Five new on-campus organizations were presented to Student Government at the general body meeting on Wednesday, March 5.
The Student Transfer Association, Queer Inclusive Bible Study, Omicron Delta Kappa honor society and Student United Way were approved by Student Government, but Liberty in North Korea was not.
“Student Transfer Association aims to facilitate the transitional period for transfer students coming to the College,” Senator of Humanities and Social Sciences Jessica Glynn said.
The organization hopes to bridge the gap between transfers and current students through social trips, such as ice skating and visits to Princeton.
Queer Inclusive Bible Study strives to teach members about the intersectionality between faith and sexuality and provide a safe space for queer people to explore the Bible, Glynn explained.
Student United Way advocates for the advancement of common good through education, income and health and stresses the impact that the three have on each other.
SUW was voted unanimously into favor and was described as “one of the most organized presentations of the year” by the Governmental Affairs Committee.
The nation-wide organization has internships available for students who are members.
Omicron Delta Kappa, or ODK, is an honor society for juniors and seniors in leadership positions with at least a 3.4 GPA. The organization is looking for students who show leadership in areas of scholastics, athletics, community service, religion, government, media and performing arts.
“Students from different parts of campus can come together through ODK,” Student Government President Tyler Liberty said. “If you have someone who excels in athletics at the same table with someone who excels in performing arts, they can come up with better ideas together.”
“The President of the College, the Provost and the Vice President of Student Affairs all wrote letters recommending ODK,” Vice President of Governmental Affairs Alex Brown said. “That says a lot. This is definitely something they want to see on campus.”
The only organization that was not passed was Liberty in North Korea, or LiNK.
“LiNK aims to raise awareness of the plight of North Korean refugees to the public and hopes to raise funds to help those people,” Glynn said. “They don’t want to focus on any political positions. They just want to give voice to the victims.”
Rathskeller concerts, restaurant fundraisers, volleyball tournaments and film screenings were all presented as ideas to raise money and awareness for the organization.
“Student organizations are not just on campus to serve students,” said Vice President of Equity and Diversity Sadia Tahir, who was disappointed by the rejection of LiNK. “They should serve greater causes.”
