of uniform. Candy Goad with student affairs says that the police, sheriff, fire, and EMS of Weakly and surrounding counties have been invited.

After High’s explanation of Unite Our Schools, she asked that SGA be involved. Tolbert said that SGA was glad the event was termed United Our Schools rather than a tribute. “It should be a concept rather than a tribute,” says Tolbert. “It will become an annual event for the school.”

SGA’s answer to a call of involvement was by means of providing a canvas scroll at the program. The scroll would be used for students to sign their names and write messages of patriotism.

Much debate occurred over what to do with the scroll after the program. Original suggestions were to send the scroll to the mayor of New York. Senators then began discussing the fact that New York will probably be inundated with scrolls and messages. Jennifer Ogg made the statement that if the scroll could not be sent to New York, pictures of the scroll could be sent. The Senate passed a motion to have President Tolbert write a letter to New York.

The Senate agreed that there would be more benefit by leaving the scroll here on campus. A motion was made to place the scroll in the University Center. This motion was passed without any opponents. Brian Davis, Campus Observation Chair, made a motion that a decision on the exact placement of the scroll be tabled until next meeting. This motion also passed without any opponents.

“I think the Senate made the best choice by choosing to have the scroll kept here at UT Martin. New York is getting a lot of mail. By choosing to leave the scroll here, future students of UT Martin and people of our community will always be able to see what we did for Sept. 11th,” says Vice President Nikki Draper.

More details were given about the Unite Our Schools Program. High informed the body that the program is to be 30-45 minutes long, beginning at noon. The question was asked by the Senate if students would be excused from class. “The recommendation is being made for teachers to allow dismissal of classes. I would hate to see a professor say that their students have to be at a lecture. However, the professors will be the ones making the final decision. It is their choice”, says High.

High has asked President Bush and congressmen to send her letters about the attack While the program itself is still in the developing stages, participation may be seen from student choir members and ROTC color guard. Tolbert asks that students show their patriotism by wearing red, white, and blue.

Another issue discussed during the meeting was voter registration. Tolbert stated that during the previous voter registration drive, 177 freshmen signed up to vote. Governmental Affairs Chair John Lankford stated that the next drive is going to be Sept. 17-24th. While the registration numbers are looking good, Lankford says the easy part is over. “The hard part is actually getting the students to go to the poles and vote,” says Lankford.

Committees will meet in the future to discuss evolving issues such as public housing. High states that all they need is a green light from the state. “As soon as we get a go ahead, we will start posting a series of focus groups from students. We need to hear from students. We need to know what they want and what they are willing to pay for. We want the premier housing of Tennessee.”

Tolbert briefly outlined projects for the year. He said that Homecoming would be at its best this year, with speakers, comedians, movies, and intramurals. He also urges students to check their UTM email for announcements regarding events. Other announcements were made. In the future, Tolbert will be asked to select five members of SGA to possibly serve on a committee for choosing a new coordinator of minority affairs.
Davis was recognized for his work during the summer. “Brian stood in as President while I was gone,” states Tolbert. “He did an excellent job with freshmen studies, voter registration drive, and the move in.”

Joey Pierce was also sworn in as the Election Commissioner.