Student Senate met for their weekly meeting Thursday, March 23 at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212.
The meeting began with Administrative Reports, starting with Dean of Students & Executive Director for College Diversity, Equity and Belonging Nichole Gonzalez reporting that a campus safety walk will be held on Monday, April 3 at 8:30 p.m. The purpose of the walk is to see how the campus appears at night to note any areas of improvement. This walk is open to the entire student body, along with several campus leaders who will be joining Gonzalez.
Associate Dean of Students for Community Living Jenn Crowder reported that the late stay request form for summer closing will open on April 3.
A question was raised in regards to security outside of the residences buildings due to there only being security cameras at the main entrance of the residences halls. Gonzalez explained that they are continually working to improve security on campus and this is something that can be looked more into.
Dining Services General Manager Austin Benner first took questions in regards to the Marketplace and Jays Nest. A suggestion was raised to have a taco bar open once a week, on a specific day, so that students would have it in a routine. A question was also raised regarding if more inclusive options will become a part of the meal swipe exchange program as currently they are not. This will be something Dining Services looks into for future semesters.
Registered Dietitian Savannah Griner then took to the floor to explain how students will be able to view the nutrition information, ingredients and allergen items online. Along with this it will have the recommended serving size for the foods. Griner also noted that students will be noticing a change in how allergen information is labeled on foods in the Marketplace. Rather than saying for example a food is “gluten free” it would say “doesn’t contain gluten.”
Director of Diversity, Equity and Belonging Darcey Mills reported that they will be hosting From Service to Success: An Evening with Alysa Poindexter in the Bowers Writers House on Monday, March 27 at 7 p.m. Poindexter is a first generation college graduate, journalist, producer and award-winning college advancement professional.
There will also be a Women of Etown Panel: Making Time for What Matters in the KAV on Wednesday March 29 at 5:30 p.m. This open panel discussion will feature five panelists that focus on making time for themselves while juggling school, work, home life and much more.
Associate Dean of Students for Student Counseling and Health Needs Bruce Lynch reported that the new LGH Student Health Nurse Lori Hoffer will be working Monday, Wednesday and Friday and begin working full time on April 14.
A concern was raised in regards to counselor availability through the College, as they found it difficult to get appointments consistently and in a timely manner. Another student also expressed concern that they feel similarly and had to recently switch counselors due to the availability of theirs being too booked. A faculty member raised a point that in comparison to other colleges, Etown has significantly more counselors.
Director of the Center for Community and Civic Engagement reported that the menstrual product drive will be running through March 31. There are collection bins in all of the academic and administrative buildings.
Moving in Executive Cabinet Reports, Executive Vice President Jermey Reel reported that phone chargers with mounts have been installed throughout several buildings, in collaboration with ITS. Moving into committee updates, Transition Committee Representative Gabe Karl reported that the nomination form for Student Assembly opened the evening of March 23 and remained open until March 30 with elections running March 31 through April 6.
For class updates, Class of 2024 President Abigail Lindsay reported that Junior/Senior tickets are on sale now until March 31. Tickets cost $65 each. The event will take place on April 15 from 6-11 p.m. at the Lodge at Liberty Forge. Moving into New Business, Senators voted on two scholarships awarded to faculty members.
The meeting was then motioned and voted to move into an executive session, in which the vote passed.
Student Senate meets weekly on Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212. Meetings are open to all the campus community.
