By Stephanie Menders | Staff Writer
Salve Regina’s Student Government Association, a representative of student voices, met on February 2nd, 2016 in Ochre Court to discuss their opinions and concerns regarding improving student life. The group discussed a number of important topics, but five matters took the forefront.
The Odyssey’s Sodexo Article:
When the floor opened to the Dining Services Committee, Senator Katie Gillespie introduced an article recently published in the Salve chapter of online blog The Odyssey entitled So Long, Sodexo. Senator Gillsepie recently met with Sodexo staff members and discussed the possibility of generating a direct line of communication between students and staff. This would create transparency and give students an outlet to voice their concerns. “I would love to see a direct line,” says Gillespie. “Perhaps like how the library has a chat service.”
Black History Month:
While the Diversity Ad-Hoc Committee had the floor, President Patricia Socarras expressed her interest in celebrating Black History Month. “We should do something in regards to women as well,” says President Socarras. ” And perhaps find a way to tie it into the community by looking back at the Sisters of Mercy work.”
The Shuttle Schedule:
Thursday through Saturday, the on/off campus shuttle runs from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. and the on campus shuttle runs from 7 p.m. to 10. When prompted by Senator Ben Tetschner of the Safety and Security Committee, SGA members questioned whether the schedule was working or if changes needed to be made. The group reached a unanimous decision to ask for the on campus shuttle to end at 9 P.M. and the on/off campus shuttle to take its place until 1 a.m.
The group also discussed the shuttles plans for Saint Patrick’s Day. “The shuttle will run 3-7 P.M. downtown and back to bring students back to campus,” says Senator Tetschner. “They will have a university representative on the shuttle to ensure safety.”
McKillop Library:
SGA invited librarians Kristin Butler, Dawn Emsellem, and Genna Duplisca to discuss how to improve students’ library experience. Senators of SGA inquired about more easily searchable databases, preserving student work from SRyou Day, and the new arrangement of furniture on the second floor.
President Socarras arose a different idea with the librarians – developing more journals on campus to provide students the opportunity to reflect on their experiences. “I’m interested in seeing a feminist journal on campus,” says Socarras. “It would be awesome to develop that as a long term goal.”
Earth Day:
Senator Zachary Cahill of the Environmental Ad-Hoc Committee reminded members that a meeting will be held on February 10th to discuss getting more recycling and trash bins on campus, starting a water bottle petition, solar panels in O’hare, Brita filters for the dorms, and composting in Miley. Senator Alyssa Modeiros advocated for an Earth Day project to which Senator Cahill proposed giving out free reusable water bottles to students.
If you have any ideas, concerns, questions or otherwise, you can contact SGA by going to Wakehurst 206, tweeting them @salvesga, or emailing them at sga@salve.edu.
