April 11 Student Senate meeting : short and sweet
By Emily Hubbell, Campus Life writer
April 18, 2007 | 12:23 a.m.
A group of sharply dressed people known as the Ohio University Student Senate gathered April 11 for its weekly meeting. The meeting was like a good class — short and to the point.
There were only a few OU “civilians” at the meeting. However, the sole student who chose to speak out had an important message: come to a rally for swimming and diving at 3 p.m. on Friday, April 13 in front of Cutler Hall. The representative said this would be a good way to demonstrate against the “display of disrespect from the administration.”
On a similar note, President Morgan Allen said that she met with leaders from the track team to form a partnership.
Allen also encouraged students to vote in the upcoming elections.
One point that came up several times was the encouragement to attend Pride Week events, going on now. LGBT Affairs Senator Will Wemer, is heading the week’s events. Several senators were planning on heading to “Two Jacks, Three Queens – A Casino Night” at Baker Center after the meeting in support of Wemer. The week’s events are listed on the OU Student Senate Web site, as well as general student senate information.
The State and Federal Affairs Commissioner Zach Noble reported some of the most interesting news of the night. Not only has OU President Roderick Davis presented his budget plan to Gov. Ted Strickland, but also that several students traveled to Columbus to support the governor’s plan to “freeze tuition.”
Another issue addressed at the meeting included the formation of a Halloween committee. Off Campus Life Commissioner Tom Vonville reported that the committee should be finalized by the end of next week. Vonville has also received word that Athens is planning a similar committee. He said that he would like to “bridge efforts” between the two groups.
Vonville also reported that the Director of Off Campus Living, Jim Hintz, will be stepping down. Vonville expressed concern that the department will be consumed by Residence Life. However, Vonville and others, including Vice President of Student Affairs Kent Smith, are working to stop this from happening.
Two resolutions were passed, both appointing new senators. Michael Noell will be one of two West Green senators. Sam Rossi will be the new Senator for the College of Arts and Sciences.
The meeting closed after less than 45 minutes. However, next week there will be another meeting in which the library renovations and Halloween committee will be further addressed. Students are encouraged to attend whether or not they own a blazer, heels or any “sharp” outfit.