Student Senate: Guest Speaker, Passing of Opinions, Finalization of Recent Updates to Constitution
The Student Senate executive board during a meeting (Photo Aly Wein/The Gettysburgian)
By Leah McCann, Staff Writer
President Sydney Quan ‘22 returned after a week of absence to lead this week’s meeting, announcing the “very timely” presence of guest speaker Tracie Potts, director of the Eisenhower Institute. Additionally, two recently discussed opinions were passed and the most recent updates to the Constitution were finalized.
Guest Speaker
Tracie Potts, a formal journalist and the current director of the Eisenhower Institute, spoke on political respect and discourse during the meeting. She first took time to tell the Senate to “give yourselves a hand” for their fast and efficient opening procedures, applauding the way in which the group moves through business.
She then moved to the primary topic of political respect, stating that it is embedded in the work done at the Eisenhower Institute (EI), which started as a Washington, D.C., think tank that merged with Gettysburg College about a decade ago. As Potts stated, work done in the EI is work done outside of one’s degree(s), with an emphasis on a nonpartisan environment. Her purpose for speaking at the meeting was primarily to help members “figure out before leaving campus how you can be impactful on public policy issues”, which she outlined in six key aspects (featured below).
Potts’ eighteen years spent working in Washington, D.C., had taught her that disagreement is natural due to the numerous differences among individuals, and she wishes to help people effectively coordinate discourse. Her six key principles of “dealing with each other respectfully to get things done” are featured below:
- Listening is the best form of communication. Potts stated: “What I have found … is that one of the best ways to communicate is to listen.” In doing so, one “may solidify thoughts and opinions, or open up to other ideas as well.”
- Separate identity from ideas. On this, Potts stated that it is crucial to “recognize and respect each other as separate from their ideas.”
- Focus on the facts, not the spin (technicalities). Potts noted that “this often helps the conversation to stick with direct and known information.”
- Agree to a structure of discourse up front. Potts stated that this “doesn’t mean everything will go perfectly” but does “help us to have a better conversation.” She also recommends anticipating when this structure is necessary before the conversation happens.
- Come up with a common goal in the beginning. Potts stated: “If our goal is to do a project where more students come engaged in the political process, then we are less concerned with who they are and more concerned with helping them to become engaged.”
- Make the structure allow all voices to be heard. Potts stated that “it is respectful to make sure that we allow for all of those voices to happen.” She advised members not to waste their seats at the table or hold back their perspectives, because “The people who sent you here are counting on you to do that.”
Potts concluded her talk with some announcements about upcoming EI events and programs. The first of these announcements concerned the Dialogue across Difference events, happening Monday, Nov. 8 from 11:30–1 p.m. and Wednesday, Nov. 19 from 7–8:30 p.m. at the Institute. This event, which is structured in the form of small-group discussions, is intended to help interested members make productive and effective conversations despite potentially diverse perspectives.
Potts noted that applications, due Nov. 4, could be accessed through Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Potts also announced that applications will be opening this Wednesday for the Women in Leadership and Inside Civil Rights programs. The Institute is also working on the development of a program that focuses on the relationship between domestic issues (such as economy, unemployment, and healthcare) and national security.
Potts concluded her statements with hope that her advice was “useful and a little bit empowering” before opening up the floor for questions. Concerns included how to be included in discourse despite being an ideological minority. To this, Potts stated that focusing more on one-to-one interaction—finding those who are more receptive to start a dialogue with, rather than feeling singled out in a large group.
Another question came from Sam Martin ’24, regarding how general respect for identities and beliefs can be implemented on campus. Potts recommended focusing on the how rather than the what—emphasizing the style of communication that structures these conversations. The final question asked by Thomas Lynch IV ‘24 was of a similar concern, regarding how to avoid subjugations of any particular groups in discourse. Potts replied that in order for no group’s voice to be excluded and for all to be respected, all must be given a seat at the table.
Following applause, Quan stated that “hopefully everyone got a bit of insight into a wonderful conversation that shows what we do in the Senate as well.”
Budget Update
Treasurer Connor Heath ‘23 reported that so far, clubs and organizations have spent $28,807.89. No further budget requests were made at this week’s meeting.
Committee Announcements
Secretary Evelyn Datte ’24 reminded everyone to continue attending committee meetings.
Parliamentarian Alexis Jones ’24 announced that club representatives would be discussed in this Friday’s policy meeting, extending invitations to anyone interested in this update.
The Academic and Career Affairs Committee announced that meetings have been changed to Tuesdays at 3:00 PM in CUB 212. They are also working on an alumni panel.
The College Life Advisory Committee announced that they recently met with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) to discuss the Blue Light system, along with the potential development of an app that would “make campus safety more streamlined for everyone.”
They are currently trying to figure out the app’s development cost and timeline for implementation, and will potentially be sending out a survey regarding this. The Committee is planning ways for DPS to connect with students more and increase accessibility. Also, the Committee intends to speak with Bullet supervisors regarding understaffing, problems with labor shortages, wages, closures of dining stations, and various other issues.
Inclusion Committee’s meetings are held Wednesdays at 6 p.m. in CUB 212; they intend to discuss the next guest speaker for the Senate in their next meeting.
The Opinions Committee announced that two opinions have been finalized. (More discussed below.)
The Outreach Committee announced that they are continuing to update the Senate’s website, reminding members to send headshots for the updates to come. Evelyn Datte reminded members to attend the meetings (Mondays at 1 p.m. in CUB 208) to be a part of the progress being made.
The Safety Committee reminded members of their meetings from 7–8 p.m. in Glatfelter 103.
The Sustainability Committee’s Chair has stepped down, but will be attending one more meeting tomorrow at 4 p.m. to ensure that the issue of plastic bags continues to be discussed. Quan announced that she will be taking applications for the new chair—applicants will be required to submit a statement of purpose and a resume to be discussed among the Executive Board members.
Club Announcements
Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen reminded clubs that there are only five weeks left in the semester to schedule events, urging them to contact OSAGL to “ensure all events are properly supported.”
The College Republicans and Democrats announced that they will be working together to support students in the upcoming election, which is tomorrow (Nov. 2). They plan to walk students to the fire station at Stratton Street from the Chapel at 5 p.m. on Nov. 2.
Student Concerns
Alex Bove ’24 expressed concerns about unfair questioning of applicants’ qualifications, particularly addressing Vice President Colin Hughes ’23 in this statement. Bove’s request for Hughes to temporarily withdraw from his part in the application review process was accepted by Hughes, but Quan made a note that “we are in an uncomfortable climate” with the overhauling of the election process.
Concerns were expressed about the status of the printers being moved into the library, to which Quan replied that a supply chain issue has resulted in a backup of their delivery. The conversation was closed at that point, as the printers have been ordered but have yet to arrive.
Jones inquired as to why the library has cut down on their hours, to which Quan replied that staffing shortages and a lack of DPS coverage of certain hours has resulted in this reduction.
Concerns were expressed about lights being out near Stine Lake, which potentially is linked to an issue with timers and is a safety concern during the hours past sunset.
New Business
The aforementioned topics discussed by the Opinions Committee were brought to the group’s attention. Quan announced that after discussions with the Student Life Committee and Provost Jack Ryan, there would not be a possibility of having a Wellness Day this semester. This is because it is too far into the semester to further modify the schedule, and the purpose of the previous Wellness Days was to accommodate for a lack of formal breaks. As the possibility of having a Wellness Day was eliminated, the opinion was passed and therefore closed.
The second opinion regarding ventilation and air conditioning in social spaces was then discussed. Normally, the College does not allow air conditioning installation in any area on campus unless there is a medical reason, but concerns regarding the extreme heat in social spaces such as fraternity basements has motivated the Senate to look into an exception that would allow for houses and other areas to install ventilation in frequently used areas. Matt James ’22 stated that since the College does not own or control all of the residential spaces, this concern would be aimed toward social spaces open to every residential or social space on campus that is officially owned and controlled by the College. Multiple groups have addressed the concern, and the opinion was also passed along with an offer to Quan to push the issue to administration.
Constitutional Amendment
Jones revisited an amendment made to the Committee Chair section of the Constitution, stating that in addition to the previous modifications, the process of removing a Chair must also include a simple presentation from the Executive Board and a simple majority vote to finalize removal or appointment. This was approved by vote.
The Senate will next meet on Monday, Nov. 8.
