By: Amber McWhorter, Guest Writer

The Student Government Association will recommend the implementation of recycling bins and speed bumps in front of Castle Heights residence hall in accordance with the resolutions passed at the Wednesday, April 27, meeting.

Resolutions No. 37, 38, 39 and Act No. 14 were passed at the final meeting of the 70th General Assembly last Wednesday.

College of Behavioral and Health Science Sen. Lamarcus Day’s Resolution No. 38, which sends a letter to the physical plant recommending the installation of speed bumps in the parking area of the Castle Heights lot, was passed to reduce speeding and ensure the safety of students crossing the lot.

Resolution No. 37 looks to add desk-size recycling bins in the Clement and McCord buildings and Freshman Sen. Sierra Salandy’s resolution passed with no discussion.

The next resolution was Resolution No. 39, which sends a letter of recommendation to the Interim Dean of the College of Business Charles Moses requesting the computer monitors in the COB’s labs be relocated from under the desks to on top to increase visibility and readability.

College of Business Sen. Hannah Reece authored this legislation and said it was a health issue as well as a visibility issue.

“It causes students neck strain as you’re sitting in class and have to look down at the computer,” Reece said. “And most classes have to use these computers for the entire class period.”

Reece’s resolution passed after some discussion in the senate.

The next order of business was College of Arts and Letters Sen. Ari Ruiz’s Act. No. 14. This act amends the SGA Constitution to include a section on how the tribunal is appointed. Ruiz’s act passed and the constitution will be amended.

The meeting concluded with announcements, which came from various members of SGA saying their goodbyes to the senate and congratulating each other on a successful year.

SGA also hosted special guest speaker Derek van der Merwe, vice president for advancement, communication and strategic initiatives.

Van der Merwe discussed the university’s 2015-16 University Strategic Plan, which is intended to improve APSU’s quality, innovation, collaboration, globalization and community. The new programs are dedicated to help Tennessee Gov. Bill Haslam’s “Drive to 55” initiative which aims to have 55 percent of Tennessee residents awarded with college degrees by 2025.

The plan was included in two town hall meetings on Thursday, April 28, one at 9 a.m. and one at 3 p.m.

The goals of the University Strategic Plan focus on growth – in both diversity and enrollment – communication, branding and strategic planning.

SGA will reconvene in the Fall 2016 semester under the leadership of the recently sworn in 2016-17 Executive Council under President Ryan Honea, Vice President Dylan Kellogg, Executive Secretary Blaine Gundersen and Chief Justice Lane Chisenhall.