The Senate heard a proposal for a “Smile Train” club. “Smile Train” is a medical group that fixes cleft lip palates in young children. The club will be lead by Samantha Schnall ’19 and Ben Shelling ’20. After their presentation, the Senate voted to pass the club with 12 ayes, three no’s, and two abstaining.
The Senate voted to pass an amendment to the debate team’s constitution. Finally, the Senate voted on changing Young Americans for Liberty’s name to “Philosophy Club.” Senators expressed confusion and concern that the new name would not fit the club’s current constitution. The Senate moved to meet with representatives of the club next week and vote then.
Next, the Senate committees gave their reports. Aaron Finkel ’20 gave an executive officer report discussing the Union’s Forum on Mental Health and gave support for the upcoming student walk out on March 14. Finkel encouraged student union members to attend the Union coffeehouse meeting, where students can talk to their union representatives. The coffeehouse meeting was held Thursday, March 8. He also discussed his work on the “take your professor” to lunch program, Spring Marathon and elections.
The Senate Services and Outreach Committee chair Aaron Finkel reported that they were organizing spring shuttles for the upcoming break, from March 30 to April 7, and discussed plans for Midnight Buffet, scheduled for April 26 in Levin Ballroom.
The Health and Safety Committee focused on two initiatives, one regarding the university’s ban on mace and pepper spray and one regarding the possibility of designating specific smoking areas. The Senate Bylaws committee followed and announced that the Student Union Senate bylaws have all been uploaded online, along with their past versions and are available to view at Github.com/bylawscommittee.
The Social Justice and Diversity Committee chair Lizy Dabanka ’20 announced the possibility of hosting a large event bringing together cultural clubs around campus.
The sustainability committee announced that they will be accepting student proposals for sustainability initiatives and will be “revamping” the Brandeis Sustainability Fund (BSF). They have also been in contact with the Department of Community Living (DCL) to coordinate the sustainability ambassadors, who will be present at next year’s orientation.
The Club Support committee is working on club renewal forms, as, according to Tal Richtman ’20, many clubs have been seeking to become fully chartered. Finally, the Campus Operations Working Group (COW-G) discussed their initiatives to help Brandeis Pro-Choice install a Plan-B vending machine, purchasing grip tape for the Rabb steps and expanding the menstrual products initiative to include distributing menstrual products inside residence halls.
Finkel gave the Dining Committee Report as none of the committee’s representatives could attend the meeting. He discussed adding more vegetarian and vegan options for students at dining halls, as well as expanding the meal plan options for students who already have a kitchen.
Senators introduced other initiatives at the end of the meeting. Finkel shared that he attended a walking tour of Skyline, the new second year dormitory replacing Usen Castle, and Josh Hoffman ’21, discussed hosting a movie screening inviting facility staff and their families to show appreciation for facilities.
