Senate hears student voices at open forum

Senate hosted another open forum Thursday, April 21 to discuss topics of renovation in the basement student lounge in Reta E. King Library, Week of Welcome, and Homecoming. Interest from the student population wasn’t shown with only four people attending.

Currently the student lounge in the basement level of the library is primarily used as a study area, but Librarian Shawn Hartman is requesting $7,900 from Senate to renovate the lounge so that is can be used more effectively as well as create a more group-friendly workspace for students.

The renovation involves the removal of the kitchenette, dining room hutch, and replacing the carpet. Along with removal, they want to repaint the walls, purchase additional chairs, adjustable tables, dual touch screen monitors with wireless keyboard and mouse, and two halogen floor lamps.

Students did voice their concern about using student fee money to renovate the lounge and asked if the library would be willing to help pay for the renovation instead of relying on just student fees. Students also were concerned that if this student lounge is renovated it may set a precedent for other lounges on campus that are in need of work and renovation. The request was withdrawn after because Senate allocated money from next year’s budget, and the library needed it for this year.

On the topic of Week of Welcome, Senate is asking for $8,000, which is $1,000 more than last year due to inflation.  Senate is also hoping the clubs on campus can pitch ideas that will draw interest for new students during the first two weeks of the fall semester.

One change the administration is making this year is they want a more overarching theme that is broader and less specific. Some themes students pitched were beach bash, safari, and traveling the world.  New Student Orientation is also willing help with theme if one is picked.  The main focus for this is to keep more students on campus after their freshman year.

Some events ideas for Week of Welcome included involving Greek week, incorporating competition amongst residence halls, and having a block party when it starts. Voting on ideas for Week of Welcome was Monday during Senate’s meeting.

Senate and CAB were also taking ideas for next year’s Homecoming and were hoping students in clubs will pitch ideas to Senate and/or CAB. The Homecoming committee chose Eagle Days as next year’s Homecoming theme.