Student Senate met for their weekly meeting Thursday, Sept. 16 at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212.
The meeting began with administrative reports, starting with Dean of Students & Executive Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging Nichole Gonzalez. Gonzalez used her time to answer questions, like one from senior Rachel Skwirut.
Skwirut asked about the possibility of having medical personnel at intramural games in case of any issues. Gonzalez said she would look into it and report back to Senate.
Assistant Director of Community Living Rina Carpenter gave the report for the Office of Student Activities. They spoke about upcoming events, such as the brunch at Conrad’s Corner Sunday, Sept. 26. They also said they’re planning events for over fall break for students who plan to stay on campus.
Director of Housing & Residence Life Jenn Azevedo added that students who stay on campus over fall break will not be able to use their meal plan, so they should work with Residence Life to figure that out.
Azevedo also spoke to other issues that fall under Residence Life. She asked students to provide any information they can about the missing shower heads in residence halls. She also said that Facilities Management exterminated a big bees nest near Ober Residence Hall, but students should continue to place Work Orders for any other bug issues.
Office/Work Station Manager for Facilities Management Bob Mrgich added that the exterminator is only on campus on Tuesdays, so he asked students to be patient.
Associate Director for Diversity, Equity and Belonging Ellis Bonds spoke about the flags hanging in the Baugher Student Center (BSC) Concourse. They are in collaboration with the Study Abroad Office for the study abroad fair and in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. After the study abroad fair, those flags will be taken down but the Hispanic Heritage Month flags will remain through the rest of the month.
Associate Dean for Student Counseling and Health Needs Bruce Lynch answered a student question about the current COVID-19 contact tracing process. For unvaccinated individuals, they will have to quarantine for seven days after an exposure or five days if they’re asymptomatic and receive a negative test. For vaccinated individuals, they are not required to quarantine after exposure but are asked to get a rapid test three or four days after contact to assure they weren’t affected.
Assistant Director of the Learning Zone Tammie Longsderff told senators that they currently have 115 active tutors, when they normally have around 200. Since there are less tutors this semester, some tutoring sessions aren’t being filled. She asked senators to spread the word, so students can be patient with tutoring services and so capable students can apply to be tutors.
Executive Cabinet reports were mainly internal issues and non-reports.
During class reports, sophomore Class President Maddi Holmberg announced that the class of 2024 is working with Environmental Services on their sustainability advocacy project.
Senate’s new business consisted of two internal presentations. The first was given by senior Executive Vice President Christina Schnee about Senate Retreat, held Saturday, Sept. 18 into Sunday, Sept. 19. Schnee went over COVID-19 guidelines and other expectations for the event.
Senior Executive Treasurer Kyle Cappucci gave the second about fundraising. The presentation informed senators about different ways to fundraise and correct procedures to go through, such as reserving a table and filling out Business Office forms. This concluded the meeting.
Student Senate meets weekly Thursdays at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212. Meetings are open to all of the campus community.
