Student Senate 9/9: New Member Induction and Quorum Debate
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By Ella Prieto, Managing Editor
This week’s meeting of Student Senate started with a recall for quorum requested by Senator Joey Labrie ’25. After the recall, Parliamentarian Carl DeMarco ’25 asserted that a quorum was present.
Labrie argued that the Senate did not, because the affinity group leaders were not present, even though the Student Senate Constitution mandates that they are elected by the second meeting of the semester.
DeMarco explained that the Senate Constitution also gives the parliamentarian discretion over elections, and the executive board along with the Senate advisors agreed that that discretion allowed for DeMarco to wait a week to elect the affinity group leaders. Therefore, a quorum was present, and the meeting continued.
Officer Reports
President Michael Woods ’25 conducted the new member inductions. Woods also announced that Committee Chair applications are now open. They close on Sunday, Sept. 15.
Vice President Abby Ruggiero ’26 explained that voting members will sit at the main table in the room while everyone else sits in the audience section.
DeMarco shared there were since-resolved issues with the class of 2028 elections, including a case of voter fraud where a candidate had students not in the class of 2028 vote for them. He also reminded everyone to be kind when interacting with one another. Additionally, Affinity Group Leader elections will take place next week.
Treasurer Jack Thompson ’27 shared that a budget will come to the floor.
Secretary Olivia Taylor ’25 told club representatives that there will be a QR code for them to scan for attendance.
Inclusion Officer Oliver Eckloff ’27 announced that the Inclusion Committee will take place on Wednesdays at 2:30 p.m. in CUB 126.
Committee Reports
The Budget Management Committee will take place on Fridays at 2 p.m. in CUB 212.
Club Reports and Announcements
Hillel is having its first Shabbat of the year on Friday at 6 p.m.
Young Americans for Freedom is hosting a presidential debate watch party on Tuesday in the CUB Junction.
Pie a Pi, Pie a Chi is happening on Friday outside of Plank Gym from 12-3 p.m.
Student Concerns
Woods provided updates to student concerns from last week. Regarding the construction on North Washington Street, detour signage will be posted by the Gettysburg Borough.
Vice President of Information Technology Rod Tosten ’85 will be a guest speaker at Senate on Sept. 30 to answer questions and address concerns regarding the WiFi.
It was said that lines at Servo are actually smaller than last year, but long lines do continue at certain times because of when classes are released.
New concerns included cauliflower wings not being available with meat wings and other food stopping being served at Abe’s Favs when the “Fried after 5” menu starts.
Budget Requests
The Student Senate’s budget has decreased because of the emergency BMC meeting before the start of the semester.
26th Pennsylvania College Guard requesting $4,512.75 for various materials for their upcoming fall programs. The budget was approved in full.
Editor’s Note: A previous version of this article incorrectly stated why the Student Senate’s budget had been decreased. ~ E.P. 9/10/24.
