Student Senate pushes for stronger campus connection

Chadron State College Student Senate leaders aim to prioritize student engagement this year, starting with a table talk event held in the Student Center on Oct. 21.

The group emphasized that this year, they want to make student suggestions a reality and brighten campus overall. At the table talk, CSC students approached Student Senate members and casually discussed ideas and issues.

“Our goals are for students not to be scared to come talk to us and realize that we are on campus and we want to inform them on what we can help them with,” said Piper Ryschon, Student Senate vice president. She added that they want to focus efforts on building up, supporting, and changing things within campus, “rather than just being another club doing another event.” Last year they added headshots of each member in the Student Center, to create a visual element and help students recognize them around campus.

This was the group’s first official table talk event, and members say they want to continue to implement them throughout the year. Last year, they hosted similar events, such as an ice cream booth in the cafeteria. On other occasions, members of the group have presented quick speeches to individual classrooms, typically handing out Student Senate applications to recruit members.

Samantha Hill, CSC student trustee, said she joined Student Senate because she wanted to become the change that she wanted to see. Hill highlights the importance of keeping students involved in the process. “It’s very important that I’m not just sending it and then letting it go and pretending like it’s not my business anymore but rather making sure I’m communicating with people that are directly involved,” she said.

Student Senate is currently working on a major renovation to the backyard area behind the dorms, with plans to complete it next school year. “We’re going to level out, pour concrete, have a huge fireplace and a bunch of seating with lights and outlets,” said Ryschon. The idea was originally formed a few years ago and is aimed at providing an outdoor space for collaboration.

Last year, the group assisted in several projects around campus. In Kent Hall, an ice machine was added to the kitchen. To promote relaxation, Student Senate worked with Health and Wellness to create a Zen room, filled with a massage chair and other relaxation tools, on the top floor of the King Library.

Students with campus concerns or ideas can contact Student Trustee Samantha Hill, who represents Chadron State College student body on the Nebraska State College System Board, at [email protected].