After finalizing the Student Senate executive board last week and establishing a new parliamentarian, Monday’s meeting revolved around policy reminders for the new members and the passage of new resolutions.

The meeting began with reports from each member of the executive board, beginning with President Jaden Mikoulinskii. Mikoulinskii discussed the recent Dear World event and upcoming Homecoming events, including window painting in the Davies Student Center.

Mikoulinskii concluded her report by reiterating the Senate’s rules, including legislation coverage and the parameters for resignation.

Next, Vice President Justin Schilling and Chief of Staff Olivia Schenzel gave their reports. These also included reminders for members on Senate responsibilities.

From there, the Executive Board took turns giving their reports for the week.

Mengcha Moua, director of Equity in Student Matters, announced legislation to recognize Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters and legislation to officially recognize Latinx Awareness Month and Indigenous Awareness day.

Nick Johnson, Finance Director, reported on appeal deliberations that will be taking place on Tuesday at 5:30 p.m., as well as a special allocation project for gender sexuality awareness.

Brett Swanson, Director of the Information Technology Commission, followed up by reporting on discussions on the effectiveness of Blugold Connect, and announced a student technology presentation on campus this Friday.

Next, Bailey Carruthers, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs, announced a few minor amendments to previous legislation on emergency correspondence and an upcoming donation drive on Oct. 8.

After this, Maddie Loeffler, Director of the Student Office of Sustainability, covered the opening of a new internship opportunity for UWEC students and an upcoming community walkthrough of the campus.

Brett Farmer, Director of the University Activities Commission, then covered a variety of recent events, including shows at The Cabin last week. Farmer also discussed upcoming events like the next in the fall film series showing in Davies Student Center this weekend, and an upcoming open mic night that will be held in the Dakota Ballroom.

Additionally, Farmer commented on the success of the Dear World event, thanking those who took part and were brave enough to share their stories.

From there, the meeting moved on to special reports.

This was kicked off by Mascot Coordinator Zachary May. May announced Blu, UW-Eau Claire’s mascot, was in the process of getting a renovated costume. 

Next, Housing Coordinator Steven Ross delved into the ongoing investigation of student leasing difficulties and the Eau Claire area’s early leasing period.

Beyond this, Ross announced the Finance Commission would be meeting with both the student theatre and The Spectator. He concluded there will be no housing fair this year, despite false advertisements for such. 

From there, the meeting passed onto the new business segment of the night. 

The Senate unanimously voted on Bill 65-R-3 in support of a resolution funding two new Blugold mascot costumes.

Next, a vote was held on Bill 65-R-4, a resolution officially supporting Orange Shirt Day: Every Child Matters. This was also passed with a unanimous vote.

Finally, after some deliberation, the Senate passed Bill 65-R-5, a resolution supporting the Fall 2021 Legislative Priority Summary with a vote of 26-0-2.

For the last segment of the meeting, Senate members declared any additional announcements they had for the week. 

This included a Wednesday meeting that would vote on segregated fee allocation changes, events celebrating Latinx Heritage Month in the coming weeks, and a dinner celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day next Monday.

Yoshi Gaitan, the communications commission Director, also announced that National Coming Out Day would be celebrated on the campus mall with live music, information resources, and more from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Oct. 11.

The meeting adjourned at 7:57 p.m.

The Senate will meet again at their regular weekly meeting time at 6 p.m. Monday, Oct. 11, in the Dakota Ballroom.

Porisch can be reached at [email protected].