Student Senate 10/7: Proposal to President’s Council Concerning Discussion of Racial Slur Incident
By Brandon Fey, News Editor
Officer Reports
President Michael Woods ’25 announced that the application for the Senate vacancy will be soon available over fall break.
He also stated that the Senate will not meet next Monday, Oct. 14 due to the break.
Vice President Abby Ruggiero ’26 announced that committees have begun, and requested that all attend each committee at least once to learn about their ongoing projects. She encouraged all to attend different committees as some are disproportionately staffed.
Treasurer Jack Thompson ’27 mentioned that general budget cuts across campus have put more pressure on the Senate to fund student organizations. He stated that of the budget, $940 has been spent so far with an additional $15,5442.50 in requests already approved. This leaves $75,968.50 left to be apportioned.
Secretary Olivia Taylor ’25 announced that the Senate website has been updated with the submitted photos of new and returning Senate members. She requested that those still interested in submitting a photo should send her an email.
Taylor also announced that the Outreach Committee will meet on Fridays at 2 p.m. beginning on Oct. 18. Its work will involve planning events for the Senate, managing social media, and actively engaging student constituents through dining hall tabling and other measures.
Advisor Report
Director of Student Activities and Greek Life Jon Allen thanked those who attended the campus tailgate on Oct. 4 and announced that there will be another tailgate event on Nov. 1 for family weekend. He also wished everyone a good break.
Committee Reports
Treasurer Thompson announced that the Budget Management Committee is overstaffed with 17 members. He said that they have begun to consider appropriations for BurgBurst later in the semester.
Parliamentarian DeMarco ’25 announced that the Rules and Amendments Committee is discussing amendments.
Reese Koch ’26 announced that the Wellness and Safety Committee has been discussing a larger project, potentially some kind of mural for campus. She also mentioned other wellness event ideas such as making paint handprints on a large letter G somewhere on campus. There was also discussion of yoga involving goats or puppies.
Club Reports and Announcements
Hillel announced that Friday Oct. 11 is the start of Yom Kippur, and there will be services Friday from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Saturday from 9:30 to 11 a.m. and Saturday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Student Concerns
President Woods gave updates about past issues. He said that scanning issues at Servo are rare and only occur when the line for the main entree reaches the check-in desk. Facilities Services is looking into the issue of foul-smelling rugs on campus and predict wet shoes have been the cause of the issue. Fruit cups at the Bullet Hole are unable to be considered as a side option.
Students then voiced new concerns:
There was continued discussion of possible poor quality chicken at Smart Eats, limited offerings of full-time options at Ave’s Favs, a malfunctioning crosswalk light between the East Quad and the library, a lack of crosswalks in areas of high foot traffic on North Washington Street, slow and inefficient Servo and Bullet Hole online menu service, reports of carpet odors on the ground floor of Weidensall Hall and near the entrances of Hanson Hall and a lack of usable dry-erase markers in the Science Center, Weidensall Hall and the library. Additionally, a student said that the fourth floor of Glatfelter Hall is sometimes locked as well as certain rooms in the Plank Gym during class times.
New Business
The Senate passed a proposal from the Opinions Committee for the President’s Council to hold a panel discussion for the campus community about the recent incident in which a racial slur was cut into the chest of a student on campus which would take place after the investigation is concluded. Last week, President Iuliano announced new measures the College is taking in response to the incident.
Information from Associate Vice President for College Life and Dean of Students Jeff Foster stated that the school has hired a professional to facilitate conversations related to the incident, but is not yet sure of how such discussions will take place.
