Sustainability Fee Advisory Committee bylaw amendment adopted by Student Government

Minnesota State’s Student Government approved the bylaw amendment on the Sustainability Fee Advisory Committee at its Wednesday meeting.

President Roshit Niraula proposed the amendment and suggested a few changes to the Sustainability Fee Advisory Committee. 

The main change is the removal from the Student Government Expanded Cabinet. However, the coordinator of the committee has the right to attend the meetings with either an invitation or prior approval from the president. 

Responsibilities of the Sustainability Coordinator were listed under the second bylaw amendment item and included “coordinating sustainable efforts and projects across the campus community. The coordinator shall chair the Sustainability Fee Advisory Committee, convene its meetings and assist in the preparation and presentation of its annual budget and mandatory student fee requests.”

While the coordinator for the committee is not included in the President’s expanded cabinet, the compensation for the position will remain at the same rate as that of other Student Government coordinators. Niraula clarified that the stipend will be paid exclusively from the Sustainability Fee category and will not affect Student Activity Fees. Additionally, the Sustainability Fee Advisory Committee remains included in the Standing Committees of the Student Government. 

Besides the approval of the bylaw amendment, the Student Government filled two vacant senator positions, including the Residential Life Senator and Graduate Studies Senator. The latter position was filled through a competition of three graduate candidates.

The newly appointed Residential Life Senator is Nolan Zellmer, who is a freshman majoring in Construction Management and Business Administration. He said he believes being a freshman can bring a new perspective to the Student Government body. 

“I am a very outgoing person and see that as a benefit to Student Government as I would like to help others join different committees and clubs,” said Zellmer during his opening speech. “I am running for this position because I would like to have my voice heard and show future freshmen that we are part of this community and our ideas are valued.”

Kendra Draeger was appointed as the Graduate Studies Senator after the competition with Breanna Kesler and Moshood Agboola. Senators believe all of the candidates presented strong qualities that apply to the position.

“I think all of them have a very strong background, but I think Kendra’s goals align with the concerns of graduate students,” said Senator Mark Moore.

“I believe that they are all good candidates,” said Senator Rhys Riggle. “However, Kendra has very clear plans and clear ideas of what she wants to do with this position in the future. I thought all of her answers were very clear and concise.”

The two issues Draeger identified were the amount of working hours per week allowed for graduate students along with the mentorship program between first- and second-year graduate students.

“When I started last year, I did not know anyone besides the group of new graduate students coming in,” said Draeger. “Thankfully, I am in a new research lab, so there is a senior graduate student there. She was my mentor through everything.”

Caption: Nolan Zellmer is giving an opener speech during the election for the Residential Life Senator position at Student Government, Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2024.(NATHANAEL TILAHUN/The Reporter)

Write to amal.sharafkhodjaeva@mnsu.edu