Last two weeks in Senate: Student state of the union on the horizon

By: Mikayla Boyd, Editor-In-Chief, and Ashley Kurz, Managing Editor

Senate was held on Friday, Oct. 10, beginning at 2:34 p.m. This meeting was held on the last day before fall break and was filled with well-wishes from the E-board encouraging everyone to rest and relax. During executive reports, President DeGlopper mentioned that USA has a table for the Haunted RHA event on Friday, Oct. 24 from 5-7:30 p.m., and a table at the Stress Less event on Nov. 5 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. VPMPR Akil congratulated Lucas Watson for winning the new logo competition. She mentioned the idea of bringing back USA Instagram takeovers, where senate members can share their day-to-day if interested.

Cabinet reports followed with Sustainability Chair Stephens announcing that GriffsThrifts will be reopening soon. During Library Service Liaison McMaster’s report, Public Health Chair Riley noted that renovations to the second floor of the library will be completed in the spring of 2026, meaning not as soon as the semester starts, but maybe in the middle or towards the end depending on construction. After a brief intermission for senate headshots, structured discussion began by introducing the idea of a student version State of the University, with President DeGlopper asking members which topics they would like President Stoute and Vice President for Student Affairs Fields to address. The Senate brought up a wide array of topics they may like covered: updates on Lyons Hall and the Health Science Center, clarity on financial aid, jobs available to international students, updates on student success center, advising model, and advising platform, the increase of the comprehensive university fee, concern about shrinking departments, how professor/class evaluations are used, concerns about facilities and general accessibility of campus – to name a few. There was no open discussion and the Senate was adjourned at 3:52 pm, sending senate members off to enjoy their fall break.

Since The Griffin did not print the week of fall break, we are also reporting on the Senate meeting that occurred on Oct. 17. This meeting was gaveled in at 2:36 p.m. Beginning with general student concerns, there was mention of getting a Mongolian flag put up outside the dining hall with all the other flags. The e-board said that they will look into getting Mongolian representation as soon as they can.  

Executive reports followed with President DeGlopper reminding the senate of upcoming tabling events – she encourages students to voice their concerns at USA’s table. She also announced that Dr. Sriram will be the next guest speaker at the Oct. 24 meeting and he is looking for student input. VPBF Peters was asked about credit card use for senators in relation to their sub-committee groups, as Peters gives approval over finances. As a reminder to all students, always go to Jason Francey with questions about club finances and fill out documentation on GriffConnect.

 Next was the chair and liaison reports, beginning with Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm who gave some tentative dates on the cost of the dietary restrictions project. She also mentioned that open-mic night will most likely be held in the last week of classes. Senator DeGlopper gave Public Health Chair Riley's report, which included the success of the handwashing and breast cancer events. She included that there has been missing equipment from the Village gym (a treadmill and bike). Dr. Fields was made aware of the situation as well as the availability of basic medical supplies needed after the Student Health Center closes – more information to come on that. As for liaison reports, Dining Services Liaison Kosten noted that everyone should fill out the dining hall survey which is due Oct. 31. He encourages everyone to make their voice heard in any way they can. After his report some concerns were brought up about the themed nights in the dining hall; for example, on seafood night there was no option other than fish, which poses an issue for students with dietary restrictions. 

Structured discussion started off with the Jewish Tikkun Olam Union needing approval for their budget. Their constitution was sent to senators and any questions about it will be brought up in the next meeting. Senators then did an Indigenous Peoples’ Day activity where they collected ideas about why it is important to acknowledge the holiday. One anonymous answer explained that “as a student leader, acknowledging Indigenous Peoples’ Day is important because it promotes social justice by recognizing the true history of colonization and its lasting impacts.” Another described, “It allows student leaders to educate their peers, challenge stereotypes, and foster a more accurate and compassionate understanding of Indigenous peoples' resilience and contributions.” There was then an activity done by senators in regards to USA values and the mission statement, which hasn’t been established in the past few years. President DeGlopper had senators/liaisons and the executive board submit ideas that could help create a new mission statement. We will hear more about the outcome at a later date. At 3:14 p.m. the meeting was adjourned. The next USA senate meeting will be held on Friday, Oct. 24 at 2:30 p.m. in Grupp Fireside Lounge.