Student Senate’s General Body met Wednesday to discuss the advisor's role, a new standing committee and new appointments.
Robert Ross, the dean of libraries, gave a presentation on the University Libraries’ accomplishments, available resources and future plans. Ross outlined plans to renovate Alden Library, enhance book search systems and provide free class material plans.
“(These plans) are a big priority for us, and it'll take a while,” Ross said. “I don't know how many of us will be here when finished, but we have to start because I think it's such a special spot on campus. We need to renovate it and make it something that you'll prefer.”
Resolution 2425-132 was discussed to define the roles of the Student Senate advisers, including the Advisor to Senate, the Graduate Assistant and the Graduate Assistant to SAC.
The resolution stated advisers of the Senate cannot overrule or unduly influence the Senate’s internal actions, and all advisors should serve as resources to the members of the Senate with whom they work.
“This amendment proactively prevents such issues by formally establishing advising roles within a Student Senate, ensuring that the position remains one of support and not that of unchecked influence,” Associate Justice Benjamin Pfeiffer said.
Resolution 2425-138 was passed to add a new standing committee for the upkeep of Rules and Procedures. According to a previous report from The Post, the committee was previously a special committee and has successfully overhauled the Rules and Procedures.
“This resolution does (the upkeep) by establishing two meetings per semester for the positions most in touch with the functionality of R&P, joined by a commissioner and a senator to provide insight and representation for the rest of the body, and further,” Governmental Affairs Senator Mark Vitelli said.
Academic Affairs Commissioner Maggie Giansante suggested adding a second commissioner. Senator for Accessibility and Accommodation Rees Morris said the committee should be small to allow its processes to be streamlined and open to the public.
“This year, R&P committee has been very responsive to criticisms,” Morris said. “I really don't expect that to change and so with that, I think that any kind of substantive change like this would just kind of muddy up the waters and make it a little bit harder for things to move forward.”
In addition, for the 2024-25 academic year, Eva Miller was appointed the director of community service and social activity, and Shana Collins was appointed the university life senator.
Lastly, resolutions to purchase member emeriti and senior honors products, supplies for dorm cleaning goodie bags and finals fest supplies for students' mental health during finals season were passed.
