Student Senate Appoints Six New Students For The Year
Photo via: TNP Staff
During its second meeting of the year on Wednesday, the Ohio University Student Senate appointed six students to Senate for the 2024-2025 academic year. The Senate also discussed finances for the upcoming year and had presentations from the University Program Council, International Student Council and Black Student Cultural Programming Board. All presenters announced some of their program's upcoming events.
Senate first appointed Kelsi Saunders to be the LGBTQIA+ Affairs Vice Commissioner. Saunders served as a Senator of the LGBTQIA+ Affairs Commission last year, and primary sponsor Treasurer Johnny Susany said he “look[s] forward to another year of working with her.”
Second, Senate appointed Morgan Dorais as an Environmental Affairs Vice Commissioner for Education. Primary sponsor Treasurer Susany says that “with such an impressive resume under her belt I have no doubt Morgan will excel in her position as Vice Commissioner.”
Senate then appointed Luke Fredericks as a University Life Senator. Secondary sponsor President Dan Gordillo noted, “Luke's feats of leadership are incredible and have been a valuable addition to Senate, and I have confidence that it will be a valuable addition again.”
Senate appointed Shana Collins as an Academic Affairs Vice Commissioner as well. Primary sponsor Treasurer Susany said, “Shana’s time in Senate serves as a perfect example of what this body is capable of when they work together to advocate for students.”
Senate also appointed Lillian Garner as a Women’s Affairs Senator for the 2024-2025 academic year. Lastly, Senate appointed Paris Gosha-Foreman as a University Life Athletic Senator for the 2024-2025 academic year. Secondary sponsor, Vice President Kiandra Martin says, “Paris discussed wanting to make a point to better represent raising awareness for a wider variety of students. I have no doubt that as a member of this body, Paris will be able to do just that.”
After appointing these new members, Senate discussed their financial state for the upcoming academic year. Student Senate’s budget is significantly lower than previous years, sitting at $19,652. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the budget for Student Senate was untouched and then was rolled over into the next year's budget. Then in 2021, Senate received a one-time allotment of $40,000. Senate has no additional funds from the 2021 one-time allotment and the COVID-19 pandemic, and they are now back to their pre-covid starting budget. Treasurer Susany refers to this news as “both shocking and disappointing.” However, he notes that he along with the other officers “are determined to see Senate succeed this year.”
In other business:
University Program Council will be hosting Bingo and Bagels for Family Weekend on Sept. 15 from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in Baker 240/242.
University Program Council will be hosting an event starring SNL & OU Alumnus Luke Null on Sept. 24 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in Baker Ballroom.
University Program Council hosts Flavor Of The Week every Wednesday from noon to 1 p.m. on the 3rd Floor Atrium.
University Program Council will be hosting a Dad's Weekend Event on Nov. 2 on College Green, time TBD.
International Student Council will be hosting an International Student Start of School Picnic on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on College Green.
International Student Council will be hosting International Student Sports Day on Oct. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
International Student Council will be having a winter trip to Columbus on Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on campus.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be hosting the 47th Annual Blackburn-Spencer Pageant on Sept. 28, 2024, at 7 p.m. in Baker Ballroom.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be hosting a Dad’s Weekend event this year featuring a Dad Joke competition.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be hosting Apollo Night for Siblings Weekend on Feb. 2, in Baker Theatre.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be hosting a Siblings Week concert in the Temple Blackburn Alumni Memorial Auditorium on Feb. 8.
Black Student Cultural Programming Board will be hosting their Mom’s Weekend event in the MultiCultural Center and Atrium on April 6.