The Allegheny Student Government began its general assembly with cabinet reports addressing topics such as club budgets.

ASG commenced this week’s General Assembly at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 13, in room 301/302 of the Henderson Campus Center.

Parliamentarian Rachael Harris, ’23, reminded ASG about the luncheon on Monday Oct. 18 from 12:45 p.m. to 2 p.m. in room 301/302 of the Henderson Campus Center.

“Seating is limited so we ask that you RSVP via MyAllegheny, the link will be sent out as of this Wednesday,” Harris said. “The luncheon will begin with a brief overview of the Title IX policies and the floor will open up to questions, concerns and comments. Each meeting will feature a different representative from the different offices on campus. This initiative is student-led.”

Director of Finance Lucas Biniewski, ’23, updated ASG on budget spending on clubs and future events.

“For the budget this week $10,771.61 is for a Model UN trip to Harvard,” Biniewski said. “The surplus fund is $1,300 for the ‘Why Not Us’ domestic violence awareness month supplies and fencing needs more supplies. From the speaker fund, it’s $1,110 for e-sports.”

Binewski disclosed current conversations being had about non-gas fire pits and green spaces on campus.

“I was approached by some people from the administration and buildings and grounds and they want us to get rolling on this,” Binewski said. “Right now, they are looking to do one that’s good with buildings and grounds in the NVI courtyard, there is enough space there legally that is required by the city of Meadville.”

There have been discussions around introducing a financial education program to teach club treasurers ASG financial processes.

“People don’t know the process anymore because all the people that knew it graduated and didn’t train the new officers,” Biniewski said. “Because of COVID, not many clubs were requesting money last year in the first place.”

Biniewski announced that the finance committee has decided to re-open budget forms for 24 hours. Additionally, budget hearings will be happening on Sunday, Oct. 24 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. in 15 minute time slots. This is being done because many clubs do not have budgets.

Director of Communications and Press Ryder Sullivan, ’22, outlined her plan to enhance student engagement with ASG.

“I am going to start doing some content for the ASG Instagram weekly to pull more people in and gain interest,” Sullivan said. “I am also going to start reaching out to clubs for Instagram takeovers.”

Director of Student Affairs Elizabeth Graham, ’22, encouraged ASG to continue spreading the Wi-Fi form in order to begin solving internet issues on campus.

President of the Class of 2023 Olivia Brophy informed ASG about the upcoming Meadville election.

“I strongly encourage you to register to vote in Meadville,” Brophy said. “The local election is very consequential for our lives here at the college. You spend nine out of the 12 months of the year here.”

President of the Class of 2024 Kristen Cadham updated ASG on current work being done in the first-year class.

“The senators are continuing to work on their platform goals and getting over obstacles,” Cadham said. “They saw a high increase in attendance for our class event.”

Vice President Sophie Adams, ’22, addressed current perceptions about ASG that have come to light.

“I’ve been hearing people complaining about ASG and how inefficient we are,” Adams said. “If you hear that, can you please just have them come talk to us? People are frustrated but they are also not saying anything to us so we can’t address problems if we don’t know they exist.”

President of the Class of 2025 Abigail-Estrada Hernandez suggested a feedback Google form for students to express their concerns.

“That’s kind of what ‘Talk About It Tuesday’ is for because that’s the easiest way for students to come talk to us,” Adams responded. “Every other week there is a table so students can come talk to us.”

Attorney General Jack Parker, ’22, explained that Google forms are surveys and as an organization ASG is not allowed to collect data that is not confirmed by the institutional review board.

Biniewski recommended students put faith into their own organizations in order to help make the school better.

“I think it’s worth noting that ASG is making a devoted effort to work with the administration’s cabinet to promote communication among the students better,” Parker said. “We are not trying to necessarily distance ourselves from the administration because there shouldn’t be that divide, but at the same time it needs to be known to the student body that a collaboration has presented itself.”

The assembly was adjourned at 8:06 p.m.