Vargas shares future Protect The Nest updates; Redhawks Against Sexual Assault recognized

Student government welcomed a guest speaker and approved an organization recognition request at a Student Government Association (SGA) meeting Monday, Feb. 8.

President Carlos Vargas informed SGA members of possible changes to the university’s COVID-19 response plan, Protect The Nest.

Vargas said the plan is under review by a committee of university leaders.

He said Protect the Nest will need to be updated and clarified as the university receives more information from the Cape Girardeau Public Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on COVID-19.

“We are looking at the Protect The Nest plan carefully, making sure we clarify any aspects that may be unclear,” Vargas said.

The committee is developing proposed revisions, including clarifications on social distancing and face mask guidelines at indoor and outdoor events on campus.

SGA members will review the proposed revisions in the coming weeks and share their perspectives with the committee.

Executive Board members proposed Redhawks Against Sexual Assault (RASA), an organization focused on spreading awareness and helping sexual assault survivors through the healing process, be recognized by SGA through Resolution 21_12_A.

Student leaders tabled a previous recognition request for RASA at a Feb. 1 SGA meeting. The request was tabled at the prior meeting to provide SGA members additional time to confirm information about the organization and its mission.

After a period of discussion and question-and-answer, all members voted unanimously on the resolution to recognize RASA for the 2020-21 academic year.

Minutes and agendas for SGA meetings can be found on their webpage. The Arrow streams every SGA meeting, Mondays at 8 p.m. on Facebook Live.