Last week in Senate: Donation drives and tea times

By Ashley Kurz, Managing Editor

The United Students Association (USA) met on Oct. 3 in Grupp Fireside Lounge, gavelling in at 2:34 p.m. for another productive meeting. There were two guest speakers this week, the first being Caroline King, Assistant Director of Campus Ministry, and the university Chaplain Father Betti. Caroline spoke about upcoming events such as monthly tea time with Campus Ministry, campus cleanup and donation drives. Tea time will be held in Loyola Hall and dates will be announced through flyers each month. They encourage anyone on campus to attend, regardless of their faith background. She told those in attendance to look out for ministry announcements with more information about a lightly-used sports gear donation drive as well as an El Paso border experience happening over winter break – more information on that can be found in “In Other News” and on GriffConnect.

Fr. Betti wanted to talk about new events and news on campus involving ministry, starting with Petey’s Pantry. Betti is committed to ending food deprivation and limitations for students on campus and collaborated with parishioners to stock Petey’s Pantry to the best of their ability– feel free to read more about this in our features section. Fr. Betti has always been worried about the food shortage that residents may face issues with transportation and funding and will continue to work out plans to help students year-round,not just during the academic year. 

He wanted to announce that the all-souls remembrance mass will be held on Nov. 2, and the chapel will be open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. everyday for anyone to enjoy. Lastly, they are looking for student leaders to participate in mass either with readings or organization, those interested don’t have to be of any faith to do a reading or to attend. If any students are interested, feel free to contact Fr. Betti ahead of time. 

General student concerns began with a question about a potential mass email to the student body regarding USA office hours. USA would like everyone on campus to know that if the door is open, please come in! Their goal is to help students and encourage everyone to speak up if comfortable. There were some comments about Frisch window screens and a spider issue in the common room, which the executive board is looking into. Lastly, there was an emphasis on no technology use during meetings to stay focused and engaged. 

President DeGlopper began executive reports by reminding the senate that she is still working with Fr. Betti to create new traditions on campus. There was also a note to liaisons and chairs about the validity of their reports, asking them to refrain from paraphrasing as much as possible. VP of Business and Finance (VPBF), Peters reported that she is going through finance board applications and will have more information soon. She also discussed upcoming events happening in late October and will discuss in more detail soon. Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (VPMPR), Akil informed us to look on the USA Instagram for the new logo design winner. Akil reported that on Oct. 22 the celebration of faculty scholarship, hosted by the IMPACT center, will be held in Science Hall from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., and there will be prizes, games and Petey Points– read more here in the news section.

Next was cabinet and liaison reports, which began with Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm announcing that there are plans for Indigenous Peoples' Day next week. Public Health Chair Riley updated us that on Global Handwashing Day (Oct. 15), a table will be in front of the library– look out for flyers. He also said that there will be a collaborative yoga event with the Sustainability Committee which is in the works. Sustainability Chair Stephens reported on issues with the Village Townhouse’s trash and recycling disposal. There have been issues with there only being one place for garbage and one for recycling in different locations. There is also a composting program in the works. Campus Safety Liaison Hajdini announced that students have been worried about public safety’s lack of communication, however Director Szukala stated that not much has changed in the system. There is a possibility of a Q and A to go over concerns. Lastly, ITS Liaison Firkowski discussed a conversation with Tom Prince about the printing lease expiring and the changes that come with that. This stems from the Paper Lite initiative suggested by the institutional sustainability task force last semester. It was noted that we are moving towards a more digital work world and there are many online locations to save files. 

During structured discussion, Sustainability Chair Stephens was recognized for her hard work, dedication and passion to her role as sustainability chair. The E-Board wants to make sure that all members of Senate are appreciated because their work should not go unnoticed. Open discussion revolved solely about mold, mostly due to the CrescenDONT’S room flooding which also led to issues with shower curtain mold being discussed. Advisor Francey stated that all mold seen on campus should be reported to Student Life immediately due to it being a biohazard.

With that comes the end of last week's senate meeting, adjourning at 3:26 p.m. Next week's meeting will be held on Oct. 10, at 2:30 p.m. in Grupp Fireside Lounge.