By Clarice Berardinelli, Staff Writer
This year has been a busy one for the Student Senate. The term for the current Senate started in April, but didn’t fully pick up speed until this August. In our weekly meetings, each representative reports on their respective constituents and any concerns that may be present. Through hearing these concerns, faculty and staff members that can address these concerns are invited to an upcoming meeting.
This semester, we have met with President Johnson, Vice President Gross, Kathleen Noone, Beth Hill, representatives from ARAMARK and continue to welcome Chief Woodrow as a regular meeting attendee. We will continue to meet with more campus administrative partners each week in Senate Chambers.
During our fall elections, two amendments to our Constitution were passed. The first amendment detailed that each standing committee within Senate is to have a ranking member. A ranking member is someone who fills the absence of the committee chair and serves as a right-hand during all other meetings.
The second amendment passed declared that of the two individuals looking to be on a ticket together for Student Senate President and Vice President, one of them must be a sitting member of Senate or have previously served as a member of Student Senate.
Campus Relations Chairperson Angelina White has consistently attended EMRT (Emergency Management Response Team) meetings this semester. They have voiced student concerns surrounding COVID-19 and general campus emergency response. EMRT has switched from weekly, to bi-weekly, to now monthly meetings due to there being a lesser need for these meetings to occur.
In October, Student Senate and the Student Athletic Advisory Committee began to work together as a partnership. In the past, both parties would rarely communicate, yet both represent major populations of our campus community.
President Megan Hueras and Vice President Tartsinis have set up weekly meetings with S.A.A.C. President Liz Mazza in order to start working together and communicating regularly. Currently they are discussing how to create a standing position to serve as a liaison between both organizations.
Since the beginning of October, we have been having conversations about the miscommunications between faculty members and students and the disconnect present. Our specific college representatives have been intentional in speaking to professors, deans, and department chairs about these issues. We are working to strengthen the support for those who are struggling academically and make the resources on our campus more accessible.
Currently, there are nine standing committees, most of which will carry over into next semester: Legislative, Campus Relations, Finance, Public Relations, Festival of Lights, Sex Week, Sophomore Career Connections, Spring Event, and the Mental Health Committee.
There has been one new club activated so far this year, Women in Business, and there are a handful of clubs that will be seeking activation in the coming semester. Finance Chairperson Sean Alvord is currently sitting on the University Advisory Committee to help plan the University budget for the next fiscal year.
Student Senate will continue to advocate for all student voices, we want to make sure you all are having the most enjoyable and intentional time here at WNE. Student Senate meetings occur every Tuesday from 12:45 PM to 2:00 PM. All meetings are open to the campus community and we encourage you to come and see your representatives in action.
