Last week in Senate: Welcoming a full USA

By Andrew Nowel and Katie Dusza, Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor

With the school year now in full swing, the United Students Association (USA) held its first Senate meeting with all of its members, new and returning. Beginning at 2:35 p.m., USA welcomed new senators and liaisons and began the process of what a true Senate meeting looks like.

President Leyla Akil began the meeting with general concerns by letting everyone know about a spam email going around that is asking students to change their password. She said that she is working with Information Technology Services (ITS) to resolve the issue. Next, a senator raised a concern about the hours at Palisano Fitness Center and asked if the hours could be expanded. President Akil and Executive Vice President (EVP) Paige Apps both said that they would talk to Alec Wheeler about the hours, but that the gym is staffed by student workers, so more hours may not be possible. 

A final concern, raised by President Akil to Advisor Jason Francey, was about classroom space usage to study or do work in. Advisor Francey answered the question by letting everyone know that classrooms are okay to work in as long as the classroom isn’t being used, and that he will talk with Campus Safety to make sure they know that it is okay.

As President Akil mentioned last week in her report, September will be a month of transition for USA as new members get acclimated to their roles. This week, she repeated last week’s statement and introduced herself by describing her role to everyone. President Akil restated that she wants the Senate to be a place where anyone can bring student concerns, and she finished by thanking EVP Apps for helping to coordinate the full USA. EVP Apps had minimal to report as she let committee chairs know that they have updated access on GriffConnect.Vice President of Business and Finance (VPBF) Dominic Vivolo explained his role, but had nothing to report otherwise. Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations (VPMPR) Briana DeGlopper asked everyone to follow the USA Instagram, rounding out the executive board reports.

Advisor Francey then introduced himself and his role and its relation to USA. Following Advisor Francey, each committee chair introduced themselves to everyone. Diversity Chair Chris Tolliver and Justice Chair Joelle Aumer had nothing else to report while Public Health Chair Ethan Jaffri’s report was read by Speaker Sophia Mule as he was out of town during Friday’s meeting. Public Health Chair Jaffri reported that last week’s flu shot clinic was a success, and that there are two more dates for getting a flu shot, Oct. 21 and Nov. 16. Along with flu shots, the public health committee held a yoga class with the help of Dr. Erin Robinson from the psychology department on Thursday. EVP Apps added that the yoga class will be a one–credit elective on Thursdays at 4 p.m. during the spring semester, with the details being finalized based on the amount of interest.

The final committee chair to report was Sustainability Chair Lizzie Pike, and she restated her goals from last week where she is trying to get more trash cans in the Quad, but Facilities has yet to respond to her request. Sustainability Chair Pike also announced the new Instagram for the committee: canisiussustain. One question from Senator Samantha Gozdalski to Sustainability Chair Pike was about the plan to help address the issue of birds hitting windows of Science Hall. The solution will be to put stickers on the windows to help deter birds.

With Student–Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC) representative Mark Wittmann having nothing to report, President Akil swore in the new members of USA. 15 of the 32 members of Senate officially became part of USA as senators or liaisons. Once everyone was sworn in and introductions were complete, VPBF Vivolo explained the role of Finance Board while all senators and liaisons picked two choices for committees that they will sit on. EVP Apps and the executive board will organize the choices and have all committees set by the next USA meeting. The final point of discussion during the structured discussion was office hours, and every member of USA picked their office hours. Office hours began this week and will be posted on the USA club room door. The expectation is that the door will be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with members being in early and staying late outside those hours.

Finally, open discussion was brief as Senator Dave Stroh welcomed all new senators and liaisons, and Senator Gianna Fuentes let everyone know to contact her about changes to talking points for tour guides for any clubs on campus. The second meeting of USA was adjourned at 3:56 p.m.