SGA 17-18 Midterm (print use)

Morehouse family,
Letter from Vice President
Cooper and Senate Update
My name is John Cooper. I am a senior, Political Science major, Sociology minor from
Atlanta, Georgia. I am tremendously honored to serve as Vice President of the Morehouse
Student Government Association and President of the 88th Senate Session for the 2017-
2018 academic school year. The executive board alongside the 88th Senate Session works
to accurately represent the student body, while redefining the status quo and demanding
excellence. With 2017 now serving as a memory, a lesson, and a blessing for us all, I am
excited to see where this year will take us.
As members of the legislative branch, our work is executed through legislation and appropriations.
Legislation includes bills and resolutions proposed by Senators with the purpose
of amending campus policy. Appropriations are funds given to Registered Student Organizations
(RSOs) to assist with programming and organizational development. I am proud to
say the 88th Senate Session has worked tirelessly to propose and pass new legislation, and
to allocate a large amount of the appropriations budge to assist RSO.
Making progress on-campus and in the surrounding communities, members of the 88th
Senate Session implemented the Swipe Out program allowing for students without a
meal plan to access free, meal vouchers. We have created two taskforces: Neighborhood
Planning Unit Taskforce, where senators voice the concerns of Atlanta University Center
students to community leaders, while having a vote in the neighborhood development
surrounding the AUC and Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Also, Campus Safety taskforce, where
senators meet with Chief Dalton, faculty and students every Thursday at 4pm in Mays
Lounge to strategize the improvement of campus safety. Our current mayor, Keisha Lance
Bottoms, and former opponent Mary Norwood participated in a political debate forum
planned by members of the 88th Senate Session and executive board.
In the future senators will continue monthly walk-throughs as they survey Residential Houses
to ensure the safety and wellness of students in each residential house. Please, do not
hesitate to voice your concerns or propose solutions to any of our student leaders. While
many bills are proposed by elected and appointed senators, and most events are planned
by senators, every member of the student body has the right to propose bills with the
sponsorship or co-legislation of a senator. As Article II of the Morehouse Student Government
Association Constitution reminds us, “All students of Morehouse College shall
be members of the Student Government Association”. We ask that all students let their
voices be heard! The 88th Senate Session meets every Tuesday at 7pm in Kilgore Seminar
Rooms. Meetings are open for all students to voice their concerns, and strategize with
elected and appointed leaders.
We give high regard to all concerns, questions and critiques so that we may better serve
the student body and promote the values Morehouse has instilled in us.
I pray that every student at Mother Morehouse finds their peace as they work to lay roots
with hopes of growing tall enough to wear the crown Morehouse has placed over our
heads, as envisioned by Dr. Howard Thurman.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” - Mark 11:28
Into Ties More Brotherly,
JOHN COOPER
2017-2018 SGA Vice President
M I D T E R M R E P O R T 13