Ohio U president discusses university initiatives with Student Senate
Duane Nellis. File photo by Connor Perrett.
Ohio University President Duane Nellis presented the university’s efforts to future-proof campus through new initiatives to Student Senate on Wednesday evening.
He insisted that the university be “fearlessly first” in steering itself toward new and creative initiatives — a sentiment he expressed at other recent events. Nellis reiterated the university’s plan for general education reform, as the university will launch a new academic curriculum in fall 2021, designed to prepare students for the workforce with highly-valued skills such as communication and critical thinking.
Ohio U’s Office of Sustainability also presented to the body goals and proposals it hopes to implement in the future, such as creating programs to educate students on sustainable living practices.
A student organization, the Climate and Sustainability Ambassadors, presented its ambitions to promote and increase sustainable living for both students and Athens residents. The organization recently attended an Ohio U football game to encourage students to recycle plastic and canned beverages.
Elaine Goetz, director of the Office of Sustainability, also discussed the student farm, located near the West State Street Park, which provides produce for the dining halls, student food sales, or in the food pantry. With donations last year, the department is aiming to expand its farm and incorporate a berry orchard.
The president also mentioned Ohio U’s new female athletic director and championed its diverse and inclusive campus.
Additionally, Student Senate approved a resolution to support adding water bottle fill-up stations across campus to help combat plastic waste and passed its “vision statement” for the year:
“To pave the path forward by being the organization where Ohio University students can share their ideas, questions and concerns to better our Bobcat family.”
In other business:
During senate reports, Ellen Gill said students can donate up to three food swipes for the food bank between Sept. 29 and Oct. 5.
Student Senate plans to host a town hall Oct. 21 from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. in Walter 235 to allow student organizations to present concerns they may have related to finances.