The Undergraduate Student Congress voted to appoint new members, approved the allocation of funds and approved a resolution to request increased funding from the state of Oklahoma during Higher Education Day at its Tuesday evening meeting.
Appointment of new members to Congress
The Session CXI General Application Appointment Act appoints new associates and representatives to the Undergraduate Student Congress. These prospective members recently applied and interviewed to join Congress. They have been selected by the Congressional Administration Committee, and will be voted on by the body.
Representatives act on behalf of their academic district. According to the OU SGA website, there are 14 academic districts. Representatives run in elections and attend SGA meetings weekly.
Associates act on behalf of all undergraduate students. They are required to attend one SGA meeting a month.
The act is given a recommendation of 'do pass,' and will be voted on later in the meeting.
The act passes with a roll call vote of 23-0-0. The new members are appointed to Congress.
The new representatives and associates are sworn in after they are appointed to Congress.
Request of increased funding at Higher Education Day
The Higher Education Day Resolution of 2024 outlines the Student Government Association’s intentions for Higher Education Day. Higher Education Day, which will take place this Thursday, is an opportunity for SGA members to advocate for higher education at the state Capitol.
The resolution states that SGA will request more federal funds for higher education in Oklahoma. Additionally, SGA will request more state funds be allocated to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.
External Affairs Chair Marilou Bento spoke about the importance of securing funding for higher education. She described how, on Higher Education Day, members will personally meet with their Congressional representatives. Chair Bento said she is committed to improving the experiences of underrepresented students by advocating for DEI funding.
Rep. Vignech Anand called for debate on this resolution.
Rep. Shrey Kathuria argued in favor of the resolution, speaking about the importance of DEI programs.
“(DEI programs) help out everyday OU students,” Kathuria said.
Rep. Anand brought up some objections to the resolution for fear that it might negatively impact certain communities.
Rep. Tabitha Baggett spoke in favor of the resolution, cautioning members to remain objective in discussions of DEI.
Referencing Governor Kevin Stitt’s recent executive order calling for a formal review of DEI, Representative Baggett said, “We can’t override the executive order. We are a Student Congress, and he’s the governor.”
The resolution passes with a roll call vote of 28-1-0. This vote also includes the newly sworn in members.
Allocation of Student Government Association funds
The Auxiliary Allocation 12 Act of 2023-2024 allocates Student Government Association funds to registered student organizations. There is a proposed total of $45,684 to be dispersed among the 64 organizations. The act outlines details of the fiscal year and makes provisions for excess funds.
The act passes with a roll call vote of 28-0-1. This vote includes the newly sworn in members.
