This Week in Senate: Dr. Niland

By Mikayla Boyd and Hannah Wiley, Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor

The third meeting of the United Student Association (USA) of the semester was gaveled in on Feb. 6, 2026 at 2:32 p.m. The meeting started with Speaker of the Senate Apps asking everyone to hold any questions or concerns regarding the public safety article until after President DeGlopper and Advisor Francey had done their reports. They then went into general student concerns which consisted of air lacking loudly from the wall of The Griffin office and complaints of low quality period supply in the women’s restrooms. 

Next, they moved into Executive Reports. President DeGlopper reminded everyone to read the constitution for the Women of the Well Club, as they will be voting on funding at the Feb. 13 meeting. EVP Mulenga said that there have been scam emails being sent out pretending to be professors and stressed that no one should send money or engage with any of these emails. VPMPR Akil announced that the executive board will be bringing back the ‘Senate Member of the Week’ recognition, but there will now be a Google Form for members to vote on who deserves the award. Advisor Francey said that they did not have any current answers to questions regarding public safety and Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and that they would have more information after he and President DeGlopper have their bi-weekly meeting with Dr. Fields on Thursday, Feb. 12. He asked that any questions be sent to him via email. 

They then moved into Cabinet Reports. Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm announced she would be having an event with the Muslim Student Association (MSA) and the J.U.S.T.I.C.E committee on Feb. 20 for Ramadan and would also like to do an event for Black History Month. J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Co-Chairs Pike and Tolliver said there are still red cards available in the library and in the chapel from Father Betti. They will also be outside of the dining hall from 12-2 p.m. for the event Feb. 20 giving out information about Ramadan as well as goodie bags with moon charms and bracelets. Sustainability Chair Stephens is seeking volunteers for Griffs Thrifts; the space is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Next for Liaison Reports, Facilities/ITS Liaison Firkowski is planning on meeting with the new head of ITS. Diversity Chair Remacle-Grimm raised a concern to Dining Services Liaison Kosten that the 100 Days Party on Feb. 5 had the gluten free option mixed in with gluten-containing option. 

During open discussion, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. Co-Chairs Pike and Tolliver had a joint statement regarding the public safety and ICE article in the Feb. 6 edition of The Griffin. In the statement, they said, “as Chairs of the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. committee for Canisius University, we are personally condemning the actions of ICE, Canisius’ funding of the organization and the ignorance of Canisius University to the entire situation.” The full statement was later posted on the J.U.S.T.I.C.E. committee Instagram.

During structured discussion, Dr. Bridget Niland, Vice President of Academic Affairs, visited as guest speaker of the senate. She came to the senate to update on some things she is working on and to answer student questions. First, Niland announced that she is working on the role of AI in higher education. It is one of her goals to ensure there is clear communication on syllabi regarding the use of AI in class. Another priority is course evaluations, as Niland is looking closely at instructor evaluations and future course assignments and encourages students to do them at the end of each semester. It is her goal to share the data from the evaluation, especially for junior professors to assist with their acclimation to the campus community and their roles. Niland also announced that Canisius received a $1.3 million earmark that will allow renovations in Old Main and other academic buildings, such as the lecture halls in Horan O’Donnell. The senate meeting was adjourned at 3:19 p.m. and the next session will be Friday, Feb. 13 at 2:30 p.m. in Grupp.