Student Senate met for their weekly meeting Thursday, Jan. 26 at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212.

Two motions were first made to amend the agenda. The first being moving the Oath of Office to after Administrative reports and the second being to add under New Business the presentation of a Constitution amendment. Both motions passed a vote and were added to the agenda. 

The meeting began with Administrative Reports starting with Dean of Students & Executive Director for College Diversity, Equity and Belonging Nichole Gonzalez explaining how the new survey policy operates.

The policy was put into place regarding surveys that are looking to gather results from over 100 people. Surveys should be sent 30 days ahead of time via the form that will be sent out through ITS.

Associate Dean of Students Jenn Crowder reported that the spring break stay request form is due Feb. 15. Students wishing to stay on campus for any position of spring break must fill out this form.

Step one of the housing selection process has been sent out to residential students. The form is due Feb. 15 in order to receive a lottery number.

Associate Dean of Students for Student Counseling and Health Needs Bruce Lynch reported on the updated colleges COVID-19 policies that start on Jan. 31. Students who test positive have the option of isolating on campus in their rooms. 

Counseling services has released the group counseling sessions for the semester that can be viewed through the counseling services website.

Associate Director of Employer Relations Maureen Brown highlighted the career developments center February events.   

On Feb. 20, 21 and 22 there will be etiquette dinners for those wanting to learn etiquette tips and tricks to ensure dining like a professional. Register via Handshake as there are limited spots available for this event.

Center for Community and Civic Engagement (CCCE) Director Javita Thompson reported that Day of Service will be held on March 31 and more information will be released soon.

April’s service trip will be to the YWCA to volunteer at the Race Against Racism event from 7-11 a.m. To sign up for the event you can visit the CCCE webpage.

Following Administrative Reports were the Oath of Office for two representatives for the Class of 2026. 

Moving in Executive Cabinet Reports, President Madison Holmberg announced that she will not be running for the Executive President position for the upcoming academic year due to graduating during the fall semester. Holmberg plans to return to the Class Senate in a representative spot. 

Moving into Committee Updates, Traditions Chairperson Abigail Lindsay reported that the committee got a date approved for Blue Jay Day which will take place Friday, April 28. The committee will be working to plan how they will like the event to run and then be reaching out to other internal Senate committees to potentially work together.

Advocacy and Service Chairperson Nick Wiley reported that the committee is working through approving advocacy projects of the different classes.

Moving into New Business, the Legislation Committee presented an amendment that added the phrasing “during a moderated session” under Article seven, section three, pertaining to how many times a person may obtain the floor. A unanimous vote was run in which the amendment passed.  

Class of 2024 did a brief presentation of their advocacy plans for the semester, for their project of sustainability. Plans included hosting an Earth Day Celebration event and participating in the social justice fair.

Class of 2025 then did a brief presentation of their advocacy plans for the semester for their project of wellbeing. One of their bigger goals for the semester is to work to improve the counseling services waiting room.

Next under New Business was the presentation for what Senators can expect in the next few weeks regarding the Transition Committee, now having the Student Assembly Constitution complete. The next Student Senate meeting is when representatives of the transition committee will be present to present the new Constitution.

Student Senate meets weekly on Thursday at 3:45 p.m. in Hoover 212. Meetings are open to all the campus community.