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Student Senate met for its weekly meeting Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020. The meeting began with a special order for President of Elizabethtown College Cecilia McCormick’s report about the recent Board of Trustees retreat, held the weekend of Feb. 1. She provided updates on the College, including new programs, funding and housing changes. Details of McCormick’s speech can be found in the article on page one.
The meeting then moved into student comments and announcements. Junior and Etownian staff writer Meghan Kenney asked about the possibility of extending the hours of the Steinman Center since students can no longer access the Adobe Creative Suite on their personal computers. Assistant Director of Campus Security Dale Boyer told Kenney to send him an email to work it out.
Sophomore Allie Melnikoff asked about putting blinds in the Jay’s Nest. Office/Work Station Manager for Facilities Management Bob Mrgich responded that it can happen with approval from Director of Dining Services Eric Turzai.
Vice President for Student Activities Dr. Celestino Limas said that his report was covered by McCormick’s at the beginning of the meeting but still took questions. Junior Quinn Waldrup asked about the validity of a rumor about selling Student-Directed Learning Communities (SDLCs). Limas said that the College is only making five SDLC houses available for the 2020-2021 school year so that Facilities Management can access the damages in those offline. There are currently eight houses for the 2019-2020 school year.
Assistant Director of Student Activities Zac Pace told senators that approximately 150 students showed up to Conrad’s Corner for its Super Bowl party Feb. 2. Pace also mentioned that the upcoming trip to New York City Sunday, March 29 is about half full, so those interested should make sure to register in the HUB soon. The Office of Student Activities (OSA) is also sponsoring a trip to the King of Prussia Mall Saturday, Feb. 15, which is $10.
Both Boyer and Mrgich talked about the parking situation for Saturday, Feb. 8 due to the cheerleading event happening on campus.
Director of the Writing Wing Rick Fellinger spoke on behalf of the Center for Student Success, reminding students that progress report week starts Monday, Feb. 10. This is when professors can send out early warnings and kudos.
During executive cabinet reports, senior Publicity and Marketing Chairperson Julia Aleo awarded first-year Alex D’Amico with the senator of the month award for his work on the class of 2023’s advocacy project, diversity and inclusion.
Senators used new business to complete an appreciation activity. They wrote thank-you notes to faculty and staff to show their gratitude.
Kenney spoke during committee updates about the recent faculty assembly meeting held Tuesday, Feb. 4. While two senators attend every meeting, a larger group was invited to serve as student representatives during their discussion of the pros and cons of a 4-credit model.
“From my perspective, I felt pretty listened to,” Kenney said.
Class updates began with first-year class president Lucas Cunningham. He said that the class of 2023 is selling candy grams for Valentine’s Day, as well as raffling off a date night basket.
Cunningham also updated senators on their advocacy project, saying that they have started a National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) chapter on campus. First-years Jalen Belgrave and D’Amico will serve as President and Vice President, respectively.
Junior class president Rachel Freed said that the venue for Jr./Sr. will be announced Thursday, Feb. 13 during the Student Senate meeting. Tickets for the dance will be on sale the week before and after spring break.
Student Senate then moved into an executive session before adjourning. Meetings are open to all and held every Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212.
Jessica Freels is the Class of 2022 President in Student Senate.
