During the South Dakota State University Students’ Association meeting Nov. 15, senators were addressed by Director of Recreation and Fitness Shari Landmark, the Quarter Scale Tractor Team, the Feminist Equality Movement and the American Indian Students’ Association. The senators also passed two amendments and introduced two new amendments and an ordinance.

Shari Landmark:

Landmark addressed the Senate Monday about Wellness Center participation and new equipment.

“We’re back to pre-COVID numbers” for students visiting the Wellness Center, Landmark said. However, Wellness Center visits are down about 40% among community members.

“We ordered equipment around the first of July,” Landmark said. “It just keeps getting pushed back. We have some spin bikes coming and a whole other set of dumbbells and plates.”

There will be classes offered at the Wellness Center as finals approach, including yoga and “more recreational” activities, according to Landmark.

“Not just stuff to make you sweat,” she said.

Landmark also confirmed bike-fixing stations will soon be installed around campus. It could be as early as next spring, but the uncertainty of supply chains, as well as high prices for supplies, make confirmation difficult.

The Quarter Scale Tractor Team:

The team updated the Senate on the club and gave an overview of the annual competition they compete in. Each year, the team designs, builds and markets a tractor and participates in the annual competition in Peoria, Illinois. The competition includes tests in maneuverability and durability and is attended by industry giants like John Deere.

The tractors have a 900 lbs weight limit and are subject to regulations, like a requirement to have working breaks and decibel limits on the engine.

About 26 teams compete each year. Typically, there are three teams from Canada, one from Israel and the rest from across the United States.

Other speakers:

Representatives from the Feminist Equality Movement (FEM) addressed the Senate Monday. The club focuses on domestic violence awareness and sexual assault awareness. The club raises money for the Brookings Domestic Abuse Shelter; last fall, the club hosted a 5K and made a $500 donation.

The American Indian Student Association (AISA) announced their annual Wacipi event, which was canceled last year due to COVID-19, it will be held over two days in April.

Next Monday, AISA will be hosting an Indian taco sale from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the American Indian Student Center.

Amendments:

The Senate unanimously approved two amendments Monday.

Amendment 21-3-A requires SA to publish the election dates in the “paper of record for the Students’ Association” following the decision of the Senate Board of Directors.

Amendment 21-4-A made changes that allow senators to be inside the Student Union on election days. The amendment also prohibits candidates from loitering inside the polling stations and requires a 50-foot distance when candidates are not voting.