The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
The official student newspaper of University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire since 1923.

The Spectator
All content by Rachyl Houterman
Stephanie Hoeksema, the new director for Equity in Student Matters Commission, was one of eight appointed directors for the 63rd Session at Monday night’s meeting.

Student Senate appoints directors for 63rd Session

Story by Rachyl Houterman
May 7, 2019
The newly elected members of the 63rd Session were sworn in during an April meeting last spring.

63rd Session of Student Senate sworn in

Story by Rachyl Houterman
April 23, 2019
Senators vote in favor of adopting the 2019-2020 Student Org Fund Allocation.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of dead hours policy reform

Story by Rachyl Houterman
April 16, 2019
Alexandra Kurutz, the campus affairs director, introduces a proposal for a name change from “Campus Affairs” to “Student Organization Commission.”

Student Senate passes resolution in recognition of retiring commission advisor

Story by Rachyl Houterman
April 9, 2019
Student Body President Branden Yates counts the votes for the proposed allocation to the Student Organization of Latinos and Latinas, which was also passed on Monday by Student Senate.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of free gym memberships for student athletes

Story by Rachyl Houterman
April 2, 2019
Senator Lauren Becker offers her thoughts after a presentation by City Council Member Kate Beaton.

Student Senate passes bill to fund campus arboretum

Story by Rachyl Houterman
March 19, 2019
Student Senate introduced two bills that will be voted on next week.

Senate passes resolution in support of proposed State street redesign

Story by Rachyl Houterman
March 12, 2019
Senator Alex Stout, the information technology commission director, shares his concerns about potential housing solutions for next year.

Student Senate approves constitutional amendments to include Barron County branch campus

Story by Rachyl Houterman
March 7, 2019
Clearwater Labs employees, including Alex Stout, co-founder and director and technical manager (far right), work in their new downtown office space at CoLAB, which is across from the Micon Downtown Cinema.

Student-run software company provides high-impact experience for students

Story by Rachyl Houterman
March 7, 2019
The student-led effort to bring a bike share program to Eau Claire has taken about four years, said Austin Northagen, the Student Office of Sustainability director. After city council unanimously passed an ordinance that would permit a dockless bike share in the city, the program is set to launch sometime in April or May.

City Council passes bike share ordinance, program coming to Eau Claire this spring

Story by Rachyl Houterman
February 27, 2019
Chancellor James C. Schmidt elaborated on several topics including the new sciences and health sciences building project, university cancellation policy, and the Mayo Clinic partnership.

Student Senate passes three resolutions

Story by Rachyl Houterman
February 19, 2019
Joanne Bland, the keynote speaker at the Martin Luther King Jr. event last Wednesday, discussed her participation in the Student Non-Violent Coordinating Committee in the 1960s, among other topics.

[Photo] Campus celebrates Martin Luther King Jr.

February 12, 2019
The meeting started off with a presentation by Jake Wrasse about the issues of Phillips Hall and the new Science and Health Sciences building project.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of new science building, tuition freeze

Story by Rachyl Houterman
February 12, 2019
Student Senate passed three resolutions and five bills on Monday.

Student Senate passes resolution in opposition to proposed Title IX changes

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
December 11, 2018
Five bills were introduced at Monday’s meeting and will be voted on by Student Senate next week.

Student Senate hears introductions to five bills

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
December 4, 2018
Student Senate voted in opposition to a proposed amendment to the UW System Student Representatives constitution that would lower quorum.

Student Senate opposes proposed amendment to lower quorum

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
November 27, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of Transgender Day of Remembrance and a resolution in support of creating a positive relationship between the university police department and students of marginalized identities.

Student Senate passes resolution to improve relationship between students of marginalized identities and university police

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
November 22, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of Trans*mission Week and a bill to form a committee for the national It’s On Us movement on Monday.

Student Senate approves creation of ‘It’s On Us’ committee

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
November 13, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of Native Heritage Month and a resolution in support of Eau Claire’s conversion therapy ban on Monday.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of conversion therapy ban

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
November 6, 2018
A bill to allocate funds toward converting Davies Student Center to 100 percent LED lighting was passed 20-0-2 on Monday.

Student Senate approves funding for LED lighting in Davies Center

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
October 30, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of updating the accessibility icon and a resolution in support of educating students on how to vote.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of voting education

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
October 23, 2018
A resolution in support of the Fall legislative priority summary that sets goals for campus, city, state, and national issues affecting UW-Eau Claire students was passed on Monday.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of Fall legislative priority summary

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
October 16, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of National Coming Out Day by a vote of 22-0-2.

Student Senate passes revised ‘Twelve Points’

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
October 9, 2018
Three new on-campus senators were sworn in on Monday evening. From left to right, Mary Stoutenburg, Ben Ramirez-Gomez and Travis DuChene.

Student Senate passes bill to adjust Blugold Commitment distribution

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
October 2, 2018
The Academic Affairs Commission introduced a bill about Blugold Commitment Differential Tuition that will be voted on next week.

Bill to adjust distribution of Blugold Commitment grants introduced to Student Senate

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
September 25, 2018
A once in a lifetime opportunity was cut short for many students last year because of COVID-19.

Policy requires students to disclose felony convictions and expulsions for study abroad, away and university housing

Story by Rachyl Houterman and Clara Neupert
September 25, 2018
The Makerspace Grand Opening invited students, faculty and staff to explore the new space and available tools.

Makerspace invites students, faculty and staff to harness creativity

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
September 23, 2018
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of the Public Excessive Intoxication ordinance 21-1-3.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of revised ordinance

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
September 19, 2018
A resolution in support of reorganizing and updating blue light emergency phones was passed 16-1-6.

Student Senate in favor of removing and updating campus emergency phones

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Managing Editor
September 11, 2018
From left to right: Hillary Smith, the chief of staff for Student Senate; Peter Hart-Brinson, associate professor of sociology; Jeff Smith, organizer for Citizen Action Organizing Cooperative of Western Wisconsin; and Jeremy Gragert, city councilman for District 3.

‘Reclaim the UW’: students and faculty speak out against budget cuts

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
May 10, 2018
Austin Northagen, the newly appointed student office of sustainability director, gives his speech before being confirmed.

Student Senate confirms director appointments for 62nd Session

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
May 8, 2018
Branden Yates and Maddie Forrest took the oath of office at Monday’s Student Senate meeting.

Branden Yates and Maddie Forrest sworn into office

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
May 1, 2018
Student Body President-elect Branden Yates and Vice President-elect Maddie Forrest won nearly 76 percent of the vote in this year's Student Senate elections.

Election results: ‘A long time coming’

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
April 25, 2018
Senators of the 62nd Session are sworn into office at Monday evening’s meeting following the dismissal of the 61st Session.

61st Session wraps, welcomes 62nd Session

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
April 24, 2018
If passed, the bill would have authorized a fall referendum for the student body to make the final decision on the restructuring. The bill’s authors tabled the bill.

Student Senate tables bill regarding restructuring

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
April 17, 2018
From left to right: Candidates Maddie Forrest (vice president) and Branden Yates (president), and Hattie Salzman (vice president, tuning in via video chat) and Robert Nguyen (president) participate in the Student Body President Debate on Wednesday.

Student Senate Elections: A breakdown of the candidates

Story by Rachyl Houterman and Clara Neupert
April 11, 2018
Before the bill can be brought to a vote, a mandatory public hearing for the student body needs to be held, in accordance with the Student Senate Bylaws.

Student Senate tables bill regarding proposed restructuring

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
April 10, 2018
Currently, UW-Eau Claire doesn’t have an advisor for student veterans, but it has had one in the past.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of student veteran advisor

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
April 3, 2018
Nearly 40 percent of the Blugold Commitment Differential will go toward student financial assistance.

Student Senate approves 2018-19 Differential Tuition spending plan

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
March 27, 2018
Senate also passed a resolution in support of Women’s History Month.

Bill to include UW-Barron County in Student Body Constitution withdrawn

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
March 13, 2018
The new water bottle filling stations will be located in McPhee Strength and Performance Center, Haas Fine Arts Center, Crest Wellness Center, Hilltop Center and the Human Sciences & Services building.

Student Senate approves funding for new water bottle filling stations

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
March 7, 2018
Student Senate also passed a resolution in support of the Hmong Student Association Culture Core Conference taking place this Saturday.

Student Senate opposes policy limiting lodging options

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
February 27, 2018
Nine new on- and off-campus senators were sworn in at Monday’s meeting.

Student Senate passes 2018-19 Organized Activities Budget

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
February 21, 2018
Mike Rindo, the assistant chancellor for facilities and university relations, said the money will be used to increase the number of high-impact practices––such as internships or undergraduate research––that students experience before graduation.

Tuition increases for nonresident students

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
February 15, 2018
Student Senate issued a news release opposing the increased tuition rates in addition to passing Monday’s resolution.

Student Senate opposes tuition increase

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
February 14, 2018
Thousands of visitors gathered at Banbury Place this weekend to check out some of Eau Claire’s finest craftsmanship.

[Photo] Ninth annual Banbury Art Crawl returns to Eau Claire

Story by Madeline Fuerstenberg, Freelance Writer
February 12, 2018
Student Senate approved a special allocation bill designating more than $1,000 to the American Marketing Association.

Student Senate allocates more than $1,000 to a campus organization

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
February 6, 2018
Student Senate also confirmed the appointment of the new University Activities Commission director, Nicole Miller.

Student Senate passes resolution in support of meal plan donation program

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
January 31, 2018
The student-led effort to bring a bike share program to Eau Claire has taken about four years, said Austin Northagen, the Student Office of Sustainability director. After city council unanimously passed an ordinance that would permit a dockless bike share in the city, the program is set to launch sometime in April or May.

Student leaders work on bringing bike share to Eau Claire

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
December 14, 2017
Senate also passed a resolution in support of UW-Eau Claire applying for Tree Campus USA certification and approved four new campus organizations.

Senate passes resolution supporting new initiatives for The Hub

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
December 13, 2017
The Campus Affairs commission approved four new organizations which will be voted on by the Senate body next Monday.

Student Senate introduces four new organizations

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
December 5, 2017
A panel of shared governance leaders led the open forum in the Dakota Room last Thursday. Pictured from left to right is Keith Montgomery, regional executive office and dean; UW-Eau Claire Chancellor James C. Schmidt; Patricia Kleine, provost and vice chancellor of academic affairs at UW-Eau Claire; Evan Weiher, chair of UW-Eau Claire university senate; and Lauren Wentz, an associate biology professor at UW-Barron County.

Serving students remains priority goal as merger moves forward

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
December 4, 2017
Senate also approved four new campus organizations: UWEC Blugold Mile, Music and Memory, Organization for Meditation, and CHAARG.

Student Senate withdraws resolution in support of Blugold veterans

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 28, 2017
Student Senate also passed a resolution in support of Transmission Week and Transgender Remembrance Day.

Senate passes resolution in continued support of Hmong New Year

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 22, 2017
As part of a contract with City Council, UW-Eau Claire students pay $44 a year in segregated fees to use the transit system.

Student Senate passes resolution in opposition to transit fare increases

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 14, 2017
Chancellor James C. Schmidt, Katy McGarry and Nick Webber, the student body president and vice president, respectively, were part of the team from UW-Eau Claire that visited UW-Barron County on Nov. 15. They met with leaders and administrators from UW-Barron County.

Board of Regents passes UW System Restructuring proposal

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 13, 2017
Student senators walk through the Confluence Arts Center on a tour guided by Jason Jon Anderson, the executive director of the project. The building is set to open in Fall 2018.

First students walk through Confluence Arts Center

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 10, 2017
Student Senate approved new organizations including Women's Soccer Club, Fashion Revolution, Vida Volunteer Club and more at Monday evening's meeting.

Student Senate approves eight new organizations

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 7, 2017
Sarah Doroff, a senior science and sociology student, was selected to be the 2017 Minnesota Honey Queen in July. She is an advocate for and representitive of the beekeeping and honey industry in Minnesota.

Speaking for the bees

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 2, 2017
After an amendment was made to the special allocation bill, the Second Chair of the Equity in Student Matters Commission will be compensated $4,346 for the 2017-18 school year.

Student Senate funds Second Chair of Equity in Student Matters Commission

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
November 1, 2017
The 61st Session of Student Senate passed three bills on Monday evening. One will allocate $71,540 to the Confluence Arts Center to pay for the LED lighting in the building.

Student Senate allocates funds to the Confluence Arts Center

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 24, 2017
Student Senate introduces bill proposing to allocate money to the Confluence Arts Center project and one proposing to amend the Student Senate Bylaws.

Student Senate passes resolution in response to Freedom of Expression policy

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 17, 2017
Nick Lanser, lead of folk band Len Voy, plays original songs based on personal experiences from his life.

Folk music fills The Cabin

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 16, 2017
UW System President Ray Cross said the proposal is intended to provide more access to education while centralizing and supporting administration.

UW System proposes merging two-year colleges with four-year institutions

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 13, 2017
In a proposal released on Oct. 11, UW System President Ray Cross proposed merging two-year UW Colleges with four-year universities. The UW System Board of Regents will vote on the proposal on Thursday.

UW System Board of Regents passes policy that punishes students who disrupt freedom of expression

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 13, 2017
Student Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of National Coming Out Day, which is this Wednesday.

Student Senate funds Events Coordinator Position

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 10, 2017
The Federal Perkins Loan Program expired on Sept. 30, creating a financial gap for students who rely on it to help pay for college.

Expiration of Federal Perkins Loan Program puts college affordability into question

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 5, 2017
Three new on-campus senators were sworn in on Monday evening. Senate passed a resolution in support of centralizing Student Health Services and Counseling Services and introduced two special allocation bills.

Student Senate’s 61st Session swears in three new senators

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
October 4, 2017
Student Senators sit in The Hub, located next to the Marketplace in Davies Student Center, to be available for students who have ideas, questions or concerns.

Increasing outreach opportunities with The Hub

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 27, 2017

International Fall Fest cultivates community

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 26, 2017
Student Senate passed a resolution in support of DACA and one in support of continued shared governance in the UW System. A bill to amend the Student Office of Sustainability (SOS) Bylaws was also passed.

Student Senate passes two resolutions and one bill

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 26, 2017
Student Senate passed a bill removing the service hour requirement in Chapter X of the Student Senate Bylaws.

Senate amends Chapter X of Student Senate Bylaws

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 20, 2017
Student Senate chose three senators to serve alongside Student Body Vice President Nick Webber on the Vacancy Committee, which will choose three new on-campus senators and one off-campus senator for the year.

Student Senate proposes amendment to Chapter X in Student Senate Bylaws

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 12, 2017
UW-Eau Claire students Alexandra Liebl and Madelyn Rysavy completed service hours at the Catholic church, the Newman Parish, located next to Hibbard Hall on Garfield Ave.

Lawsuit results in Service-Learning Policy change

Story by Rachyl Houterman, News Editor
September 7, 2017
Housing code, city council, City-County Health Department.

Housing code revisions aim to improve rental properties in Eau Claire

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
May 10, 2017
Katy McGarry and Nick Webber took office Monday evening. The pair have been friends since freshman year.

Student Senate: Katy McGarry and Nick Webber take office

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
May 2, 2017
The Senate's meeting didn't have any new business on the agenda and passed a motion to suspend indefinitely a special allocation bill to Delta Tau Delta.

Student Senate suspends indefinitely special allocation bill to Delta Tau Delta

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 25, 2017
Senators of the 61st Session are sworn in Monday evening following the conclusion of the 60th Session.

Student Senate passes bill to adopt new bylaws and transitions to 61st Session

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 18, 2017
Katy McGarry and Nick Webber will serve as Student Body President and Vice President during the 61 Session of Student Senate

McGarry and Webber take the election

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 13, 2017
Ashley Sukhu and Colton Ashley, student body president and vice president respectively, will finish out their roles in the coming week.

Familiar Faces: Ashley Sukhu and Colton Ashley

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 11, 2017
Andy Haynes began comedy around 2004 when George W. Bush was reelected. Haynes has performed on “Comedy Central,” “Conan” and “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”

Clear Water Comedy features Andy Haynes at The Plus

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 10, 2017
Student Senate Elections: What you need to know about the candidates

Student Senate Elections: What you need to know about the candidates

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
April 6, 2017
A UW-La Crosse dispatcher was fired and reinstated to her position and now wants $250,000 settlement. On Feb. 1, Kimberly Dearman expressed her support for President Trump and his travel ban to a student employee, leading to a filed complaint and an investigation.

Fired UW-La Crosse dispatcher wants $250,000 settlement after being reinstated

Story by Rachyl Houterman, Staff Writer
March 29, 2017
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