Student Senate’s general body met Wednesday to create a new senator position, change title rules and comment on Ohio Senate Bill 1.
The meeting started with a presentation of the changes to Academic Achievement given by Jen Beckley, the director of the STEM academy. Some of the changes discussed included the STEM Academy’s new space, the Peer Assisted Learning program name change, the Writing Commons being moved to Bromley Hall 032 and academic coaching being moved to Walter Student Success Center.
Next, the Senate considered six resolutions, which all passed unanimously.
Resolution 2425-111 added a First-Generation Senator to the University Life Commission. According to the resolution, the interests of first-generation students are not being specifically addressed by the Senate body and deserve representation.
“By giving (first-generation students) dedicated representation, we can advocate for their needs to help create a more supportive environment,” University Life Commissioner Luke Fedricks, the resolution’s primary sponsor, said. “Placing this role within the University Life Commission is a natural thing as this commission focuses on student well-being and experience.”
The Senate then began discussing Resolution 2425-112, which requires transitional reports from the executive officers, chief of staff and the director of public relations each year. The reports will be utilized by future position holders to smoothly begin their new positions.
Resolution 2425-113 overhauled the Rules and Procedures by specifying how to address sponsors of Senate legislation. When the sponsor is a member of the Senate, their specific title will be used; however, if the sponsor is a faculty or staff member from the university, they will referenced by their title written in the legislation.
*“A story is told by who sponsors a piece of legislation,” Governmental Affairs Senator Mark Vitelli, the resolution's secondary sponsor, said. “It is important to standardize the form in which the public and this body reads those stories. This legislation is both smart and proper.”
Through Resolution 2425-115, 1Nathan Malz was appointed to be the Residence Life Commissioner. Malz received reviews from Graduate Assistant Carson Sarver, the primary sponsor, and Student Senate President Dan Gordillo, the secondary sponsor. Gordillo said Malz has already held many leadership positions.
“In his interview, when asked about his leadership style, Nathan said that it is necessary to be a leader, not a boss,” Gordillo said. “I feel that with this mentality, Nathan will succeed in his role as commissioner.”
Additionally, resolutions for a budget request for candy restock at tablings totaling $71.76, as well as updating the verbiage for the attendance point policy passed.
The Senate members then gave their reports. Black Affairs Commissioner Precious Powell talked about the impact Ohio Senate Bill 1 will have on students. Powell then asked the general body for support to find how to best represent students during this time.
“(My favorite) place for me and many other students on campus is the Multicultural Center, the Women's Center and the Pride Center, places where minority students can be themselves surrounded by like-minded individuals. In the political climate of today, these places for many are threatened,” Powell said.
