Student Reps. Share Goals at Ohio U Student Senate’s First Meeting of the Year
Student Senate met Wednesday night for its first general body meeting of the year. Each commissioner present discussed their plans for the year ahead. The legislation that was passed outlined the procedures for the upcoming year, that established a regular meeting time of 7:15 p.m. on Wednesdays in Walter Hall, room 104.
Dylan DeMonte, head of the Academic Affairs Commission, discussed his plans for fall semester’s Finals Fest. He also promoted general policy improvements for university academics.
According to Dan Gordillo, the goal of the Governmental Affairs Commission will be the promotion of civic engagement within the student body. Gordillo shared his hope to accomplish this is by the establishment of a discussion forum for the upcoming Athens Mayoral election. This would provide students with the opportunity to ask the candidates, incumbent Mayor Steve Patterson and his opponent Damon Krane, questions to promote involvement in the election. Gordillo noted that this year would be an important election year for people living in Athens, with both abortion and marijuana on the ballot.
The Governmental Affairs Commission shared its plans to put out a voter’s guide for the November election, host a Voter Registration Drive and initiate a discussion surrounding Senate Bill 83. The bill, if passed, would largely impact the implementation of diversity, equity and inclusion in higher education, among other issues. Gordillo also shared his plans to reintroduce legislation that would establish Election Day as a school holiday and to revisit the Student Fire Fee legislation that the Senate passed at the end of last year. Both items of legislation would require approval from university administration, and Gordillo expressed his intent to take them to the higher-ups.
Gordillo also expressed the desire to see more cooperation between the Ohio University College Republicans and Democrats, as well as additional cross-commission projects involving everyone in Senate.
Women’s Affairs Commissioner Kennedy Huntsman expressed her desire to interview more potential candidates for her commission. Huntsman also shared her hope to build stronger relationships with women and women-centered organizations on campus and in the community.
Huntsman will be in charge of planning this year’s Women’s Festival, along with other events that reinforce women’s safety on campus.
The Environmental Affairs Commission, led by Caden Hibbs, hoped to encourage sustainable habits, expand environmental activism and organize various events on campus. Hibbs mentioned that some events had already been planned, with Eco-Fest taking place on Sept. 7 and Sept. 21 in Bentley Hall, room 124 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. Eco-Fest will feature speakers and community organizations promoting environmentalism.
Hibbs is also planning the campus farmers market with the hopes of doubling the number of farmers who attended last year.
The new LGBTQ Affairs Commissioner Willow Downard introduced herself. Downard’s introduction was followed by Olivia Kaiser, the new University Life commissioner, who shared ideas for organizing alcohol-free events for sibling’s weekend, such as line dancing, swing dancing, square dancing, cornhole tournaments and more. Kaiser also expressed her hope to highlight more resources for parenting students on campus and identifying how the university can best support them. She also hoped to put further emphasis on Title IX education, informing students of their rights and protections against sex-based discrimination.
Student Senate President Megan Handle was out sick. Vice President Isaac Davis described his goals to recruit more people to Student Senate, to follow through on campaign promises, to see the various commissions and executives within senate work together and to help everyone accomplish their respective goals.
Treasurer Reagan Farmer offered a financial report, along with a plea that senate find members to fill the Budget Committee. As it stands, with the exception of discretionary funds, no budget allocations can be made until they are approved by the committee, which currently has zero members.
Faculty adviser Kathy Fahl shared that family weekend will be held from Sept. 8 to Sept.10, with an event on College Green that will provide an opportunity for families to connect with university leadership. Fahl also cautioned students about the sickness circulating the campus, and she advised everyone to stay at home if they are not feeling well. According to Fahl, professors have been advised to be accommodating of students’ illness during this time.
Adviser Luvina Cooley, reminded students of the resources available on campus, including the food pantry at the Basic Needs Office, the mental health services offered through Ohio University Counseling and Psychological Services and the Survivor Advocacy Program.
Additionally, Student Senate internship applications are open until Sept. 15. Students can apply online through Student Senate’s Bobcat Connect.
