Student Senate Hears From Student Organizations and Appoints New Commission Members

In its most recent meeting, the Ohio University Student Senate welcomed three student organizations to speak about their in-progress projects and plans for the rest of the fall semester and the academic year. Among the presenters were the International Student Union (ISU), the University Program Council (UPC), and the Black Student Cultural Programming Board (BSCPB). 

Beginning with the ISU, organization president Tigistu Beyene answered the Senate’s questions as to how they can be better supported. Beyene responded that ISU could benefit from better training to assist international students with adjusting to life in Athens. Beyene discussed ISU’s major events, including a street fair hosted next to Schoonover Center.

UPC Co-Presidents Claire Richards and Luke Vannus reviewed the organization’s events thus far and their plans going forward. Some of their successes included Welcome Week events like a show from hypnotist Dale K, inflatable obstacle courses on Morton Field, a drag show hosted by Nina West, and more recent activities such as the Parents’ Weekend Brunch and Bingo. Both presidents were happy to report the hundreds of students who participated in these events in comparison to last year’s turnout. For the rest of the semester, students have a slew of fun activities to look forward to, including a butterfly garden and a giant board game event. 

The final guest was BSCPB, headed by President Demi Ward, Co-Vice Presidents Jireh Burton and Joshua Toffey, and Cultural and Educational Arts Chair Darnell McMullen. The four described the organization’s upcoming events, such as the 46th Annual Blackburn-Spencer Pageant. The scholarship pageant is held in honor of the first Black graduates of Ohio U, Martha Jane Blackburn, and Donald A. Spencer.  They also went into detail about an educational collaboration with Athens Middle School for an event titled K is for Kwanzaa, which will teach local middle schoolers about the holiday and its cultural significance. 

The Senate also reviewed commission reports. The Governmental Affairs Commission, Women’s Commission, and Environmental Affairs Commission have been collaborating on a non-partisan voter’s guide to distribute to students for the Nov. 7 Ohio general election. The Women’s Affairs Commission also updated the Senate on the success of the emergency contraceptive access points around campus and their plan to propose legislation for menstrual equity. This would encourage the implementation of excused menstrual health days on campus. In her report, President Megan Handle discussed the ongoing process of putting menstrual products in campus bathrooms. 

Treasurer Reagan Farmer reviewed the allotment of the yearly budget. From the Senate total of $37,850.56, $7,572.90 has been allocated, leaving $30,277.66 neither spent nor allocated. The Senate Appropriations Commission’s total budget was listed as $114,791.65. 

Dean of Students Kathy Fahl announced that the Office of Community Standards and Student Responsibility was looking for members of their hearing board who would hear suspension and expulsion cases. She explained the importance of student voices in positions like this and the impact students can have in this position.