By Lindsay LaChapelle | Campus Co-editor-
The Salve Student Government Association induction ceremony was held in Ochre Court on October 1st, followed by the first meeting of the semester. In addition to welcoming fourteen returning Association members, the student government also introduced six new student senators.
The ceremony began with introductions by Salve Regina President, Sister Jane Gerety and Dr. Margaret Higgins, Vice President for Student Affairs. After congratulating the students, Sister Jane expressed her gratitude to the Association members for their dedication to the University and their role in advocating for students. She also encouraged the students to direct their efforts “outward” as well as “inward” in terms of extending Salve’s reputation outside of the University.
“Let people know that there are students [at Salve] like you who are active, who are happy, who are working hard, and who are engaged,” said Sister Jane.
Sister Jane also shared her hope that the administration will be able to expedite the approval and execution of proposals by the Student Government. According to Sister Jane, she looks forward to working closely with the Student Government Association to bring student requests into fruition.
“The only reason Dr. Higgins and I are here is to serve you,” she said.
Dr. Higgins likewise praised the Student Government Association for their accomplishments, including the new Cardio Fitness Center and Starbucks.
“I directly attribute Starbucks to you guys,” Dr. Higgins said.
She expressed her excitement for the large improvements that will begin on campus soon such as the renovation of O’Hare Academic Center and the hiring of a new Vice President for Enrollment Management and Provost of the University. Dr. Higgins’s advice to the students was, “Not only continue to challenge us, because that is how the University gets better, but also to tell us and others what you value about your experience… As much as we look at why students leave, we are really trying to focus on why students stay.”
After Sister Jane and Dr. Higgins’ addresses, the official meeting began. Lead by President Jivanto van Hemert ’14, the senate passed a motion to add Flat Waves, a restaurant in Middletown, to the list of businesses that accept Salve dining dollars.
This semester, the Student Government Association urges students to reach out to their senators via email, Facebook or Twitter. Student concerns, ideas and suggestions can also be expressed through the use of the sga@salve.edu email.
Secretary of the Student Government Association executive board, Corilyn Henault ‘15 hopes to see students at future meetings. “We are here as a resource to bridge the gap between staff, faculty, administration and students especially. We have the knowledge and the influence to make things happen here and we want to provide what our student body wants,” Henault says.
Meetings are held every Tuesday night at 7 pm in the Breakfast Room of Ochre Court and are open to all Salve Regina students.
