On Wednesday, Bowdoin Student Government (BSG) met to discuss the first year book proposal, as well as a variety of other measures.
After three meetings of discussion, the Student Affairs Committee (SAC), led by Chanwoong Baek '12, proposed that the Dean of First-Year Students take control of the program from the Committee on Governance and Faculty Affairs to allow for greater planning. Before selecting the book, SAC suggested that a list of possible titles be sent out to the student body for reactions.
However, some students questioned how the program would ever be successful if students were not interested.
"I think that there is a lack of student interest [in the program], and we should not take action because students are demanding this," said At-Large Representative Dani Chediak '13.
Despite the lack of student interest, others believed that the program was valuable.
"I think that there is a lot of value in the program that people may overlook," said Inter-House Council President Georgia Nowers '12. "While some students may not want to read and have a discussion about a book before they come to college, it does not mean that the program is not worthwhile."
While BSG did vote and approve the proposal, the proposed changes would not take effect until Orientation for the Class of 2016, assuming they are enacted by the faculty.
BSG also passed a measure that would allocate funds to cover extended hours at the Peter Buck Center for Health and Fitness. Following a trial period sponsored by the A-Team, the Athletics Department and BSG, weekend hours at the Fitness Center would be extended for the remainder of the academic year. Under the new hours, the Buck Center will be open as late as midnight on Thursdays and Fridays and until 10 p.m. on Saturday evenings.
BSG then approved a proposal that would pay for food during Ivies weekend, as well as for the Faculty and Staff Appreciation Day Breakfast.
In his closing remarks, BSG President John Connolly '11 congratulated various members on their election to BSG positions for the 2011-2012 academic year. BSG will not meet next week, and its last meeting of the year is scheduled for May 4.