Berea College Student Government Association

The Berea College Student Government Association is proud to announce the adoption of the Chicago Statement on Freedom of Expression! This document will help guarantee student's right to speak and publish freely on campus while still respecting their classmates, staff, and faculty. For our next steps, will push for other groups on campus, to adopt the statement as well.

You can learn more about the Chicago Statement here:

Fast Facts: The Chicago Statement on Freedom of Expression Home Research & Learn Contents Table of Contents Share Share with Email Share on Twitter Share on Facebook Print Fast Facts: The Chicago Statement on Freedom of Expression FIRE’s Chicago Statement Resources Model Freedom of Expression Resolution Based on the Chicago Statement Full List of Universi...

Hello everyone!

As Berea College students get settled into their semester responsibilities, we would like to look back to the first week of classes at the final stage of our first project, SGA Summer Storage. Most students know how difficult it is to transport boxes from campus to home & back, especially when space is limited. So, in the 2023 Spring Semester, the SGA collected the storage of almost 100 students and kept it in a storage space in Richmond for the summer. Then, as the Fall Semester began, hundreds of boxes were transported back to campus and students picked up their storage items. We hope to continue the project next year for even more students!

A special shoutout goes to Salaam Nahasi, our Sophomore Senator, who worked tirelessly through the summer the first week of campus to make sure that students had access to their belongings as soon as possible. Without her, this project could not have happened!

Hello everyone,

I hope your spring break is going well. I wanted to let you know about an award the SGA gives out every year for service to students. Below is a description of the award and criteria outlining who can receive the award. If you know someone who has made a positive impact on the lives of students consider nominating them through this link:

SGA Service Award The SGA Award for Service to Students is intended to recognize service and help to students, and to promote a spirit of dedication to effecting an enabling environment for them.

Are you a student musician looking to gain performance experience or simply share your music with a larger audience? The SGA is putting on an end-of-year Spring Festival on Sunday, April 16th, and is looking for students to perform as part of the larger event! The Spring Festival will be at 2pm on the quad, indoor rain location TBD, and will be open to the campus community. Similar to the pop-up concert that was hosted last semester on Alumni Patio, this opportunity is open to both new and experienced performers.

All are welcome to apply through the google form below and will be reached out to shortly. Sign-ups will close on Saturday, April 1st.

Performer Sign-up This sign-up sheet will be used to select performers for the Spring 2023 SGA Spring Festival. The concert will last two hours which could affect how many performers we can select. We will be in contact with you to communicate the performers selected.

Hello all,

Content warning: Transphobia, Homophobia,

I hope your day is going better than mine because right now, I'm mad as hell. This week in Frankfort, state legislators introduced laws that force teachers to out q***r children to their parents (regardless of safety concerns), ban any discussion of LGBTQ+ topics, and allow teachers to choose whether or not to use a student's preferred pronouns. Each of these bills serves to erase and marginalize q***r individuals.

The bills in question are:

Senate Bill 102: A Don't Say Gay/Trans Bill

Senate Bill 150: An Erase Trans Students Bill

House Bill 30: Anti-Trans Bathroom Bill

House Bill 58: Healthcare Discrimination Law

House Bill 120: Trans Youth Healthcare Ban

House Bill 173: A Don't Say Gay/Trans Bill

House Bill 177: A Don't Say Gay/Trans Bill

For us as individuals and as a community, to let this act of violence against trans and q***r people go unchallenged would not only be unBerean but dam right immoral. Our mission as Bereans is not only to be educated but to do something with it! That is why on Thursday, the SGA will call on the GFA "to charge the college president along with other key stakeholders in the College to write and publish publicly a document condemning this reckless, inhumane, and anti-LGBTQ+ legislation currently being moved through the Kentucky state capital." Between now and Thursday at 3 pm, we ask that students ask their professors and labor supervisors to vote in favor of this motion. A full list of GFA members can be found here.

As well, any Berean that wants to stand against this callous attack against the validity and humanity of q***r and trans people, come join us and pressure these lawmakers to stop their reckless campaign against q***r and trans people. Join us this Tuesday from 6 pm to 9 pm in the SGA office to phone bank, write letters, and get more information about this pressing issue.

Community conversations was popping 

I hope your day is going well. Every semester, SGA leadership has the opportunity to give a presentation to and talk with the Board of Trustees. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the long-term financial stability of Berea College, picking the new College President, and deciding upon strategic goals and objectives (like new buildings) for the College.

We have the opportunity to present to the board and have informal time to discuss issues with individual board members. We want to hear what issues are important to you! Please consider filling out the survey below! What issues, topics, or needs do you think the board should address? What does Berea need to do better?

Here's the link to our survey:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScmmexvnkwSCbnr0kQYGlbKQfTgvYmvuS8o9fyK7q0HvuLuHQ/viewform?usp=sf_link

The SGA hopes you can join us Tuesday, January 24th at noon to hear from our guest Rebecca Blankenship talk about her community organizing work. Lunch will be provided in Baird Lounge.

Rebecca Blankenship is Chair of Education and Training for the Kentucky Democratic Party, Executive Director of Ban Conversion Therapy Kentucky, Communications Director for Col. Pam Stevenson for Attorney General, and Treasurer for the Madison County Democrats. She believes organizing is not a job, it's a lifestyle. She will discuss empowerment and action.

Hello all,

I hope y’all are doing well. Below is the SGA end of semester report. We wanted to share what we have been working on this semester and ask what y'all want us to work on next semester.

Provide your ideas, thoughts, and feedback at this link: https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/1416cc10d1fc43cf93013de6a53d3237

What SGA Got Done this Semester

Initiatives

Medical Amnesty Policy

Passed the Student Life Council and will be under review by the Executive Council next semester

Referendum for higher student wages

Voting ends on the 18th. To vote, please use the following link: https://webapps.berea.edu (students only)

Mass email policy (Before the Administrative Committee)

Indigenous land acknowledgment (Draft proposal finished)

Convocation survey (Before the Convocation Committee)

Student union center (Presented to the Board of Trustees)

First-Year Working Hours & Labor Allocations (Draft policy under review by the Labor Program Council)

Labor survey

This survey is still open, and we would love to hear about your labor experience.

Service

Over 100 students received essential items

Helped with first-year move-in

Worked with Student Life to provide Anna Smith residents storage space over winter break

Prepared materials for a free packing materials station in CPO

Provided food and other essential items for students staying on campus over winter break

Events

Pop-up concert

Community dinner

City council forum

First-year meet your representative

Mountain day coffee table

webapps.berea.edu

Kentuckians can vote early in person on Nov. 3, Nov. 4, or Nov. 5 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day.

In Berea, you can vote early in person at the Russell Acton Folk Center at 212 W. Jefferson St.

Berea City Council candidates discuss local issues at forum hosted by Berea College SGA Candidates for Berea City Council, Berea Independent School Board, and the Berea's mayor met with Berea College students Tuesday night for a public candidate forum.

I'm pleased to announce that the SGA will be holding a city council forum in Baird Lounge from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on October 25th. Candidates running for Berea city council will be present to listen to your question, concerns, or thoughts about the town and share some of their ideas about the future of Berea.

If you think Berea needs more sidewalks, the town should have a fairness ordinance, or you have a specific issue you are passionate about, let these candidates know and be part of making Berea a better place for all people.

We will also have free food and drinks present at this event, including pastries and hot chocolate!

Berea College students now have the freedom to choose their desired housing option with the introduction of 24/7 visitation and the expansion of Gender Inclusive housing.

Written by Cheyenne King. Photo courtesy of Berea College

https://pinnacle.berea.edu/2022/09/09/24-7-visitation-opens-on-campus/

We are pleased to announce that the Student Government Association is formally opening elections for this academic year! This is a wonderful opportunity to represent and serve your fellow students, decide where student money goes, and work with the administration to update and revise college policies! If you're interested, be sure to read the whole email! For everyone who's not running, this is a great time to make your voice heard and be a part of our student democracy! All students are eligible to vote in SGA elections!

The following positions are open for this election:
Freshmen Class President & Vice President
Freshmen Class Senator
4 Senator at large positions (anyone from any year can run for these)

For more information on these positions, check out our constitution: https://www.berea.edu/sga/sga-constitution-bylaws/

All presidential and vice-presidential candidates must run on one ticket.

If you want to run, please provide the elections committee with your information at the following link by Monday, September 5th, so we can add you to the ballot: https://forms.gle/YzTarg43fbzrDUbv9

If you haven't been involved with SGA or SGA elections before, we strongly suggest you visit our open office information sessions on September 1st from 7-9pm. They will be held in the SGA office in the Alumni Basement near the stairs.

There will be a debate held on September 6th from 7-9 pm in Woods-Penn Commons, and it is mandatory that all candidates are there. Whether you plan to run or not, we highly encourage everyone to attend and hear from their future representatives. There will be drinks and snacks provided. Voting will open online after the debate and close at 11:59 pm on Saturday, September 10th. The winners will be announced the following day.

If you have any questions about elections, please feel to reach out to the Elections Committee Chair and Executive Vice President, Ezra Lanoue - [email protected]. Also, consider checking out Member Manual.

(Board of Residents elections are currently ongoing as well. Interested candidates should reach out to their Area Coordinator for more information. Berea's SGA mirrors the federal government as we have three branches; the Executive branch, Senate, and Board of Residents (BOR). The Senate deals with campus-wide issues and events, while the BOR focuses on hall-related issues and community building within the halls. The Executive branch works closely with the college administration and campus committees to advocate for students and shape college policies. Each branch has separate elections hence why there are BOR elections and Senate elections happening at the same time.)

Have a great week and happy elections! ❤️

The SGA Elections Committee:

Connor Courtney - Executive President and Member

Ezra Lanoue - Executive Vice-President and Member

Maddie Pierce - Vice President of Public Relations and Member

General Information Look over this info, then go on to fill out your information for the application and read the election rules.

Hello Campus Community!

Are you a student musician interested in performing or gaining more performance experience? The SGA is working with students from the Music Department to host Pop-Up Concerts featuring student musicians for a campus community audience! Even if you're not a performer, consider attending to support student musicians, enjoy free music, and eat catered food!

This event is open to new and experienced performers, all are welcome! You do not need to be affiliated with Berea's music department to participate. Each performer will have up to ten minutes to perform.
If you're interested, please fill out this form: https://forms.gle/SjRgurnLUYxgDNBn7

The form will be open until September 16th.

Performer Sign-up This sign-up sheet will be used to select performers for the fall 2022 SGA Student Pop-Up Concerts. We estimate that the first Pop-Up Concert will last an hour and a half, which could affect how many performers we can select. We will be in contact with you to communicate the performers selected.

We wanted to let you all know that applications for your Hall Council open on August 26th and elections end on August 31st. To find out more, check out the description below.

What’s Hall Council?

Hall Council is a branch of the Student Government Association (SGA) that focuses on building community and solving problems in your residence hall. In the past, House Councils have planned Friendsgiving's, obtained hall equipment like ping-pong tables, and advocated for residents when housing issues arise. It’s a great way to bring programming, funds and change to our community.

Why join Hall Council?

To help make our community the best it can be! Whether you have a passion for sustainability, love planning events, or just want clean bathrooms, House Council gives you the resources and access to leadership to make your vision of Berea residence hall life a reality. You'll also gain leadership and planning experience which will look great on a resume—all while serving your community!

What positions are there?

Each hall elects one Hall President in charge of their House Council. They will also serve on the Board of Residents (BOR). The BOR is made up of all Hall Presidents, discusses general residence life issues, and distributes funds to halls. Other positions in House Council are created based on what residents find a need for, so your House Council might have a sustainability coordinator, event coordinator, and a clean bathroom coordinator! It's really up to you what your House Council looks like and does. After all, they are your representatives.

Hello Campus Community!

The SGA is funding a free community dinner made by our incredible student chefs, Ali Hassan and Sophie Delaney. They will be making:

South Indian Style Potato & Carrot Curry (Vegan)*

Baked Bihari Chicken & Peas Pilaf*

Southern Style Slow Cooked Green Beans w/ Bacon**

Cheddar Jalapeno Corn Muffins (Vegetarian)**

Kentucky Hot Brown Sliders**

Allergen Information:
*tree nuts, soy.
**wheat, milk, eggs, soy.

This event is open to all members of the campus community: students, staff, and faculty. This is a great way to meet folks you might not normally interact with and share a delicious meal! However, spaces are limited so please RSVP. Link to RSVP below: https://berea.campuslabs.com/engage/event/8218702

The dinner will be held in the Woods-Penn Commons on Tuesday, August 23, at 6 PM.

Hope to see many of you there,

SGA Community Dinner Discover unique opportunities at! Find and attend events, browse and join organizations, and showcase your involvement.

Hard at work

The SGA wants to welcome you back to campus by letting you know about our NEW essential item stock! This includes things such as tooth brushes, toothpaste, laundry detergent, and some basic school supplies! We are so excited to serve our community this semester and hope to see you all outside our office, located on the ground floor of the alumni building (room 100), very soon!

Hello,

As you may know, the SGA appoints student representatives to various committees that help to govern the college. Such committees are made up of staff, faculty, and students. Currently, we are looking to fill vacancies on the following committees:

Convocation Committee
The Convocation Committee is primarily concerned with annual program planning. It selects events and presentations that advance the College’s educational purpose and enriches the life of the campus and community.

Student Admissions and Academic Standing Committee (SAAS)
The Student Admissions and Academic Standing Committee monitors current policies and practices with regard to admission, scholarship, probation, and suspension, and formulates policy recommendations.

Awards Committee
The Awards Committee solicits nominations from the College community for honorary degree and Berea College Service Award candidates. After reviewing the nominations, it recommends candidates for approval by the appropriate bodies.

Interested students should DM our page or email [email protected].

CHASE

Let’s Get Visitation Policy Passed!

I'm frantically typing this post out to remind you of an impending awesome SGA-organized event. There is going to be a Drag Show in Phelps Stokes today, 9-11pm! There will be all kinds of drag performers! I hope many of you will join us tonight. The event is free and open to the public.

Meet the Candidates!

Joy Mirembe

Sophomore Class Senator

Major: Computer Science and Business Administration

About Joy:
Hello everyone! My name is Joy and I’m from Uganda. I have been working on the SGA Strategic Planning Committee to facilitate better sustainability resources on campus; I am also an Interclub Relations Director at ASA. As your Sophomore Class Senator, I am hoping to bring about some change in Berea’s environmental and sustainability policies. In addition, I wish to advocate for international students at Berea and provide resources and organized means for international integration into the community.

Goals for Next Year:

I hope to bring an African perspective to the SGA

Meet the Candidates!

Connor Courtney and Ezra Lanoue

Executive President and Vice President

Majors: Political Science and History

Goals for Next Year:

Labor issues
Internal SGA systems
Climate related issues

Meet the Candidates!

Peyton Hooper and Maria Martinez

Senior Class President and Vice President

Majors: Business Administration & HHP and CFS with Nutrition and Food Studies

About Peyton and Maria:

Hey! We are Peyton Hooper and Maria Martinez and we are running to be your Senior Class President and Vice President. We are currently the Junior Class President and Vice President and hope to move up along with the class we represent! If you have any questions feel free to reach out to us!

Goals for Next Year:
We plan to work to gain more student involvement in the SGA, spanning from individual voices being heard to having knowledge on what their money is going towards with the events that we sponsor. Reaching out to the students and making sure they feel heard and cared about is huge.

We want every student to feel included in the student experience, including athletes. Bringing more attention to our athletics programs is a great way to people on campus together as a whole

We would like to give more recognition for student achievement, going along with more student involvement.

Making the funding request process more accessible and efficient with guidelines on how much money is rewarded and requirements to be eligible for funding.

Meet the Candidates:

Ketamine Perkins

Senior Class Senator

Major: Pre-Vet. Agriculture & Natural Resources and Theatre

About Ket:

Hello! I'm Ket Perkins, a super-senior from Parkersburg, WV majoring in Pre-Veterinary Agriculture and Theatre with a minor in Sustainability. I've been heavily involved in many different organizations on campus and find myself to be a natural leader. I'm a lover of animals and a lover of nature and I do my best in my person to reflect that!

Goals for Next Year:

As a current member of the Visitation ADHOC committee, I would like to continue seeing said policy continue to be pushed through. I am also quite invested in looking at the well-being of student workers and am invested in bettering labor positions. This can include bettering students' hours, workloads, and treatment from their supervisors in general.

Meet the Candidates!

Madinabonu Solijonova and Dawt Mawi

About Madina:

hi everyone! My name is Madina and I am running to be the class President for Junior class. I am excited to run for this position to be the voice of our student body. As the current class President of Sophomore class, I have learned many skills and gained an experience which I will use to ensure that the Junior class is able to get the most out of their year. As a Muslim, Uzbek-American I will bring in a unique perspective to the SGA board that will cater to broad interests and groups. I am excited to be running for this position and work along others to make the most out of our upcoming academic year.

Meet the Candidates!

Malaya Wright

Junior Class Senator

Major: Women and Gender Studies

Goals for Next Year:

My primary goal as an SGA senator would be to strengthen self-advocacy among Berea College students. I want students to feel empowered to make an institutional change that will benefit them in future generations. Secondly, I would like to create and facilitate programming for a diverse set of students, including non-traditional students, LGBT+ students, and those who are differently-abled. Lastly, I want to be an informant of the administrative decisions and discussions for the Berea College population. As old homage goes, knowledge is power, and every prayer college student should feel empowered.

Meet the candidates!

Chase Ackerman

Junior Class Senator

Major: Biology

About Chase:

Hey there, my name is Chase Ackerman and I intend to run for the office of Junior Class Senator - as a continuation of my work this year. I am a Biology major with a minor in environmental science, and I have a whole slew of hobbies - reading, hiking, playing the piano, and cooking just to name a few. My origins are local, born and raised in Lexington, KY - and I am a devout Christian! If you ever want to talk, just let me know - we can get lunch sometime!

Goals for Next Year:

In this office, I intend to continue working for the recognition and appreciation of my class - the class of 2024, especially since we came in at one of the hardest moments to receive an education in recent history. I would like to continue lifting up the voices of my class members who feel as if they are unseen or underappreciated - and I will advocate for the events that they will be leading and the campus roles that they will be coming into.

Meet the Candidates!

Andrea Ramos and Anya Kasianova

Sophomore Class President and Vice President

Majors: Political Science

About Andrea:

Hello! I’m Andrea Ramos and I’m from Berea, Ky. It was an amazing experience being able to represent everyone as Freshman Class President. Now, I hope to do an even better job as Sophomore Class President. I aim to be the main supporter and mediator for the upcoming sophomore class. My goals are to make Berea College a safe place where everyone is equally respected and represented. Anya and I are very honored and excited to serve you again!

Meet the Candidates!

Rilie Ledford and Halle Gensler

Sophomore Class President and Vice President

Majors: Political Science and Women and Gender Studies

About Rilie:

Hey everyone! My name is Rilie Ledford and I am a freshman political science major. Along with serving my community, I am also really passionate about music and furthering my education. I am excited for the opportunity to become more involved, improve campus, and the lives of students.

About Halle:

Halle is an Americorps Alumni with over 4 years' experience in various communal boards from Alaska to Kentucky. She is passionate about accessibility, equality, and advocation for all people. As Sophomore Vice President she would bring her passions forward to support our Class of 2025.

Goals for Next Year:

I want to be able to facilitate a safe environment that allows students to voice their concerns without fears of repercussions. Create parking/transportation policy that allows students to have more access to vehicles. Continue to make policy that brings inclusivity to the campus.

Meet the Candidates!

Trayvion Newton and Suneil Avirneni

Sophomore Class President and Vice President

Majors: Electrical Engineering and Business Administration

About Trayvion:

Trayvion is an energetic and passionate guy who is an advocate for integrity and the wellbeing of students of all walks of life at Berea College.

About Suneil:

Suneil, or as all his friends call him, Abhi, is a headstrong and experienced fighter for the right of all students to know what is going on in SGA.

Goals for Next Year:

1. Advocate for possible new dining food selections
(More vegan/vegetarian food options, and healthier food options. etc)
2. We want to streamline the processes that SGA goes through. The processes should be done, quickly, efficiently, and transparently.
3. We want the SGA to be more transparent to the students and open up more to the student body; the student’s input can be received through surveys or ideas through a suggestions box near the office.
4. Possibly find a way to make it available for students to come to SGA Sunday meetings.
5. We want to work towards making SGA more inclusive.

Ülvi Gitaliyev:
Sophomore Senator Candidate. Major: History and Political Science

Hailing from Baku, Azerbaijan, Ülvi Gitaliyev is an energetic and motivated Political Science and History major who, in the span of three semesters, has already caused a firestorm in Berea College, but now, he hopes to affect change from the inside as well. His main goals for next semester are to hold the college administration accountable to their own rules and ensure freedom of speech on campus.
Goals for next year: Get an amendment passed to give non-recognized student organizations the right to advertise and solicit on campus.

Here is the complete list of candidates for this semester's Student Government Elections and their speech lengths!

Executive President & Vice-President
- Connor Courtney (5 min) & Ezra Lanoue (3 min)
Senior President & Vice-President
- Peyton Hooper (3 min) & Maria Martinez (2 min)
Senior Senator
- Ketamine Perkins (2 min)
Junior President & Vice-President
- Madinabonu Solijonova (3 min) & Dawt Mawi (2 min)
Junior Senator
- Chase Ackerman (2 min)
- Malaya Wright (2 min)
Sophomore President & Vice-President
- Trayvion Newton (3 min) & Suneil Avirneni (2 min)
- Rilie Ledford (3 min) & Halle Gensler (2 min)
- Andrea Ramos (3 min) & Anya Kasianova (2 min)
Sophomore Senator
- Ülvi Gitaliyev (2 min)
- Joy Mirembe (2 min)

To hear from our candidates and ask them questions, please come to the SGA Debates tomorrow, Wednesday, April 13th, from 7:00-9:00 pm in Baird Lounge.

Voting will begin immediately after the debate, and voting will REMAIN OPEN UNTIL 11:59 pm on Thursday, April 21st.