By Gauri Mangala, Managing Editor
The Student Senate convened over Zoom for the third meeting of the year on Monday, Sep. 14.
Alexandros Economou-Garcia ‘22 presented as a member of the Ad Hoc Committee on Inclusion with suggestions for the creation of an Inclusion Officer on the executive board. The position would be tasked with representing groups that have been historically underrepresented in the governing body.
The organization then moved to discuss moving funds from the New Initiatives budget, which currently has over $90,000, to the Emergency Fund for students who would need funds to return home and continue their studies remotely. President Kurtis Grey ‘21 stated that the executive board had come to an agreement of $10,000 to be moved.
Senator Abby Hauer ‘21 stated that she had found the Emergency Fund extremely helpful when she was returning home from study abroad. She went on to say that she would be willing to give half of the New Initiatives budget.
Senator Giacomo Coppola ‘22 argued that this conversation can be revisited weekly and that $10,000 would be a good place to start.
Hauer moved to $20,000 from the New Initiatives Budget to the Emergency Fund. The motion was approved.
While electing Affinity Group Leaders was on the agenda, Vice President Katie Troy ‘21 found that it would be easier to send out a form to club representatives after the meeting and the body moved into student concerns.
The club representative of the Latin American Student Association (LASA) asked how clubs were expected to continue to create programming while many club members are now remote. Student Senate advisor Jon Allen explained that there will still be a virtual club fair and that the Office of Student Activities and Greek Life is still committed to conducting virtual programming of all clubs and activities.
Thomas Lynch ‘24 spoke of the Department of Public Safety breaking up an outdoor concert that occurred on Sunday, Sep. 13 at 5:00 pm. Lynch argued that the gathering followed all college gatherings as the rules dictate that outdoor gatherings could have up to 250 people, physically distanced. Grey assured him that he would look into the matter.
Alexis Jones ‘24 asked if there were any structured student panels in direct communication with the administration regarding the ever-changing situation with the pandemic. Class of 2024 officers Jack Comegno and Drew Lemon stated that they are in current communication with administration.
Hauer voiced interest in reforming the student groups from the past summer that had met with administrators regarding coming back to campus. Other members of the senate, including Senator Ryan Sipple ‘21, stated that this would be a great way to also discuss the last four weeks of the semester.
After some housekeeping-style committee chair reports, the senate adjourned. Student Senate will reconvene on Monday, Sep. 21.
