Ohio U Student Senate passed four appointment, encouraged more involvement

The Ohio University Student Senate appointed new members, walked through commission plans and laid more groundwork for future senate projects on Wednesday. There were no presentations this week and the meeting ran short.

The four resolutions that were passed appointed a student to a committee, panel or Resident Life Senator.

The senate approved a resolution to appoint Kayla Robinson to Residence Life Senator for the remainder of the 2022-2023 school year.

Following an application and interview process, Emily Zeiler was also approved to fill a vacancy in the associate justice position on the senate’s Judicial Panel for the remainder of the academic year. 

The senate appointed Luke Beccasio to the Committee on the Budget. Prior to this appointment, the committee only had two members and was therefore unable to operate. With Beccasio as the third member, the committee can begin work on the senate budget, opening doors for the senate’s plans for the future.

It also approved Laurel Zarbaugh as the new chairperson to the Committee on Senior Honors and Committee on Members Emeriti, considering the recommendations of senate members who may be granted Emeriti and Senior Honors Status.

The various committees and commissions walked through their respective reports on updates and plans which took steps toward organizing events and opportunities for students. The discussion included collaboration and ideas for upcoming Pride celebrations, upcoming surveys to send to the student body, and moving toward more accessible, free menstrual products in university bathrooms.

Following this, Student Senate President Dayna Shoulders thanked senate members for their hard work. She also encouraged them to recruit new members, disclosing that it is not too late to join the senate or one of the commissions.

 “We have a lot of things to do, and we want to have a lot of people involved,” said Shoulders.

Student Senate advisor Dean Chad Barnhardt encouraged members of senate and others to reach out to the university, if they or anyone they know are experiencing any difficulties keeping up with the spring semester. Barnhardt emphasized the possibility that Ohio U may be able to offer accommodations for students struggling with depression, anxiety or any other mental or physical health issue. These opportunities may be available to help make the ongoing semester more manageable and encourage students to reach out.