By Aiden Butler, Aquinas Reporter
Of immediate concern was the issue of the current Moose Cafe hours. With the opening of Nellie’s Corner, the Moose will now be staffed from 7:30 a.m. – 2 p.m., Monday – Friday, as well as being open 7 -11 p.m. Friday – Sunday, and 9 a.m. -2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The Senate emphasized how these new hours have impeded student life on campus, as it has dampened the activity in a once lively area on the Aquinas grounds.
With the issue of the Moose continuing to be monitored, liaison reports were next on the agenda. Michell Chrapek, liaison to Campus Ministry, noted that student attendance of campus ministry events had decreased, and recommended that the Senate assist in promoting said events. No immediate decision was made on this matter.
Michaela Faith, liaison to the CDI&E, discussed concerns and complexities with federal changes to a variety of policies aimed at promoting equity and inclusion. Changes to Title IX, financial aid, and immigration policy were specifically mentioned. Consistent emphasis was placed on the fact that Aquinas will work to adapt to said policies while ensuring the campus is welcoming to individuals from all walks of life.
Liaison to the Center of Sustainability Robin Long noted to the body that Aquinas’ student body is underperforming in the annual “Race to Zero Waste.” She emphasized students should participate in an upcoming thrift event, as well as the “We All Live Here” event which will occur on April 25.
Kate Kramm, liaison to Athletics, noted the current absence of a lacrosse coach. The position is being handled by a variety of interim staff as a replacement is sought out.
Next on the agenda was the discussion of special orders of business. Academic Affairs Director Grant Bricking discussed in detail his updates to the Student Senate bylaws. The extensive modifications and attention to detail will update the bylaws to that of modern standards.
Of particular importance was the Senate-drafted grievance letter directed to Aquinas College and the Counseling, Health, and Wellness Center. The year-long issue of a total lack of staff in the CHWC has led students feeling uncomfortable and uncertain in an area which aims to do the exact opposite. The primary issue is the lack of a director. Without a director, counselors who would work under said director are unable to be hired. There is no confirmed date as to when this letter is to be released, although this issue is being closely monitored by the Student Senate.
With the special orders of business handled, executive board and advisor reports were next on the agenda. Senate Chair Fiona Walsh discussed she will be attending the “toast to the tassel” event for those graduating in the spring, and confirmed she had ordered an outer sign for Nellie’s Corner. Vice Chair Gabe Hay told the body he had completed designing and ordering a neon sign for Nellie’s Corner to decorate the space, which should arrive in the coming weeks. Recent Secretary appointee Natalia Hay informed the body she was working on ordering unique apparel for the senate. Building on his discussions from the last meeting, Budget Director Gabe Hay confirmed he will soon be meeting with President Córdoba in order to further involve herself with the general campus body. Academic Affairs Director Grant Bricking briefed the body with major points of the latest faculty assembly, which remains confidential. He also drafted rules for Nellie’s Pacman and Wheel of Fortune games, while organizing the Senate’s special election.
The meeting concluded with an advisory report from Brigid Avery. She pushed for Senate meetings to be held in Nellie’s Corner. This heavily debated issue was resolved with the course of action that the next Senate meeting will be held in Nellie’s Corner to try out the new environment. Furthermore, she informed the body that Alicia Lloyd would appreciate it if the senate were to lead efforts in conducting a student satisfaction survey. The Senate body worked efficiently, as the meeting ended a few minutes before the usual 1:30 recess.
The Saint 