Student Senate Discuss Student Concerns and Approves Budget Requests

By Andrew Thibaudeau, Staff Writer

Monday’s meeting brought forth an abundance of student concerns, including a concern that was brought forth as an opinion.

Officer Reports

The meeting was initiated with officer reports. After President Miranda Zamora ’23 gave her opening remarks, Vice President Geoffrey Meadville ’25 and Parliamentarian Joey Labrie ’25 emphasized the importance of the upcoming Senate elections. It was mentioned that Student Senate debates will take place next week and are open to any students who wished to attend.

Next, Treasurer Hannah Repole ‘24 provided the weekly budget update. Senate now has $8,675.53 remaining in its budget. 

Chief Diversity Officer Dr. Eloísa Gordon-Mora gave a brief address where she explained the purpose of her position and how she and her colleagues impact the college. She stated that she and her colleagues work to ensure that diversity, equity and inclusion issues are not only mitigated, but accounted for in the future. She shared that the office’s staff wishes to remove bias, ignorance and offensive comments from the campus as best they can. Gordon-Mora assured students that she would be there to help and listen whenever needed. 

Upcoming Club Events

Several upcoming club and organization-oriented events were detailed. BMC will have their meeting moved to CUB 208 for this week and a safety discussion will occur on Friday from 2-4 p.m. The Rules and Administration Committee’s convention was canceled, and the athletic department will be available to discuss athletic concerns, with a central focus on cheerleading. 

Senator Dominic DiLuzio ‘26 requested that any concerns about the health and wellness on campus be brought to him via email or in-person. 

Student Concerns

Zamora began this segment with an announcement that all seniors Senate members would be recognized for their efforts with a cord for graduation. 

Zamora then shared news that the College intends to substantially decrease acceptance rates next year. This would assuage the concerns of many students who were fearful that the college would become less prestigious over time. 

Senator Grace Nelson ’26 voiced a concern about the inconsistent appearance of yellow mustard in The Bullet Hole, which had been mentioned in recent meetings. More food-related concerns arose as many had frustration with Servo’s lack of variety in their food. There also was a request for increased prevalence of bananas foster pancakes.

Another concern was shared regarding tours of middle schools and other groups that periodically visit the college. A senator stated that they would like to have notices provided when such events will be impacting the dining hall as it inconveniences students who wish to eat there.

There was then a segment of pool-related requests. One student wished to have swimming lessons provided in the spring to help students who had never been taught before so they would be safer over the summer. Jack Murphy ’24 stated that he wished to see a hot tub installed in a corner by the pool.

Another student concern was brought to the floor that concerned a man bothering students on campus by singing loudly while riding his bicycle. He has also been reportedly singing inside of buildings such as the Bullet Hole and the library. This has caused substantial amounts of discomfort amongst students and has been brought up to Campus Safety. 

A report was then made about a door in Stine Hall being broken. 

Budget Requests

The first request was made by the International Club for $75. Although BMC recommended that sixty dollars be provided, the club received approval for their original request. The money provided would go toward food and snacks for an upcoming cultural dance night.

The next request came from the American Cancer Society for $550. BMC recommended that they be given $400, but this organization was also given the full amount they requested. This money would cover the expenses of having Campus Safety at Relay for Life, along with paying for some of the provided food at the event. 

Senate Proposals

The first proposal was an amendment with the intention of adjusting the policy surrounding committee attendance. It would give the Board of Chairpersons the responsibility of checking attendance, along with the power to accommodate. Zamora recommended that this amendment be tabled for two weeks unless Senate was willing to vote in favor of the bill unanimously. Murphy requested that a vote be taken, and the bill received approval from all members except Senator Nicholas Ryan ‘26. Senate voted to table the bill for two weeks. 

Senator Michael Woods ’25 then presented an opinion about how the College charges an extra fee for each diploma a student receives in addition to their first one. Any student who wishes to receive a diploma if they also have a degree in another field will incur an additional fee added on top of the first one. Woods disagreed with this decision to charge an extra fee and Senate agreed with him.

Author: Gettysburgian Staff

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