Ball State’s Student Government Association (SGA) held its weekly senate meeting on February 19, where they welcomed Ashley Coker, Director of Study Abroad, and Shane Lanning, Director of International Student Success from the Rinker Center for Global Affairs.
The speakers discussed the center’s various programs, including cultural exchanges and study abroad opportunities.
Lanning addressed a major challenge faced by international students: a sense of belonging. To address this issue, the Rinker Center introduced the “Benny Buddies” program, which pairs international students with domestic students. The program organizes free events throughout the year to foster connections.
“We host a variety of cultural exchange events every Wednesday,” Lanning explained. “We offer activities like games from different countries and cooking nights where students can prepare traditional dishes together.”
After Lanning’s presentation, Coker took the stage to highlight study abroad options. She shared details about upcoming trips, including a visit to Seoul, South Korea in fall 2025 and San Juan, Puerto Rico in spring 2026. Applications for Seoul are open now, and the Puerto Rico application will open in June.
Coker encouraged students to explore the transformative impact of studying abroad. “It’s an experience that can shape your future,” she said.
For more information on study abroad programs, students can visit Ball State’s study abroad website.
Following the presentation, President Noah Poole provided updates on university initiatives, focusing on enhancing disability accommodations. He shared plans for a pilot program that would allow students to scan QR codes to report accessibility issues.
Treasurer Casey Rockel then presented February’s expenses, including $200 for a Health Promotion and Advocacy shirt display, $287.50 for bus charges for Dance Marathon, and costs for name tag orders totaling $58.50.
With no new or unfinished business, the meeting adjourned. The next SGA meeting, open to the public, will take place on February 26 at 3:15 p.m. at the L.A. Pittenger Student Center.
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