The 52nd student senate filled several committee and senate positions at their second general meeting of the semester, and heard legislation that was drafted by the Constitution and Rules Committee (CRC).
CRC brought legislation to the student senate regarding diversity in choosing the next provost of SUNY New Paltz. The legislation called for a student voice to be involved with the selection process. The motion passed 15 in the affirmative with one senator abstaining.
Two positions were left vacant on the Academic Senate after two senators chose to resign. The legislative body heard requests from three potential candidates. Kasper Garlicki and Manuel Tejada were both affirmed.
In addition, the student senate confirmed two nominees to be interviewed for spots on the Liberal Education Ad Hoc committee. Three of the four spots were filled.
Three positions on the Campus Auxiliary Services (CAS) committee were filled. Vice President of Student Association Eve Stern took Student Association President Terrell Coakley’s E-board seat as predetermined in the Academic Senate’s constitution.
Two positions on the Sustainability Committee which is comprised of faculty, staff and students, were filled. Six positions on the University Police Committee were also filled.
Meanwhile, Stern presented an idea for gender-neutral housing, as she had worked on gender-neutral bathrooms and an initiative last year. Stern said she’s not certain if it would be open to first-year students. She wants to institute a survey to get the campus feedback on the issue.
“[Point of survey] how do you feel?” she said. “Would you be comfortable in this type of situation? Would you live [in this type of environment]?”
The next senate meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 20 in Student Union 418.