Student Senate met Thursday, Sept. 5 for its weekly meeting. The meeting began with the oath of office for new senators, including first-years.

Student comments and concerns followed. Senior Maggie Fix asked about the possibility of a print station in the Bowers Center for Sports, Fitness and Well-being. Senior Senate President Holly Francescone said that she will pass along the suggestion.

Another suggestion came from senior Paige Oustrich, who mentioned the idea of a panic button in the Bowers Center. Director of Campus Security Andrew Powell responded that they will consider it. Powell added that there are 20 security cameras in and around the new building that Campus Security monitors.

Senators then moved onto administrative reports, beginning with Vice President for Student Life Dr. Celestino Limas. He started his report with an update on the improvements to Dining Services, which was a problem area that senators focused on last semester. Limas said that all student employees in Dining Services start at $7.50, and any returning student employees were given a 50 cent raise.

He said that he wants to raise the rate for student employees, but the current budget doesn’t allow much more change.

Limas also said that currently 17 percent of shifts are vacant, which is an improvement compared to about 50 percent vacancy last semester. The goal is to continue to improve, but he said that this is a big step.

In regards to the Jay’s Nest and Jay Truck hours, he stated that Director of Dining Services Eric Turzai is working on plans to extend them. Limas said that he hopes to give another update the second week of October.

Limas continued his report by talking about the theater task force that was formed in response to the restructuring that took place this summer. He said that anyone interested in joining should contact him by email (limasc@etown.edu).

According to Limas during his report, 24 students utilized the offer of DIY dorm painting. These rooms are located on the first two floors of Royer Residence Hall and in tower D of Founders Residence Hall. Limas said that he is open to more DIY ideas for those in the eligible rooms.

During Limas’ report, he addressed the petition to fix the swing outside of Zug Memorial Hall that broke this summer. Limas said that students “don’t need a petition to make things happen. Just my number.”

Office/Work Station Manager for Facilities Management Bob Mrgich followed up in his report that Facilities Management wants to check the tree’s limb and then plans to replace the swing.

Limas concluded his report by addressing the residential renewal project, which is now paused. Limas said that the senior leadership members wanted things to slow down. “It’s one thing to tolerate a price point and another to be enthusiastic about one,” he said.

Following Limas’ report was Powell with Campus Security’s report. Powell announced that Mail Services had to end their new relationship with Amazon Hub because packages were not being delivered properly. Packages from Amazon are still able to be delivered to campus through Mail Services, but they will not come from the Amazon Hub in Elizabethtown.

A representative from Counseling Services and Student Health could not attend, but they sent Francescone a flyer to share. Flu shots will be available on campus Sept. 24 from 12 to 1 p.m., Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Oct. 24 from 3 to 5 p.m.

During executive cabinet reports, senior Student Groups Chair Sarah Conway stated that Club Council will meet Sept. 18 from 6:30 to 7:30 in Hoover 110. Club Council requires one member from every campus club to attend. She also said that club registration ends Oct. 14.

Senior Publicity and Marketing Chair Julia Aleo announced that the senate website has been updated.

Senators then moved into old business, starting with a discussion about fall orientation. They provided feedback about their favorite and least favorite events, noting things that could improve in the future.

The remainder of the meeting was filled with internal and external committee elections, having to table multiple elections to the following meeting because of the time.

Student Senate meets every Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212. The meetings are open to all.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding anything on campus, Senate can help you address whatever problem arises.