Last week in Senate: A student multi–faith council

By Andrew Nowel and Jase May, Editor-In-Chief and Sports Editor

On Friday, Nov. 6, the United Students Association (USA) held its weekly meeting in the Golisano Center for Student Success. USA welcomed Fr. Fred Betti, the university chaplain, and Caroline King, the assistant director of Campus Ministry, to speak about a multi–faith council that Campus Ministry is looking to start with the help of USA. Beginning at 2:30 p.m. with general student concerns, the senate meeting was gaveled in for its first meeting of November.

Around 3 p.m., King and Fr. Betti arrived at the meeting. The normal routine was put on pause as King began to describe what Campus Ministry is looking for in a possible student–led multi–faith council. The goal is to “foster more multi–faith initiatives and awareness around campus,” according to King. There are multiple religious groups on campus already, but a council would help to create a more connected space for inter–faith work.

Fr. Betti added to King’s statement by talking about the diversity aspect of Canisius. He also talked about having a student body to be able to connect with local faith communities outside of just Catholic groups. Another goal of a student council would be to continue the respect of other backgrounds and cultures that Canisius has.

Following both King and Fr. Betti’s statements, the floor was opened for discussion and questions about a multi–faith council. Executive Vice President (EVP) Paige Apps opened the discussion by noting that she believes it should go under Campus Ministry with USA helping when they can as the council is different from the normal committees that USA has.

However, President Leyla Akil held a different opinion on the matter. She suggested that the council should go under USA, but act like Finance Board, where members of USA and non members of USA sit on the council. Vice President of Business and Finance (VPBF) Dominic Vivolo, who is also the chair of Finance Board, agreed with President Akil about the idea of this council being under USA, but suggested that a representative could come in once a month, like the Resident Hall Association (RHA), to report.

No more questions or discussion was had on the topic, but Speaker Sophia Mule asked Fr. Betti about the Jesuits moving out of Loyola Hall. For more information about this and an opinion about what was discussed, turn to the opinion section of The Griffin to find an article about the topic.

There was little else discussed in the meeting. Prior to King and Fr. Betti’s arrival, the fly issue in club row was brought up again, and President Akil answered that she will meet with Matt Wylucky, the director of Facilities Management, during the week. There was nothing else addressed in general student concerns, so new business was brought before Senate.

Two constitutions were brought before USA to be voted on. President Akil reminded that the vote wasn’t on the clubs being clubs, rather, it would be whether or not the clubs would receive funding from USA. Philosophy Club was approved unanimously followed by the Democratic Students Club, which was approved by a 7–0 majority with three abstentions.

After new business concluded, President Akil began executive reports by letting everyone know that the flyer for the Alumni Mentorship Program is around campus, and that the QR code on the flyer is the way to fill out the application. She also reported that USA will welcome Dr. Harold Fields, the vice president of Student Affairs, Spencer Liechty, the assistant vice president for Mission Integration, and Dr. Irene Holohan–Moyer, the associate vice provost for Academic Operations to speak about the Griffin Gap, a 90–minute break in classes that will be introduced in the spring semester.

EVP Apps reported that C–Block in collaboration with RHA, USA and the Commuter Student Association (CSA) will be hosting a winter rally on Dec. 4 before heading down to the Canisius hockey game. Neither VPBF Vivolo nor Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (VPMPR) Briana DeGlopper had anything to report, so the next report was graduate assistant (GA) Violet Langman’s in place of Advisor Jason Francey, who was absent.

Langman had nothing to report, but an issue was raised that she helped address. President Akil reminded club leaders that all posters have to be submitted to Francey and the Student Engagement and Leadership (SELD) office. Langman added that there are five posting areas around campus, so to only bring five posters when bringing them to SELD.

For representative reports, Student–Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) rep Mark Wittmann reported that there was Chick–Fil–A at the men’s basketball game last Saturday while CSA rep Thomas Salvatori reported that the club is looking for an Event Coordinator for their executive board. Salvatori noted that the potential candidate must be a commuter. CSA is also working on parking initiatives that explain the rules of parking on campus and around the city of Buffalo, N.Y. RHA rep Ashton Bechtol reported that RHA will host the annual Teddy Bear toss at the Canisius–Niagara hockey game on Nov. 21.

For cabinet and liaison reports, please read the full article online on The Griffin’s website. The only thing to note for print is Diversity Chair Chris Tolliver has stepped down from his position.

Senator and Justice Co–Chair Kristen LeGrand’s report was read by Speaker Mule, but Justice Co–Chair LeGrand noted in the report that the justice committee has officially started their period donations as well as members of the committee are working on bringing in a guest speaker to talk about period poverty.

Public Health Chair Ethan Jaffri returned from his leave of absence and reported that the final flu vaccine date is on Monday, Nov. 16, while Sustainability Chair Lizzie Pike had nothing to report. Campus Safety Liaison Olivia Rhoat reported that Randy Szukala, the director of Campus Safety, sent out an email regarding parking for all clarification about the rules of parking on campus. All other liaisons had nothing to report.

Following these reports, open discussion had one topic discussed involving the cleanliness of bathrooms around campus. A statement will be made by USA, CSA and RHA about this as well as signage created in the bathrooms. The meeting was adjourned at 3:59 p.m. The next meeting of USA will take place on Friday, Nov. 13, at 2:30 p.m. in the Golisano Center for Student Success in room 208.