SGB announces raises for student workers, departure of two committee chairs

Student Government Board announced student worker wage increases for the spring semester and the departure of two committee chairs at its weekly meeting Tuesday night in Nordy’s Place.

Earlier this month, board member Shanthi Bhaskar said SGB was working towards increasing student worker wages and working hours for the spring semester.

“[SGB is planning] a rollout of increased wages and [increased] working hours for students,” Bhaskar said.

Bhaskar said this goal has been achieved, and starting in the spring semester, student workers’ wages will increase depending on the individual’s job and responsibilities.

“I’m super excited to announce that this [increase] has been accomplished,” Bhaskar said. “Beginning next semester, the hourly minimum wage has been raised depending on the tier you are in.”

According to an email sent to student workers, the Office of Student Employment raised the hourly minimum wage across four tiers of student jobs. The lowest tier’s minimum wage is $10 per hour beginning Jan. 23. The University previously adhered to the Commonwealth’s minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.

Bhaskar said the University also increased the maximum number of hours student workers could work during the academic year from 20 to 25 hours per week.

“Previously, student workers were capped at 20 hours per week,” Bhaskar said. “Many students, especially those working in research labs, shared that they could reasonably work more hours while balancing coursework.”

Later in the meeting, SGB announced the departure of two SGB committee chairs. Community and Governmental Relations chair Kayla Roundtree and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chair Lauren Lopez will not be returning for the spring semester. SGB will be filling these positions for the spring.

President Marley Pinsky continued to advertise SGB’s food drive. Pinsky encouraged students to donate items like menstrual products, paper products and food.

“All proceeds will benefit the Pitt Pantry,” Pinsky said. “We are going through the end of finals week, so please donate while you can.”

Budgets:

Society of Aeronautics and Rocketry requested $15,125.46 for its yearly budget. The board postponed this vote to the next meeting.

Men’s Soccer Club at Pitt requested $3,394 for its yearly budget. The board amended and approved this request to $894.

Black Action Society requested $24,295 for its yearly budget. The board postponed this vote to the next meeting.

Asian Student Alliance requested $10,171.91 for its yearly budget. The board approved this request in full.

Allocations:

Engineers Without Borders at Pitt requested $4,947.09 for a conference. The board approved this request in full.

Chess Club requested $2,232.40 for a competition. The board approved this request in full.