Student Senate approved a list of six top-priority fall semester projects at its meeting Monday.
“These are big things we’re going to talk about this semester,” Senator Jake Wrasse said. “With this, we’ll be able to accomplish a lot.”
The Intergovernmental Affairs Commission drafts Senate Legislative Priorities each semester. This fall, Senate will focus on supporting Blugold Commitment issues, the Confluence Project, Garfield Avenue improvements, residence hall construction, river safety and student health.
Senate will work with local and state reps this semester to advocate for confluence project progress and the Blugold Commitment Senate passed a resolution earlier this semester affirming its support of the Blugold Commitment. The last stage of commitment funds were scheduled to kick in this year,  but held at last year’s level following a tuition freeze passed in the Wisconsin state budget this summer.
Student senators travel to Madison several times per semester to meet with state lawmakers. Senator Sam Fish said it’s important senate continues to stress the importance of the Blugold Commitment during those meetings.
“It’s necessary that this be brought to the state,” Fish said. “As long as we keep the conversation going, we’ll have a way to keep pushing forward.”
Student safety initiatives are also on Senate’s list. It plans to work with the city of Eau Claire to prevent student deaths on the Chippewa River and “promote student wellness initiatives,” according to its priorities listed.
Senate started work on wellness initiatives Monday, approving a new Health and Wellness Committee that will replace short term health committees drafted to tackle past health issues.

“Students are very involved in their own health,” Senator Sam Tabbert said. “For students going into health care, this will be good experience for a resume. Health should be a priority here.”
Also included in this semester’s priorities are Garfield Avenue improvements and the construction of a new upper-campus residence hall — both keystones in the university’s 20-year master plan. The master plan outlines construction projects and campus improvements Eau Claire wants to make in the next couple decades.
Garfield Avenue runs past Hibbard Hall and up the gated hill which leads to upper campus. Senate wants to support improvements like new gas and sewer lines, as well as concrete and curb construction and better lighting.
The road will be redirected to divert bikes and pedestrians away from traffic. Eau Claire also plans to construct an outdoor classroom where the Putnam parking lot now stands.
Senate will meet with state and local decision makers to ensure the $12 million project progresses.
Eau Claire also wants to build a new residence hall on upper campus. As the plan stands now, the building will house 350 students, and should help offset Eau Claire’s 108 percent occupancy rate.
According to the plan, the $35 million hall will be funded through student dorm fees.

Student Body Vice President Jason Rector said the list of priorities is a good framework for this semester’s goals.
“As a co-author of previous legislative priorities, I’m impressed and proud of the work,” Rector said.

In other senate news

Eau Claire has two new campus organizations — The Society of Women in Physical Sciences and a Johnball club — after Senate approved both club constitutions Monday.
Senate also unanimously passed a resolution in favor of University Senate  raising the number of physical education credits that could count toward the 120 required for graduation.