Student Senate dealing with a power outage across campus. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
By Ella Prieto, Managing and News Editor
The Student Senate dealt with a power outage during their Monday meeting. Despite this, they continued without delay.
Officer Reports
President Andrew Lemon ’24 began his report by detailing his experience at Gettysburg College’s Summit on the Future this past weekend.
“It was a really, really awesome event and it was a pleasure to represent the student body at that event,” said Lemon.
In addition, he spoke positively of the Board of Trustees Meeting he attended over the weekend. His last comment was that he was working with Secretary Grace Nelson ’26 on the Senate Open, which is tentatively scheduled for Oct. 20.
Vice President Geoffrey Meadville ’25 announced that it has been one month since the semester started, and thanked everyone for their work so far before announcing that all committees would be meeting this week. He ended by acknowledging the end of Yom Kippur.
Parliamentarian Michael Woods ’25 shared that while the Rules and Administration Committee is meeting on Thursday this week, it has permanently moved to Mondays at 12:30 p.m. in CUB 212.
Treasurer Alfredo Román Jordán ’26 gave a budget update, detailing $6,306 allocated and $893 spent. Román Jordán explained that while the money allocated is higher than last year, it is due to clubs requesting money earlier in the semester rather than more money being utilized.
Inclusion Officer Abby Ruggiero ’26 thanked those who attended her committee the past week. While they had planned an implicit bias presentation to give, the power outage moved that to the end of the meeting.
Dean of Students Jeff Foster stated that he will be at the Inclusion Committee on Friday to discuss the changes in International Students’ insurance policy.
Committee Reports
Academic and Career Affairs Chair Andrew Thibaudeau ’26 stated that the ACA will have its first meeting Tues. from 4-5 p.m. in CUB 230. He shared that the first meeting will establish the primary points of focus for the committee.
Chair of the Board of Committee Chairs Meadville announced that they will meet biweekly on Sundays at 2 p.m. in CUB 212.
Acting College Life Advisory Committee Chair Jack Murphy ’25 said that it will meet on Fridays 1:30-2:30 p.m.
The Opinions Committee will meet from 4:30-5:30. Chair Maddie Maier ’26 also urged students to follow the Opinions Instagram.
The Wellness and Safety Committee will meet Wednesdays 3-4 p.m. in CUB 212.
Club Reports and Announcements
The German Club and OSAGL will host OktoberFest Sept. 30 in The Attic from 10 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Mr. Alpha O will take place Oct. 14 in CUB Ballroom.
On Sept. 26, Alpha Chi Rho is hosting a Bingo Night in The Attic. All money raised from the event will be donated to Habitat for Humanity to help victims of the earthquake in Morocco.
Student Concerns
Lemon reiterated that Dean of Students Jeff Foster would be at the Inclusion Committee meeting on Friday to have an in-depth conversation about the change to international students’ insurance plans. Lemon also said that he would be in attendance. He then stated that Campus Safety would be working to solve the power outage issue.
Thibaudeau expressed concerns brought to him by students about the disappearance of ranch dispensers in the Bullet Hole, and he also expressed desire for to-go boxes at Servo.
Senator Thomas Lynch IV ’24 asked how long Stine Lake would be closed. Director of OSAGL Jon Allen shared that Facilities expects it to be completed around late Oct. and early Nov. and that there will be an email later this week further detailing the renovations to the area.
Senator Alex Rosado ’24 shared his experience of a lacrosse ball shattering his window. He asked that the team be provided with higher nets to prevent the incident from repeating.
Senator Nicholas Ryan ’26 asked that the college update their website to explain the new curriculum so that new students who attend the school can be knowledgeable about it.
Senator Maddon McNicholas ’27 asking a question. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Murphy then started a conversation about banning Yik Yak from campus. Various senators and students commented on this issue with different perspectives, some feeling the app should be banned while others stating those who do not enjoy it should simply not use it. Lemon ultimately recommended those who do not enjoy the app not use it, but that he would reach out to IT about the feasibility of banning YikYak.
Budget Requests
Model UN requested $1,796.05 for registration and lodging at a conference at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. The price would cover ten members attending the conference, and the club would pay for transportation and meals. BMC recommended the Senate provide $1,035, which is the price for only the registration. Ultimately, the Senate allocated the full $1,796.05 after a voice vote.
Model UN Representative explains their budget request to the Student Senate. (Photo William Oehler/The Gettysburgian)
Old Business
The amendment that was tabled last week, which makes class cabinets a Senate-recognized club, came back to the floor. Senator Dominic DiLuzio ’26 amended it on the floor, changing the writing for clarity and redundancy purposes. The amendment was then passed with unanimous consent.
The discussion on trip monetary policy that was tabled last week was brought to the floor as well. Román Jordán shared that last year the Senate had spent over $18,300 on trips, and while there is a limit to how much a conference can cost per person, there is no such limit on trips. After some debate from senators, the discussion was sent to RAC.
New Business
Ruggiero gave their implicit bias presentation, which defined what implicit bias is, how it affects daily life, and ways to undo a mindset of implicit bias. She also gave QR codes that linked to implicit bias tests.
