New resolutions from SGA bloom in spring semester

Liberty’s Student Government Association has been working behind the scenes this semester to promote things like student initiatives and improve campus life, passing and proposing many bills aimed at benefiting students’ overall experience while at Liberty. 

“This semester, Riley Foster (SGA vice president) and I and our team have continued to advance our vision of creating a culture of service, building trust between students and administration, and building campus life and infrastructure for students,” Daniel Hostetter, SGA president, said. 

So far this semester, SGA has passed a variety of resolutions, each aiming to benefit Liberty’s campus and
student life.

“The legislature has been quite effective this semester,” Hostetter said. “Three resolutions especially
stand out.”

Delegate Josiah Mork crafted a proposal to form a student-led publishing house. The organization would aim to allow students to gain valuable experience in a competitive field and would allow any member of the university to submit manuscripts to be considered for publication. 

Similarly, senator Jacob Kuhn wrote a resolution which demonstrated that Liberty’s close proximity to the Lynchburg Regional Airport could inadvertently place the campus at risk for high rates of lead pollution. Kuhn’s resolution called for the university to assess lead pollution rates on-campus and then, if necessary, propose
possible solutions.

Also occurring recently was a resolution written by delegate Jonathon Sundet, which called on the Lynchburg City Council to reduce the city’s meals tax. The city currently levies a 6.5% meals tax — the third highest in the state — but also possesses a $43 million surplus. The resolution asks the city to pursue fiscal responsibility while also alleviating the tax burden that affects both students and local businesses.

Aside from each of these resolutions, there are also a variety of other upcoming events that students can be on the lookout for. 

“Riley and I are partnering with Dr. Mark Hyde, dean of students, to host a university town hall. Quite a few high-level administrators will be on hand to answer student questions and provide exclusive access to exciting new university initiatives. Join us for free pizza and a productive discussion,”
Hostetter said.

The town hall will take place on Thursday, April 13 at 5:30 p.m. in DeMoss Hall 1286. Students can submit questions for the event ranging from campus life and university policies to administrative plans through a form located on SGA’s website and social media accounts.

Hostetter also mentioned that Liberty’s board of trustees will be holding its spring meeting soon, and that the next university president will likely be announced shortly after. 

“Last semester, Riley and I sent a letter to the presidential search committee outlining student priorities for our next leader, including strong personal character and a dual commitment to academic excellence and spiritual discipleship,” Hostetter said. “We are confident that the university has conducted a thorough and careful selection process, and we ask that you join us in praying for great measures of wisdom, grace and vision for our next leader.”

Students can continue to be on the lookout for upcoming SGA events and announcements by going to www.liberty.edu/students/sga or by following them on social media @libertyusga. 

“Above all else, leadership is about service. It’s been a joy to serve the student body this year,” Hostetter said. “To any student who is thinking about pursuing a position of leadership, you must first humble yourself before the Lord. Commit yourself to grow in character and in the knowledge of his word, and he will lift you up in his timing.”

Hess is the asst. news editor for the Liberty Champion. Follow her on Twitter