The Student Senate meeting commenced at 6:03 p.m. on Monday.

During the open forum, senate parliamentarian Adler Kranich said he is graduating this semester and will not be continuing in the role next school year. Kranich offered to help train the next parliamentarian.

President Jaden Mikoulinskii said during the open forum that she is talking with Davies Student Center administrators about temporarily closing off the Maple Lounge with dividers and turning it into a recreation space, but would like input from the student body.

There was a placard vote to gauge interest and a majority of senators were in support. 

According to Mikoulinksii, the meeting minutes from the last meeting incorrectly said the former admissions space could not be used as a new space for the Office of Multicultural Affairs because Learning and Technology Services placed a bid on the space. Mikoulinskii said LTS had not placed a bid and amended the meeting minutes.

In the report of the president, Mikoulinskii said the teach-in on the War in Ukraine will be at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 8 in Centennial 2920. According to the political science department Facebook page, Professor Mykola Haleta, Professor Damir Kovačević, Professor Jonathan McCombs, Honors Director Heather Fielding and Mikoulinskii are panelists of the teach-in.

Elizabeth TenBarge, Academic Affairs commission director, said her commission and the Equity in Student Matters commission are still working on reevaluating the Responsibility Outcome 1 rubric with the University Liberal Education committee.

Mengcha Moua, Equity in Student Matters commission director, said the merger between the OMA and Blugold Beginnings has been delayed. 

Olga Diaz, vice chancellor for Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Student Affairs, will be hosting a monthly forum to ensure students are properly represented in the merger, according to Moua.

Stuart Scamehorn, Information Technology commission director, has been meeting with the University Technology committee to improve the computer rental program. Scamehorn said the commission is working on a resolution in support of adding computers back into the residence halls.

Bailey Carruthers, Intergovernmental Affairs commission director, said the commission is planning an open forum for students to learn more about candidates running for local offices.

According to Carruthers, the IGA commission is drafting resolutions to condemn the Wisconsin State Legislature’s bills AB884 on diversity class substitutions and AB885 on eliminating immunity for university administrators that violate individuals’ freedom of expression.

Carruthers said the IGA commission will be working on the resolutions in their meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday in the Oneida Room in Davies Center.

Brett Farmer, University Activities commission director, said the UA commission will host a Singer Songwriter Slam at 5 p.m. on Friday in Davies Center. Anyone interested in performing original music can email Farmer at [email protected] to sign up.

Destini Wilson was sworn in as a senator, and senator Jake Hicks was appointed as a voting member of the Student Office of Sustainability commission.

There was no new legislation introduced.

The senate adjourned at 7:09 p.m. and will reconvene at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, March 14 in the Dakota Ballroom.

Kasper can be reached at [email protected].