Student Senate 9/30: Where’s the WIFI?
By John Towey, Staff Writer
Officer Reports
President Michael Woods ’25 announced that there are still two vacancies in the Senate. The senator-at-large and social affinity group chair positions remain empty.
Vice President Abby Ruggiero ’26 reminded the Senate that committees have started and that voting members need to attend at least one committee meeting a week.
Parliamentarian Carl DeMarco ’25 announced that the Rules and Administration Committee will meet on Fridays at 1 p.m. on the first floor of the library.
Treasurer Jack Thompson ’27 shared that 13.4% of the yearly budget has been approved for spending.
Secretary Olivia Taylor ’25 requested photos for the Senate website.
Inclusion Officer Oliver Eckloff reminded the Senate and audience that there was information about Inclusion and Belonging Peer Educators on everyone’s seats.
Guest Speakers
Vice President of IT Rodney Tosten and Director of Infrastructure and Computing Thomas Franza presented the Senate with an update on Gettysburg’s WiFi upgrade project. They shared that WiFi is a balancing act between ease of access and security.
The WiFi project, they said, is about halfway completed and will be finished in the fall of 2025. Phase one was to upgrade WiFi in the library, residence halls, dining and CUB. Phase two will upgrade all remaining residence halls, academic buildings, administrative buildings and outdoor access points.
They reminded the Senate that G-Tech is a resource solely for students and is located in the West Building.
Additionally, Tosten and Franza requested student feedback. Suggestions included office hours in CUB or Servo and an automated troubleshooting form.
Committee Reports
The Academic and Career Affairs Committee meets on Fridays at 10 a.m. in CUB 230.
The Budget and Management Committee meets on Fridays at 2 p.m. in CUB 212.
The Board of Committee Chairs meets every other Sunday at 1 p.m.
The College Life Advisory Committee meets on Thursdays from 4 to 5 p.m. in CUB 230.
The Inclusion Committee meets on Thursdays at 3 p.m. in CUB 212.
The Opinions Committee meets on Tuesdays at 8 p.m. in CUB 230.
The Rules and Administration Committee meets on Fridays at 1 p.m. on the main level of the library.
The Wellness and Safety Committee meets on Thursdays at 6 p.m. in CUB 208.
Club Reports and Announcements
Bridge Gettysburg, a nonpartisan group seeking to end polarization, meets Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. in Glatfelter 104.
Young Americans for Freedom and College Republicans are co-sponsoring a debate watch party in CUB Junction at 8 p.m. on Tuesday.
Inclusion and Belonging Peer Educators meet in CUB 212 on Tuesdays from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
There will be a speaker for Hispanic Heritage Month, presented by the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, on Oct. 8 at 6:30 p.m. in the Mara Auditorium.
College Democrats are meeting in Glatfelter 103 at 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Garthwait Leadership Center will be selling old outdoor gear on Stine Lake next Thursday.
There will be Rosh Hashanah services from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday in Penn Hall Lyceum and from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Thursday in Penn Hall Lyceum.
Hillel will be having a 4:15 p.m. vigil at the Peace Pole on Oct. 7.
There will be an improv event at Kline Theater on Friday at 7 p.m.
There will be a football tailgate near the Jaeger and West building on Friday from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
Student Concerns
President Woods addressed concerns from the previous meeting. The laundry issues and water on Carlisle Street are being addressed. The FD Meal Planner app uses FDA standards to calculate calories. He also mentioned that students should contact campus safety if they are concerned about animals on campus.
Students also shared new concerns. At Servo, there have been long lines in the rain, and seating areas roped off during busy hours. At Bullet, some fresh fruits are counted as sides while others are counted as full meals. Additionally, there were concerns about the rain making certain rugs on campus smell bad.
Budget Requests
The DiscipleMakers Christian Fellowship’s request of $2,500 to cover hotel registration and other fees for a weekend-long conference in Harrisburg was approved.
New Business
The Senate discussed potentially adding standing desks in the library and the issue was sent to committee. They also discussed improvements to the Jaeger Center such as adding stairmasters or fitness classes. The Senate would like to complete a single-time pay project.
