Open Forum
Jennifer Novotny spoke to the senate on updates with Larson Commons renovation. Novotny showed the senate different material options they were considering for the project and explained different concerns students had.
“We have seen record numbers of students eating between 5 and 7 p.m,” Novotny said. “We’ve typically served around 300 students prior to this year and this year we are closer to around 1200 to 1230.”
Novotny explained that with the influx of students, they are trying to create more seating options without changing the square footage of the space. Novotny explained that they want to make the space more available as a spot for students to sit and work on homework and hang out with friends.
The current plan is to open the front end of the building so the stairs are easier to see for incoming students that are new to the area. They also plan to open the staircase and make the landing spot on the top of the stairs larger for mobility.
The project will go into two phases with the outdoor renovation starting this summer and have a timeline to finish up in the fall before classes start. The next phase does not have a specific start date, but Novotny said it should be in the next academic year.
Blake Pulse spoke to the senate for approval of the Natural Resource Management Graduate Student Association constitution. Pulse said the organization has three goals: better organize community within the department, give more professional development opportunities to graduate students and work towards a shared government model within the department.
“There are about 40 people in total and everyone is really interested in joining,” Pulse said.
The constitution passed unanimously.
Committee and Staff Report:
President Trinity Peterson and Vice President Hayden Bentz had a meeting planned with Facility Services to talk about campus safety and GAF strategic planned was sent for approval from President Barry Dunn and Vice President Michaela Willis.
Bentz encouraged the senate to attend the Bold and Blue event on Thursday. Clubs including GSA, LSA and AISA reported on events including a sip and paint, and the 32nd annual Wacipi. Unified Council reported on Greek Week, shouting out AXID and SAE as overall winners. They also discussed upcoming events in the fall including sorority preview night August 26, and having a block party on Greek row at the beginning of the school year. UPC has their final event Friday at 5:30 p.m. in the VBR for the May Day Music Festival with music and food trucks, prizes and games.
Unfinished Business:
Senate members discussed and voted on Resolution 24-1-R. The resolution states The Senate is opposed to the current draft of the Student Organization Travel and Field Trip Policy. The supporters of the opposition said that they want to be compliant with South Dakota’s minor policies and discussed not opposing the issue just the current draft.
“I feel that opposing this shows the students that what we’re doing here is best for them,” said Rylee Sabo, chief of staff.
The Senate to approve the opposition.
The Senate voted to table the McCrory Garden Project.
Amendment 24-1-A was also discussed and voted on. The amendment would limit campaign spending to $2,500 which is in line with trends from past presidential elections. Receipts would have to be provided for every purchase and it would be reviewed every two years. The amendment was approved.
