Ali Khatib, Student Government association president, swore in the new senators into SGA at the meeting’s conclusion, reciting a written pledge. The inaugurated senators are Tristen Brotherton, Kyra Jones, Sophie Hollowell, Breece Mohon, Addi Blue, Brooke Burton, Braden Lacefield, Gibson Dame, Carson Weiss and A’mareese Esters.

David Looney, executive director of auxiliary services, addressed the construction of a new residential hall and Learning Commons on campus, and cited parking complaints.

“There’s been some parking impacts,” he said, “and we’re working on mitigation strategies to get some more parking for you. Sorry about those impacts, but we do our best to get things added for you so that campus keeps advancing.” 

Plans for the Learning Commons began last year, with Angela Lampe, associate director of facilities design and construction, having stated that the building will consist of four floors. The first floor is to contain a large classroom, study areas and dining options. The other three are to be more residential, with 228 beds being spread between them. It is unclear as to what measures will be taken to alleviate parking, or when the building will be completed.

Starting Jan. 27, SGA will begin handing out free sweatshirts at the Center for Student Involvement in exchange for evidence of a completed general scholarship application. Don Robertson, vice president of student affairs and enrollment management, emphasized that students should complete their scholarship applications. 

“Every year, there’s money left because students didn’t fill out their applications,” he said. 

The scholarship application deadline is Feb. 2.