You Asked, We Delivered: A Look at Student Senate’s Biggest Accomplishments This Past Year

This school year has definitely been chaotic thanks to COVID-19, but despite all the challenges, Student Senate has been hard at work. The team of twelve senators has been diligently working on various issues that have been presented by students, and many bills have passed. Some changes are still in process, while others were implemented right away. Even though the year is not over, I want to share some of Student Senate’s accomplishments so far.

Even though it feels like first semester was a long time ago, one of the biggest bills that passed through Student Senate was right before Christmas break. Edward Barboza, one of the village senators, presented a bill to allow skateboards on campus. Once it passed through Senate and administration, the process of allowing boards on campus began. After we worked with campus safety for a few weeks to figure out the logistics, skateboards are now allowed on campus! If you are interested in boarding to class, just stop by campus safety to sign the waiver and register your board.

Another huge topic that has been continually discussed during our meetings throughout the year is worship credits. Toward the beginning of this school year, Micah Rose presented a bill that would prevent worship credit requirements from appearing on students’ transcripts. This passed through Student Senate, but was not welcomed by administration or Campus Ministries. Student Senate continued to talk with Pastor Rich to find a solution that would work for both the students and administration, but nothing has been agreed upon yet.

A lot of students have also brought the issue of the cafeteria’s and library’s limited operating hours to several of the senators’ attention. In response to this, Edward Barboza and McKenna Biorn presented a bill last month that called for the cafeteria to extend its hours. This would accommodate more students, as some are currently missing out on meals due to being in class during the times the cafeteria is open. This bill passed through Senate, but when it was presented to those in charge of Union Market, they said it would not be possible this year as they need the time to properly clean and sanitize to keep up with COVID-19 protocols. They did, however, say that it would be a high possibility for next year. 

Kevin Jeune also presented a bill that would extend the hours the library is open on Fridays and Sundays, which passed and is in the process of being made a reality. Hopefully, the new extended hours of the library will be starting soon.

One of the most recent changes Student Senate enacted is an additional requirement needed to be able to run for SA Vice President. Starting next year, a person can only run for the position if they have previously served on Student Senate. This is to ensure that in the future, Student Senate continues to run smoothly, even when a new SA Vice President takes over. Since it is the job of the SA Vice President to lead and operate Student Senate, the senators felt it was an important requirement to add. 

These are just some of the large issues that have been addressed in Student Senate this year, and I am sure there are more to come before the school year ends. This has been a very productive year for Student Senate and that is thanks to the amazing team of senators that the student body elected!

Kelina Rodgers is SA Executive

Vice President and a senior

business administration major

from Apopka, Fla.