by TAYLOR BRETHAUER, Editor-in-Chief

Student Government held one of its largest meetings on Wednesday, Nov. 14 in Kelly 5A due to the outpour of student concern regarding commencement. The Cooper administration invited multiple college administrators, including the provost.

For in-depth coverage of the open forum, see the “Commencement Addressed at Student Government Assembly Meeting” article on page one.

“Thank you again to the administration for coming here and listening to our concerns,” said Jaycie Cooper, student body president, afterwards.

Immediately following the discussion, which was held during the first half hour of the meeting, the assembly returned to their regular agenda.

New Directors

Two new directors were introduced to the crowd that remained after the open forum.

First was Charles Clency, the new director of residence life. He comes to Manhattan College with 22 years of prior experience and previously worked at the University of North Carolina, Greensboro campus in Greensboro, N.C.

“I have a lot of different ways and approaches on how to build and enhance and make the program even better than it has been,” said Clency.

He has spent his first week meeting with administrators, faculty, staff and residence assistants to discuss what can be done within the residence halls.

He also spoke about his three children: one already graduated from college, one in college and a young one at home.

“I’ve run the gamut and I understand what your parents may be asking, because I’ve been one of those parents– I am one of those a parents as we speak,” said Clency.

He is optimistic to begin addressing concerns head on as he begins at Manhattan College.

“I want to hear your voices proactively as we try to march forth and make improvements,” said Clency.

Then there was Ann Mavor, the new director of health services, who began on Nov. 1. She previously worked at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT.

“I’ve gotten e-mails from a few students already […] we’re hoping for a healthy school year. We’re offering health care to those that need but also do outreach if that’s possible,” said Mavor.

Food Service Committee (FSC) Updates

The head of the FSC, Fatoumata Saho, updated the assembly from their previous meetings.

One idea that came up was providing reusable mugs in the dining hall, a project that would be co-sponsored by Just Peace.

“We are planning to have reusable mugs in Locke’s […] our planet is falling apart so we’re trying to save it by using these mugs,” said Saho.

Nicholas Valinotti, resident district manager of Gourmet Dining at MC, was in attendance. He announced some events and menu plans for that week.

Educational Affairs Committee (EAC) Updates

The last of the big announcements came from Kerry Cavanagh, vice president of academic affairs. She updated the assembly about the EAC.

Addressing independent studies, there was a rumor that the college had done away with all independent study courses.

“I brought that up in the EAC and it appears as though the policy has not changed. But they are being told to limit the amount of independent studies that we have so chairpersons can decide if they want to continue holding them but the policy [has not changed],” said Cavanagh.

She then mentioned that the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Center would be moving locations from the third floor of the library to the fifth floor. The original location would then be switched into a study room.

Then, she spoke about the Global Business major and its removal from the O’Malley School of Business.

“They have not heard about it. We are going to follow up on that,” said Cavanagh.

The minutes were accepted and the meeting was adjourned.

The next and final assembly meeting of the semester will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 5 at noon in Kelly 5C.