Blackburn College’s Student Senate met at 7 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23. Student Senate president Kaitlyn Pugh opened the meeting by stating that the 2015-16 Student Senate gift to the college (patio furniture) is now in place in front of of the Claire-Jaenke Alumni and Visitor Center and is ready for use. Afterwards, the majority of the meeting was centered on the 2016-17 gift.
Pugh suggested that the new gift should be available for students by December and added that, in the past, students haven’t received it in a timely fashion. She reviewed the suggestions students wrote on the whiteboard in the Demuzio Campus Center. The idea that stood out to her the most was lights for the sand volleyball court located on the North Quad. At-large senate representative Ajay Minton was in favor of the lights. “When the Quad is lit up, more activities can take place out there,” he said. Pugh also noted that the lights would cost $1500 to $1600 according to New Construction Supervisor Mike Slightom. Staff advisor to Student Senate Heidi Heinz suggested that Pugh get a quote from Utilities Supervisor Josh Mahkovtz for the Quad lights.
Pugh then said that she would be stepping down at the end of the semester to train the new president. Petitions for this position are due on Nov. 8. The election will take place Nov. 9-11. Additionally, at-large senate representative Natasha Anthony will not be keeping her position after the semester since she is graduating. Petitions for the at-large senate representative position and elections for this role will be held after Thanksgiving break.
Faculty advisor to Student Senate Dr. Mark Armstrong summarized what other committees have been discussing on campus. The Planning Committee has strongly suggested making Martin Luther King Day a holiday. Heinz said the change probably wouldn’t occur until January 2019. In regards to the Assessment Committee, Armstrong stated that academic departments have to do annual assessments in addition to a scholarly review every five to seven years. The Assessment Committee is considering doing assessments for student life offices, clubs and activities.
Student Senate Clubs/Organizations Oversight Chair Fatima Noor mentioned that Director of Student Engagement Alondra Olvera wanted to start getting clubs together a couple of times throughout the semester to make sure things are running smoothly. Currently, organizations send their minutes to the club/organizations oversight chair to make sure they’re meeting regularly and to check on how many students typically attend meetings.
Habitat for Humanity was specifically asked to send monthly reports to Student Senate since they have had a significant negative balance a few times. Pugh clarified, “Since I have been on Student Senate, 2014 to 2015, Habitat for Humanity has had a negative balance twice.” Anthony did note that attendance had significantly decreased. However, instead of freezing the club’s account, Noor will send them a warning email.
Senate wanted to make a couple of changes regarding Homecoming. Members suggested switching the date of family weekend to avoid chaos from too many other events occurring at the same time. Minton suggested hosting it during preview days. He noted that the only department hosting any events would be Admissions. Since there will already be some events and prospective students, Student Senate liked this idea.
Members also wanted to alter spirit week. Anthony mentioned that not many students participate at all, and Pugh said some had commented on it being “too high school-ish.”A couple ideas they discussed were hosting a kick-off event on Hudson Quad involving clubs, organizations and house councils; a dorm decorating contest; a bonfire and a tailgate during the soccer game. Pugh specified that senate members should ask students what would make them want to stay for Homecoming weekend.