This Week in Senate: Security, Sustainability and Social House Staffing

By: Mikayla Boyd, Editor-in-Chief and Kaitlin O’Meara, Copy Editor

On Friday, Sept. 19, the United Student Association (USA) held its second meeting of the 2025-26 academic year. It was held in the Grupp Fireside Lounge as it is every week, and this session was gavelled in at 2:34 p.m. Speaker Paige Apps opened the floor to general student concerns, which included questions about the bookstore, to which it was discussed that the bookstore is transitioning from its current vendor to Barnes and Noble College. There was also a student concern regarding a medical event on campus, with students calling campus security who then directed them to call 911. The student communicated that the medical event may not be serious enough to necessitate 911, but attention to the student was within campus security’s responsibility, with any changes in their roles needing to be communicated to the campus community. Another student concern was the general speed of maintenance for work orders and such, to which Facilities Liaison Firkowski responded that she will be sending out a prepared email regarding response time and other concerns.

The senate then moved into executive reports, with President DeGlopper sharing that Senate will host its first guest speaker, Randy from campus security, next week to provide an update on the new security team and system and answer any questions students and members of USA may have. She also noted that the attire for senators next week with the guest speaker will be business casual, and Griffs Thrifts, which is opening in October, is a good resource for those who might not have a solid business closet built up, and Griff Center’s Dress for Success event as well. Executive Vice President Mulenga brought up the upcoming retreat, mentioning that a Google Form will be sent to all members of USA to choose a date. She also mentioned that senators will be joining committees in the coming weeks, with information for them coming soon.

Vice President of Business and Finance Peters reiterated that applications to join the Finance Board are currently open, encouraging those interested in applying to do so and all in attendance to spread the word. Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations Akil noted that the deadline for the USA logo competition was extended to Sunday, Sept. 21, and that voting would take place from Monday through Wednesday – though it has since been extended until Sept. 27 – taking place on GriffConnect. She also discussed a variety of housekeeping topics for members of USA, centered around communication. Though advisor Jason Francey was not present at the meeting, a few points were brought up on his behalf, including the new NFTA contract – discussed in the Sept. 19 issue of The Griffin – as well as encouraging those present to apply for the leadership conference and reminding everyone of Griff Weekend, coming up this weekend.

Following the executive reports, chair reports began with Sustainability Chair Stephens mentioning upcoming events like yoga and campus cleanups. Public Health Chair Riley brought up ideas for collaboration with the Health Center on various flu prevention initiatives and a potential first aid vending machine. 

Committee reports were followed by liaison reports, beginning with Dining Service Liaison Kosten’s discussion on issues felt by both students and staff at the Social House. He noted that because of budget cuts and because it is currently understaffed, there is only so much they can do, though they acknowledge the concerns that have been brought to them. Facilities and ITS Liaison Firkowski has been in contact with the heads of both departments to understand what falls under their jurisdiction, and is discussing ways to confront many issues that students are facing, such as wifi connectivity and work order follow-through. Public Safety Liaison Hajdini brought up that campus security is actively working on parking enforcement, though ticketing has been slower than normal because they are using handheld devices to scan plates. There are no differences in the system changes, but Liaison Hajdini encouraged that any student concerns or issues can be brought to her.

There was no new business or structured discussion during this meeting, but during open discussion it was brought to the attention of the senators that they needed to join committees by next week. Discussion also covered interviews for the new Coordinator of Student Life position – replacing Elaine Mrugala, who retired at the end of last year – which will take place over the next few weeks. The meeting was then adjourned at 3:36 p.m.