SGA passed an amendment to the recruiting requirements for the Friends of Aubie on Monday night.
The changes align the legislation with the program's modern recruiting practices and clearly define those permitted to select future candidates. Aubie surprised SGA by making an appearance while senators cast their votes.
During the meeting, the various committees and representatives from the colleges began outlining the work they intend to accomplish this semester.
The Committee of Academic Affairs has the most extensive array of action items so far.
The committee is trying to put televisions in every academic study and learning center on campus and is working with the University to develop consistency across campus in grade rounding. Currently, professors can round a grade up to the nearest whole number or choose to keep a grade "as is."
Additionally, Academic Affairs is working with the university to respond to ChatGPT, a free-to-use artificial intelligence that "interacts in a conversational way," according to their website. The program can maximize efficiency by writing otherwise superfluous reports or promote academic dishonesty by allowing students to cheat on papers and essays.
Lastly, Academic Affairs wants to use excess budget funds to create an "SGA Cares" book fund. The fund is a needs-based scholarship to help students pay for their digital or analog textbooks.
Student Affairs is also working on a few projects to improve the student experience.
The committee is working with the 320 West Mag apartment complex to install a red light in the crosswalk between the building and the Auburn campus. They also plan to meet with Campus Recreation to discuss the department's upcoming expansion and best practices to help first-year students engage with the service.
Finally, the Committee for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion is working on installing handrails in the student section of Jordan-Hare stadium and auditing the handicap buttons on every door on campus to ensure they still function correctly.
Senators from the Colleges of Agriculture, Business and Auburn's Graduate School also gave remarks.
College of Agriculture Senator Hunter Rials promoted "Beyond the Farm," an event hosted by the college on March 23 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the Campus Green.
Harbert College of Business Sen. Thomas Treadwell addressed concerns that newly installed vending machines in Horton Hardgrave Hall only have beverage options and do not accept Tiger Dining credits.
Graduate School Sen. Adebowale Samuel Oyerinde announced elections for leadership on the graduate student council.
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Ethan Flynn, sophomore in journalism and finance, is the campus editor at The Auburn Plainsman. He has been with The Plainsman since Fall, 2022.
