Senate Beat is Writing This Instead of Watching the Latest Dimension 20

After a hopefully restful spring break, Senate Public is back (now warmer and sunnier than ever!)

Senate announced the beginning, or continued work, of a variety of programs to revitalize and support student spaces, and strongly encouraged students to submit housing applications, which are due Friday, March 22 (today if you are reading this day of publication).

Student Body President Andee Gude kicked off the meeting by reporting the results of a variety of committee meetings, including efforts to begin communication with new hires for the Appeals Board, and collaboration with the Center for Life Beyond Reed (CLBR) as Senate begins hiring new Appointment Committee members. President Gude emphasized the ongoing efforts of Residence Life to “house as many people as possible.” Dean of Students Chris Toutain pointed out from the audience that the application deadline has been extended to March 22.

Senator Lucy Knight-King discussed the efforts of the Student Spaces Committee to contract a professional cleaner for the Student Union, alongside Head Treasurer Anahi Sanchez Marcial’s discussion of Treasury’s efforts to hire student cleaners over the summer for the SU. Treasurer Marial announced that more information – including applications – would be forthcoming. Senator Knight-King further announced the efforts of the Student Committee on Academic Policy and Planning (SCAPP) to support research of the HUM 110 curriculum.

Senator Philip Dussin and Senator Caroline Spiggle announced their hopes to collaborate with Commons on treats for students during reading week, and Senator Dussin and Senator Lily Garvey regretted that the HUM 110 survey wasn’t out yet, and promised that it was on its way.

Senator Spiggle reported on a meeting that the Accessibility Committee had with Director of Academic Support Christy Martin, calling it a “very successful launching off point.”

Senator Meera Balan announced that her work with Associate Dean for Health and Wellbeing Dr. Yasodha Gopal to get an Epi-Pen in Commons had hit some funding and regulatory snags, but seemed hopeful that they would be navigated soon.

Senator Andrew Sakahara reported alongside Senator Jefferson Ratliff on a proposal floored in a Legislation Committee meeting 2 weeks ago to extend the terms of J-Board members. Senator Ratliff, also reporting for Legislation Committee, proposed clarifications on generative AI as an honor issue. He also announced alongside Senator Lily Garvey that a report on updates to the Senate Bylaws will be published soon, within the next 2 weeks.

Senator Andrew Happy discussed a meeting that he, Senator Garvey, and Senator Spiggle had with Associate Dean of Academic Life Steve Abrahão to address discrepancies in freshmen’s advising experiences across departments, which Senator Happy said left many students across majors feeling inadequately prepared. He also announced plans to have SCAPP take a more active role in the faculty-led Committee on Academic Policy and Planning (CAPP).

Head Treasurer Sanchez Marcial also recommended to Senate the following club funding allocations: The Possessed to be allocated $550.00; The Mountaineering Club to be allocated $475.00, Sewing Club to be allocated $175.70, The American Chemical Society to be funded $354.92, CARDS to be allocated  $179.52, and Drum Korps to be allocated $381.00. All these clubs received less than they asked for; especially Sewing, the ACS, CARDS, and Drum Korps. Treasurer Sanchez Marcial also reminded the audience that Finance Committee meetings are every Wednesday at 7:30 over Zoom and that more funds were available.

Senator Jefferson Ratliff announced that the Harm Reduction Committee plans to create a nicotine addiction support group for students. Senator Lindsay Worrell announced as the head of the Appointments Committee that Senator Jefferson Ratliff and Skyden Canfield had been hired for Honor Council and that Baby Money Emma Benson had been appointed to the Wage Review Board. Worrell also reported on a meeting she had with SHARE director L Mattson on a proposed Oregon House bill that would discontinue programs like the SHARE advocates where they discussed response plans should the bill be passed.

Hires

Honor Council: Jefferson Ratliff and Skyden Canfield

Wage Review Board: Emma Benson

Funding Allocations

The Possessed: (PARTIALLY funded) $550.00

Mountaineering Club: (PARTIALLY funded) $475.00

Sewing Club: (PARTIALLY funded) $175.70

American Chemical Society: (PARTIALLY funded) $354.92

CARDS:(PARTIALLY funded) $179.52

Drum Korps: (PARTIALLY funded)$381.00

Senate Public meetings are held weekly on Wednesdays at 4:10 in the Student Union.