by Jack Melanson
Editor
Last week’s biweekly Student Government Assembly meeting included discussions about Gourmet Dining, Columbus Day and much more.
Gourmet Dining was the first discussion item, as Brian Weinstein spoke for the assembly.
Weinstein took time to mention recent activities in Locke’s Loft and Cafe 1853 before diving into upcoming events.
“Next Thursday [Oct. 26] we’re going to be doing a pumpkin decorating in Locke’s,” Weinstein said.
Continuing with the seasonal theme, extra swipes will be given out for the winners of a costume contest that is set to happen on Halloween.
The two new freshman vice presidents, Jack Kornutik and Grace Owens, were then welcomed into the organization by Vice President Phillip Mourikes.
Senior Ryan Quattromani then discussed the upcoming community cleanup which will take place on Nov. 5. A URL and fliers for signup information will be available shortly.
“This is a great way for your club to be active in the community,” said Mourikes.
President Micaela Bishop continued this conversation.
“[The community cleanup] also will take place right after Halloween, which is a typically a huge party weekend on campus, so we want to make sure to continue happy relations with our neighbors and our campus community,” she said.
Ethernet cables, residence hall elevators and other general housekeeping information were next on the agenda. More information on these matters will be released shortly.
As always, Wi-Fi connection on campus is a major concern, and Residence Life is actively trying to improve it.
Those interested in joining these endeavors should email Patrick Estanbouli, vice president for residential affairs.
Bishop then spoke for Molly Flores, vice president for commuter affairs, who was not present.
The next meeting for commuter affairs will take place Wednesday, Oct. 25 at 12 p.m.
Bishop rolled on, sharing that the next food service committee meeting will be Nov. 8 at 4 p.m. in Cafe 1853.
“This is the place that we created so that people can speak out if they have any food issues on campus,” Bishop said.
Ryan Quattromani then shared his insight on the power of student government, noting that they and the student body can create change on campus.
“We have a sort of recommending authority,” he said. “The senate can pass what they want, but it doesn’t mean that it’s official.”
Quattromani went on to explain that the president and then the board of trustees have final say, but student action, paired with student government, can kick-start real change.
This conversation was sparked in part by the recent Columbus Day debates, which focus on whether or not the college will continue to recognize Columbus Day as a holiday. A proposal aims to replace the holiday with Election Day. This debate has twice been tabled in recent Senate meetings.
A poll will soon be sent out by student government, asking students and employees to contribute to this discussion. The Senate will then use this poll to further their conversations about the proposal.
“The survey will be the result of a few different issues here. There is the issue of social injustice, talking about Columbus and Italian Americans, and then there is the issue of the academic calendar. These are entirely separate, so they’re trying to break those up and mix the feelings of those two things,” said Bishop at the meeting.
Student Government is actively trying to reach the student population on these issues, feeling that it should ultimately be up to how the students feel over all else. If a large number of students participate, a more accurate conclusion can be reached by the Senate, the President and the Board of Trustees.
The next Student Government Assembly meeting will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 12 p.m. in Kelly Commons room 5C.