Walter Hall Room 235 was not full for long Wednesday night as Ohio University Student Senate passed two resolutions and heard a presentation from the Office of the Ombudsperson in less than an hour.
Mac Stricklen, the ombudsman appointed this summer, said he came to senate as part of an “educational campaign” to teach students about the resources his office provides.
“Students are not using the ombuds office as much as the faculty and staff are,” Stricklen said.
Mediating conflicts, clarifying options and rights under university policy, and referring people to appropriate resources were some of the roles Stricken pointed out.
“I think not a lot of people really know what it is,” Treasurer Steve Lichtenfels said. “So it was good to hear from him.”
Senate also passed resolutions including the appointment of members to the Budget Committee and Women’s Affairs Commission.
“We saw the Budget Committee officially appointed, which means we can now give money to our commissioners so they can start lifting their projects off the ground,” Vice President Courteney Muhl said.
Cassidy Paul, the women’s affairs commissioner, said the three members appointed to the commission have all served senate in the past.
“They’re great people for the job,” Paul said.
A new face was also in attendance at the meeting as Vice President for Student Affairs Jason Pina made it to his first meeting.
“I’m excited to listen and learn,” Pina said in his report to the body.
