Last week in Senate: New mission and values

By Mikayla Boyd, Editor-in-Chief

On Oct. 24 at 2:35 p.m. the United Student Association gaveled in their weekly meeting. First on the agenda was hosting Dr. Shyam Sriram, assistant professor of political science. Sriram is also one of the two Canisius representatives on the 5/14 Buffalo Massacre Community Memory Coalition alongside Kristine Kasbaum, director of library and archives at the Andrew L. Bouwhuis, S.J. Library. The coalition’s purpose is to provide education about and curate a historical record of the May 14, 2022 mass shooting at Tops on Jefferson Avenue – just 0.8 miles away from campus. Sriram garnered responses from attendees regarding the question of in what ways students see Canisius having a role in the mission of the coalition. Suggestions from members include markers around campus showing how close to campus the shooting was, like a plaque or permanent poster, creating art for the memorial and the possibility of working with Sriram on this topic as part of a senator project or for internship credit. Sriram emphasized that he thinks the Jesuit value of cura personalis is a key to this potential work – the importance of engaging in this work for integrity, not documentation or clout.

Next on the agenda was new business, in which the constitution for the new Jewish Tikkun Olam Union club was voted on and passed. Following the vote, general student concerns included the abundance and danger of potholes surrounding the Science Hall lot, difficulty with Handshake not letting some employers post job opportunities (with Advisor Francey being one of them) and the growth of electric scooters being parked in places where they pose a danger for accessibility and can be fire hazards. Advisor Francey noted he brought up the Handshake issue at a meeting with Dr. Fields.

The senate then entered into executive reports, with President DeGlopper announcing that the Oct. 31 meeting will be a Boo Bash and members are encouraged to wear costumes. She also announced that Friday, Nov. 7 at 2:30 p.m. will be the Student State of the University with President Stoute, which USA will host in lieu of their regular meeting. There will be 120 chairs and room in the back for standing as well. President DeGlopper also announced USA’s new values: leadership, advocacy, integrity, inclusivity, equity and effective communication. Their new mission statement is: “USA is an organization for the students, by the students committed to fostering open communication, celebrating our diverse student population, and supporting the development of Canisius University and the surrounding community. Through the Jesuit values, self reflections, and our commitment to service and leadership, we strive to serve the students who elected us to the best of our ability.” EVP Mulenga spoke on senator projects, emphasizing that senators should talk with faculty or fellow students about potential projects. VPMR Akil announced that USA will be starting Instagram takeovers soon, starting with executive board members and then moving to the rest of the senate. 

Cabinet reports followed. Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm announced that in early to mid-November there will be an event with a speaker focusing on the importance of storytelling and diversity. Senator Stroh delivered Sustainability Chair Stephens’ report which included that there will be more recycling/landfill bins added around campus and a need for boxes for a donation drive. Public Health Chair Riley reported that the missing gym equipment in Village Townhouses was actually removed as a safety precaution and those affected by the removal should visit Palisano for their gym sessions. Public Health Chair Riley is also looking into creating first-aid kits in cases of minor incidents after the operational hours of the Health Center. Dining Services Liaison Kosten reminded members to take the dining survey and encourage fellow students to take it. Kosten also took feedback from attendees about the lack of accurate labeling for dietary restrictions on food in the Dining Hall. ITS/Facilities Liaison Firkowski reported that a new animal waste stand with a holder for waste bags has arrived and it will be placed outside of Bosch Hall. Additionally, the work order system will now send students an email to notify them when the work order has been closed and Liason Firkowski reminded the senate that anyone can report broken items in dorms, even in shared spaces, but you just need to specify where the work order needs to be done. Firkowski also reported that facilities will add more outdoor trash bins next semester, but since outdoor activities are winding down with the cold weather, all the current outdoor trash bins will be brought in before winter hits.

The meeting concluded with Graduate Advisor Quinn reminding the senate that she is the Alumni Representative intern and that questions about the newly open Alumni Mentorship Program can be directed to her. USA also recognized Senators Noshin and Stroh as the senator of the week last week and this week, respectively. The meeting was adjourned at 3:39 p.m.