During the first Student Government Association (SGA) meeting of the semester on Sept. 11, SGA members discussed their current and upcoming initiatives aimed at encouraging more students to attend events on campus and in the greater Waterville area.

SGA is continuing talks with local restaurants and businesses about offering discounts for students who show their ColbyCards, an initiative that began at the end of the last academic year. In addition, SGA is considering whether students could use ColbyCards as a form of payment at local businesses. This would involve installing card swipers, similar to the ones used on campus, and connecting them to the College’s system. Dorm presidents have been asked to poll their constituents on this matter.

Other student leaders attended the meeting to report on their own organizations’ initiatives. Nicole Sintetos ’12, chair of the Pugh Community Board (PCB), told SGA that the board has expanded from 10 to 14 members. Feedback from last year shows that PCB’s events were very successful in depicting the College as a strong and supportive community. Sintetos stressed the role of student leaders in attending and supporting these events.

Will Hochman ’14 spoke regarding the Mule Mob, which SGA approved as an official campus club. “People are looking to have more spirit,” Hochman said. “They’re looking to cheer for Colby, and along with the PCB initiative, they’re looking for it be united a little bit more. The Mule Mob…is more of an idea than a group itself. It’s more along the lines of the spirit of the community.”

The Mule Mob’s first goal is to buy and sell tank-tops for students to wear to sporting events to show school spirit. The Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC) is working with Mule Mob to fund this endeavor.

Additionally, Berol Dewdney ’13 has been hired again this year as the gender and sexuality resource officer. SGA and the College are also continuing talks regarding the creation of a gender and sexuality resource center. In the meantime, Dewdney will serve as a support system for Pugh Center clubs.