The Feb. 26 Student Government Association (SGA) meeting addressed and adjusted much of the housing protocol for upcoming years on the Hill.

Following a survey that the Housing Facilities Advisory Committee (HFAC) sent to students on Feb. 20, Pierce Dorm President Ethan Crockett ’13 moved that the SGA President’s Council approve the HFAC proposal to institute a suite lottery system into the housing process. Crockett spoke on behalf of Residential Life Chair Sam Andler ’12, who could not attend the meeting because of an athletic commitment.

According to Crockett, “The general motion behind it is that Colby’s stated policy assures that upperclassmen receive the best housing, but we (the student body) have seen an inconsistency in that.” SGA Co-President Justin Rouse ’12 voiced his support for this change, but felt that the issue would need more time to be discussed before it could be implemented. “This is a major change that would be great for housing, but it might just be too close to the end of the year and room draw decisions,” he said.

After a close roll call vote, SGA decided to set aside the motion for further discussion, though Crockett said that, because of time pressures, “Tabling is the same as putting it off until next year.” Another housing issue was the proposal of Bylaw 12-02, which stated that removing oneself from the dorm presidency program before the dorm lottery would result in being moved to the bottom of one’s class for room draw. If the position was dropped after room draw, the former dorm presidents and all roommates would forfeit their room and be moved to the waitlist.

East Quad Dorm President Monica Davis ’13 and Mariner Dorm President Bowen Tretheway ’14 moved to change the bylaw to add at the end: “In the case of extenuating circumstances, the Director of Residential Life will make the final decision.” This amendment was made in consideration of those who must leave their dorm presidency position because of necessity or emergency.

Sophomore Class Co-President Cole Yaverbaum ’14 moved to approve proposed Bylaw 12-02, which read, “The candidates for Junior Class Presidents shall run separately for the positions of fall class presidents and spring class presidents. Each shall be a joint ticket of two, and both elections will be held during the regular spring election in their sophomore year. Candidates may run for one or both semesters.” The motion was passed with the reasoning that it is unfair to pit a running team of two against a running team of four.

AMS Dorm President Peter Landsman ’12 moved to change Bylaw 08-01 to Bylaw 12-01, which would eliminate the first and second room draw pick for SGA President and Vice President. The motion passed, and SGA Co-President Laura Maloney ’12 said, “The fact that we basically took away incentives for SGA President and Vice President, and also a huge incentive for dorm presidents, shows that we’re doing a really good job and shows a lot of commitment.”

The Colby Comedy Club and the Bowling Club both passed as additions to the College’s extracurricular listings. SGA adjourned after a very efficient meeting and applauded the success of last weekend’s Winter Carnival.