Santa Rosa Junior College’s Student Government Association planned a suicide awareness event, appointed a new member to the Language Arts and Academic Foundations Hiring Committee and increased funding for Spirit Week at its Sept. 12 meeting.
SGA approved $800 in funding for the suicide-prevention event Sept. 29. The event will screen the trailer for “The S Word,” a documentary that puts a face on suicide. After the trailer, therapists will discuss mental health resources and prevention techniques, and student panelists will share their experiences with suicide and suicide prevention. Therapists will be available for one-on-one support.
“I do think this is one of the most important events that’s going to happen on the campus,” Student Body President Abrea Tillman said.
SGA agreed to use $400 from the discretionary budget and $400 from Student Life for the event. The money will cover food, giveaways and the community therapist who will attend. SGA and Student Life members hope students understand they can seek help for any difficult circumstance.
Executive Vice President of Legislation Matti Cottrell said that through this event, SGA’s “dollars are purposefully aligned with [the group’s] values.”
New member for hiring committee
SGA members unanimously agreed to appoint Dori Elder, current vice president of clubs, to the Language Arts and Academic Foundations Hiring Committee.
“I have a background and interest in language arts, so this is right up my alley,” Elder said.
Student involvement in the faculty hiring committee includes attending teaching demonstrations given by the candidates, meeting with them and evaluating if they’re a good fit for the JC.
Other business
The position of vice president of student life for the Petaluma campus is open. Students interested in the position should attend the next SGA meeting held from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 26 at Bertolini Student Center and over Zoom.
SGA members also approved $500 for Spirit Week and allocated an additional $500 from the student life budget for Wednesday’s Club Fair, Monday’s Student Mixer and other events.
“This money comes from the students and goes back to the students. I can’t think of a better way to do it than a spirit week for students,” Elder said.
The dates for Spirit Week are:
Wednesday 9/14: Club Day
Thursday 9/15: Black Student Union’s BYOB (Bring Your Own Business) + food trucks
Friday 9/16: Game Day
Monday 9/19: Student Mixer
Tuesday 9/20: Club Advisor Training
Wednesday 9/21: Get Involved & Get Ahead Workshop
For more information on spirit weeks and similar events, visit the Student Life website (https://studentlife.santarosa.edu/) or sign up to get involved at https://studentlife.santarosa.edu/get-involved
