Student Senate met Thursday, Nov. 5 for their weekly meeting over Zoom. The meeting began with administrative reports.
Vice President for Student Life Dr. Celestino Limas talked about the hoax text that was sent out Monday, Nov. 2. The text was made to look like an EC Alert text, but was not real. Limas told senators that any information can be reported through the anonymous tip line in the LiveSafe app.
He finished his report by readdressing a question from last week’s meeting. Junior Allison Melnikoff asked if students could be denied the option to live and learn remotely in the spring. Limas responded that all requests to be remote will be granted.
Director of Campus Security Andrew Powell gave his report next. He said that an automated reminder has now been set to send in the afternoon for individuals that have yet to complete the Daily Digital Health report for the day. He also added that students are not required to complete the report when they go home for break. Reminder texts will still be sent out since some faculty and staff will remain on campus and are required to continue to complete it.
While there was not a representative from Counseling Services and Student Health, Powell answered a few questions about the optional testing before break. Sophomore Andrew Furman asked about the turnaround for tests, which Powell responded with an answer of about two to three days.
Senior Gio Zapata asked why students have to pay for these tests. Powell said that this testing is optional and was not part of the College’s initial plan, so students are required to pay for it.
During student comments and announcements, sophomore Cassandra DeBacco asked if housing selections will remain the same for students who opted to be remote this semester. Director of Community Living Jennifer Crowder said that there might be some changes, but they are looking to keep them the same as much as possible.
Junior Christina Schnee followed up by asking if students will be told about changes, to which Crowder replied yes.
Senators had two legislative amendments to vote on during new business. The first was a single word change for clarity, which was approved. The second added to the specifics of filling a class officer position. It was also approved.
The meeting finished up with class updates. Furman thanked those that helped the Class of 2023 with their Flock to the Polls initiative.
Student Senate meets weekly at 3:45 p.m. Thursdays over Zoom. The Nov. 12 meeting will feature members of the Senior Leadership Team. All students are welcome to attend.
