By Jacob Brown, Editor-in-Chief
The Student Government Association is working on several initiatives aimed at improving campus life, including adding bike racks, expanding electric scooter access and introducing new student organizations.
Melissa Arguijo, president of SGA, said one of her main priorities this year is encouraging senators to write and propose bills that would address student needs and improve campus facilities.
A proposal to add more bike racks around campus has already been approved by SGA.The bill passed Monday and aims to provide additional parking options for students who bike to class, Arguijo said.
Under the proposal, two bike racks would be added in front of Dugan Library and two would be added in front of DeMattias Hall. SGA is also discussing the possibility of adding two racks near the Eck Hall area, although the final locations have not been selected.
The existing bike rack near Eck Hall has limitations because its low-to-the-ground design makes it difficult for some students to securely lock their bikes, Arguijo said.
“The new racks would provide more accessible bike parking spaces and give students additional options for securing their bicycles.”
The next steps to getting the bike racks on campus include obtaining the necessary signatures from Megan Chambers, Dean of students and Arguijo herself. and ordering the equipment, Arguijo said. SGA has also communicated with the university’s groundskeeping staff about installing the racks once they arrive.
In addition to campus improvements, SGA is considering approving new student organizations. Arguijo said one proposed club, Letters of Love, a club proposed by senior Grace Long whose members would write cards to hospitalized children, has received approval. A film club proposed by first-year student Taj Byrd is being considered.
SGA is also exploring the possibility of allowing e-scooter company Veo Micromobility to put e-scooters on Newman’s campus. Arguijo said senior Max Masem is in communication with the company.
The goal is to make the scooters more accessible to students traveling around campus and to nearby destinations, Arguijo said.
“Students without vehicles, including those living in residence halls, could potentially use the service to reach locations on West Street, gyms and other businesses without relying on rideshare services.”
The expansion is still under discussion, and SGA is waiting for further communication from the company before determining how the process could move forward, Arguijo said.
PHOTO: Jacob Brown, Editor-in-Chief
