By: Jordan Beaubois, News Editor
Commencing the meeting at 12:00 A.M. calling the session to order, The Senate opened with the invocation led by Senate Vice Chair, Mr. Gabe Hay, reading a poem by Langston Hughes titled Dreams. Following the pleasant invocation poem, roll call was made with all present participants, and the adoption of the current agenda topics.
Before beginning the agenda topics, the Senate inquired about any immediate concerns that have arisen recently; one issue was brought forth which is that all three tennis coaches quit within a very small period of time hindering their games, which has caused uncertainty and stress involving the tennis players scholarships. The Senate reassured that they would take this issue with the utmost consideration and investigate further.
Following the immediate concerns, the Senate moves to the Executive Board and Advisor Reports led by Senate Chair, Ms. Fionia Walsh who spoke on “Senator One on One’s” which is a thirty minute meeting with Ms. Walsh followed by a mentorship from the executive board. This is to assist those involved and further interested in the Senate to be more involved and more informed.
Finishing her informing of these developments, the stand is helmed by Mr. Hay who discusses the Aquinas College Student Senate Instagram Page. Mr. Hay discusses how the Page will be worked on to post the Meeting Minutes of every meeting to make all information available to the Aquinas student body. Expressing the importance of not having the senate seen as a “Secret Society” and wished for greater transparency.
Secretary of Student Senate, Ms. Jessica Baker, would present herself and inform all of the AQ Votes event that took place on Wednesday the ninth. Talking about the representatives there of Michigan’s government, a decent turnout, and the very interactive communication with all in attendance.
Proceeding Ms. Baker waswas the Budget Director, Lucas Baker, who allowed the floor to an open caucus to discuss the regularity and timing of the Student Senate meetings. Wanting to hear everyone’s perspective about the future in regards to scheduling.
The brainstorming session with Mr. Baker was followed by Mr. Grant Bricking of Academic Affairs who took the stage. He discussed how he met with Terry Keller to discuss both The Arcade and Fall Fest Event (more on these later) which Mr. Keller is looking forward to.
Concluding these speakers gave way to Advisor, Mrs. Bridget Avery, who, who informed that there would be the creation of a “Task Force – for a student experience survey.” She then educated those in attendance about the Board of Trustees and the political system of the college. The powers they have, how often they meet, and their fiscal responsibility.
She discusses Committee Meetings of the Board of Trustees that are asking twotwo Senators and maybe an E-Board member as well. According to Mrs. Avery the Board would prefer twotwo persons present at every committee.
Next was following the proposal of the Arcade that would be named The Interim. It would be where The Corner used to be; which would allow for new on-campus employment, student entertainment, and create a stronger community on campus. Emphasizing that the current campus of Aquinas College does not have a location where students can freely mingle and increase interpersonal relationships.
The introduction of an arcade would not only provide new paid positions on campus, but would allow for students to have a place to go and unwind that is not The Moose which is the only place designated “to increase student life on campus”.
The games being leased by B&G Amusement would be; Golden Tee Golf, Ms. Pacman, Galaga, Toy Crane / Prize Crane, Air Hockey, and a Jukebox. B&G Amusements would be receiving 100 percent of the profits, and The Interim would not be compatible with flexcash.
The prices for said games are currently under discussion with ones like Golden Tee Golf, while others are fixed to 25 to 50 cents. There would be a potential coin machine, an ATM, and vending machines in the area or surrounding areas. It was emphasized that the prices are lower than average due to B&G Amusements keeping 100 percent of the proceeds.
The new paid positions currently still under development would pay 10 dollars an hour and the title would be the Student Arcade Attendant. Along with the hours of operation would be 6:00 P.M. to 10:00 P.M. and the hours of employment would be 5:30 P.M. to 10:30 P.M. (these hours are subject to change). The days of the week are also being debated and no official weekly schedule was mentioned as of yet.
Apparently outside the senate, concerns were made that this new relaxed environment would allow for the conditions of inappropriate student behavior to take place. Such concerns were “there was belief that students would go behind the counters and mess around”.
Most at the Student Senate meeting believed this concern to be nonsensical and believed these concerns to be a profound lack of faith in the student body in attendance at Aquinas College.
Other concerns were echoed from those who are external from the Senate, which were not taken with great severity or dismissed immediately due to the prepostreous nature of it. Once these “concerns” were laid to rest a motion was passed to establish a committee for The Interim.
Afterwards the discussion and informing of the Trunk or Treat event. Taking place on October 25 it is “where a bunch of people get together in a parking lot and decorate the trunk of their car based on whatever they’re dressing as for Halloween.” Said Mr. Lucas Baker. The event would take place after Fall Fest in an Aquinas parking lot that has not yet been confirmed.
The Senate meeting ended with the formation of a committee to oversee the Trunk or Treat event, afterwards it was motioned to end the meeting which passed as no further issues, complications, or agenda topics were brought to the floor.
These upcoming events and plans for the future of Aquinas College are not only inciting excitement between the student body, but are also providing a way for students to interact more with each other.
The Saint 