Student Senate had its most recent meeting Thursday, Nov. 1. Two special orders were introduced. The first was about the new Campus Labs software. This new computer program will replace the paper evaluations professors have used in the past.
Just like the paper evaluations, they will still be proctored and completed during class time. With this new system, professors will be able to get feedback more quickly.
“There is only one question that pertains to the professor themselves; more of the questions focus on their teaching style,” associate professor of education Dr. Shannon Haley-Mize said. Professors can also create their own evaluations for the middle of the semester using this program.
Learning Zone and Disability Services Director Lynne Davies then presented information about ADA, or the Americans with Disabilities Act, compliance at Elizabethtown College. Any students that have needs for accommodations should speak with Davies. Mental health is also covered under the ADA, and students can receive accommodations for that.
“Most of the students on this campus who have identified to me don’t have disabilities that show,” Davies said.
Davies works closely with Admissions to make sure prospective students and their families are comfortable during their visits. Etown’s website has a statement on it to let families know that they should speak with Admissions if they need any special accommodations. The new, interactive campus map designates the ADA-accessibility areas.
For students with food allergies, the chefs are required to prepare food that fits their needs. Push buttons for the front of the BSC are being investigated and the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being as well of all of the renovated residential buildings being planned will be compliant with ADA standards. Since the ADA was not created until 1990, most of the buildings on campus are not up to this standard because they are older.
During the student comments section, junior Senate President Holly Francescone mentioned that Student Senate has been receiving a lot of student comments, so she has created a Google Doc to keep track of comments and the answers they have received. She also updated everyone on the status of smoking in the Schreiber Quadrangle. An email will be sent out in regard to how far away from the building someone must be when they smoke.
They may also create designated smoking spaces in this area. Junior Hannah Paymer brought up the concern that the solar panel lights near Founders Residence Hall are not working. Junior Maggie Fix mentioned that there has been concern about people using the road instead of the designated walking path by Founders.
First-year Brock Culver mentioned that some of the water fountains don’t shoot up very high and Paymer mentioned the water fountain on the main floor of Zug Memorial Hall shoots up too high. Senior Jamie Lees asked why there are fees for studying abroad. According to senior Treasurer Josh Baker, this fee is used to still be a student at the College and utilize the College’s resources.
During Vice President for Student Life Dr. Celestino Limas’s administrative report, he discussed the room and board increase email that was sent out and asked if anyone had any questions. Limas said that the increase will go toward hiring more full-time Dining Services staff as well as implementing a raise for Dining Services student workers. It will also go to the renovations in the Vera Hackman Apartments and the other residence halls. A list of changes will be presented to Student Senate in January.
“I have many students say how surprised they were that it was said where the increase is going,” Limas said. “We need to be doing a much better job at being overly transparent.”
He also continued the discussion of what students would like to see in the new president.
Baker stated that he wants someone who will keep the current culture of the College, rather than changing it. Francescone is worried there could potentially be a lot of change to the senior staff structure. Junior Public Relations and Marketing chair Emily Perry wants a president who is a face on-campus.
Junior Alexis Trionfo suggested to Limas that there should be a 25 Live ability on the new E-town Jays app. Limas suggested that there could be iPads installed outside of rooms.
According to Francescone’s report, the Board of Trustees’ meeting went well. They discussed orientation weekend and students’ opinions on different things going on at the College during the student life meeting.
They also were given new information about how the College could fund a new residence hall. They discussed how the presidential search is being kept confidential because of requests from those in the running for the position.
Baker discussed that a new club balance was approved in the Finance meeting during his report as treasurer. He also stated that the tree in front of Zug usually used for the tree lighting ceremony will not be used this year due to its poor health. The new tree will be the one located in front of the BSC.
Junior Clubs Chair Sarah Conway is working on splitting up the clubs for her committee as well as planning the club council meeting for November. Perry announced that Trunk or Treat was a success and thanked everyone for helping.
