Ohio University Student Senate had its first meeting of the 2025-26 school year Wednesday in Baker University Center. The meetings are usually in Walter 235, but due to a scheduling issue, the meeting location was moved.
The meeting began with a call to order, followed by a student speak out.
One student spoke during this time, addressing a problem he has seen on campus regarding cars driving on sidewalks and almost hitting pedestrians and requested Senate look into the issue.
Roll call was taken after the student speak out, and all members were present. Tony Gregory and Kate Moscouver from the Center for Student Engagement and Leadership also spoke.
Moscouver shared information on legal and policy updates, an initiative to stop campus hazing, changes with student organization logos and names, reimbursements for groups and changes due to the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act.
Moscouver also introduced a new app in progress for OU students called Suitable, which students can sign up for using their OU credentials.
Suitable outlines different pathways and achievements that can be made to become a better leader. The app also has an option for students to log what they do as part of the “101 Things to Do Before You Graduate” list that can be found on the third floor of Baker Center.
The first order of business was Senate Bill 2425-11, which discussed OU’s commitment to sustainability. The motion was read, then tabled for the next meeting.
The first three new resolutions were 2526-01, 2526-02 and 2526-03, which set a weekly meeting time, continued to use Robert’s Rules of Order as a framework for the Senate and designated the format of legislation, respectively.
Resolutions 2526-04 through 2526-08 related to the new appointments to the Budget Committee. Donald Theisen was appointed Chairperson of the committee, while Katelynn Fox, Mark Vitelli, Mae Hu and Lucas Adkins were appointed as members.
Resolutions 2526-09 through 2526-11 appointed Katelynn Fox, Avery Barker and Sydney Sobol to the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Resolution 2526-12 introduced the appointment of Lola Morana as the Academic Affairs vice commissioner, and Resolution 2526-13 appointed Aidan Kirk as the Residence Life vice commissioner.
Following the appointments, each commission gave a brief statement and introduced some ideas of what they would do during the year.
There were no Senate Committee reports and one University Committee report from the University Curriculum Council pertaining to the changes made by Senate Bill 1.
Senate President Dan Gordillo then spoke, followed by Vice President Taras Tarasun, Treasurer Luke Fredricks and Chief of Staff Landen Hensel. The Judicial Panel had nothing to report, but Advisor Tony Gregory and Graduate Assistant Ahmad both gave a brief report.
The next Senate meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 10 at 7:15 p.m. As long as the scheduling conflict has been resolved, the meeting will be in Walter 235.
