Last Week in Senate: Waste bins and med kits

By Ashley Kurz, Managing Editor

Senate was gaveled in at 2:33 p.m. on Halloween, Oct. 31. In Speaker Apps’ absence, Executive Vice President Mulegna stepped in. Beginning with general student concerns, there were many issues brought up about the cleanliness of the freshman dorm bathrooms. Residents in both Bosch and Frisch have noticed that after the bathrooms have been cleaned they still appear to be dirty. ITS/Facilities Liaison Firkowski stepped in to mention that students can submit work orders specifying those grievances.  Senator Extra brought up that the maintenance request service system was down, and President DeGlopper told her to speak directly to the RA. The e-board took notes about Dugan, Frisch and Bosch’s bathroom issues. 

Executive reports followed, beginning with President DeGlopper. She discussed the upcoming Student State of the University, and urged all senators and students to attend. There will also be an anti-racism training for the senate occurring on Nov. 14. EVP Mulenga and VPBF Peters yielded their time, leaving VPMPR Akil’s report. Akil announced that they will be having new boards at the senate meetings, which will represent the mission and values of the USA. She also asked for the USA clubroom to be taken care of more diligently, as in less trash and allergen awareness. 

Cabinet reports began with Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm. There will be an information session or speaker in the library on Nov. 13 discussing native communities, with more information to come. Public Health Chair Riley will be making a proposal to Dr. Fields concerning the medical kit wall mounts he has been trying to implement. These will provide basic medical supplies to students after the Wellness Center hours. Dining Service Liaison Kosten began next with the sit-down Thanksgiving dinner. The menu has not yet been made, but there will be gluten-free options. In response to a previous question, Kosten stated that there is no gelatin used (other than Lucky Charms) in any of the recipes. Additionally, Chartwells donates to Petey's Pantry, and due to government funding being cut (SNAP enefits) they will be upping their amount of donations and giving a wider variety of food. A student spoke out to ask about seeing the menu ahead of time, as they had to pay $17.50 for a meal (as a commuter) they could not eat because they say Chartwells does not denote allergens on the online menu and will not let students check before they pay. Kosten took notes of this incident. For clarification, the Thanksgiving sitdown includes all students, commuters included – while residents will use their meal plans, commuters will be covered. Ending with ITS Liaison Firkowski, the animal waste station has been placed outside of Bosch, replacing the old one. It provides waste bags and a bigger basket. Any feedback can be relayed back to Liaison Firkowski at firkowsb@canisius.edu. 

There was nothing of note in open discussion, and with that the Boo Bash began. Mulenga adjourned this meeting at 2:20 p.m. In lieu of senate on Nov. 7 there will be the Student State of the University at 2:30 p.m. in Grupp Fireside Lounge.