ONLINE EXCLUSIVE BY BETH LEVALLEY
After two weeks of debating, Student Senate unanimously approved of the final senate structure by specifying tasks for the future Community Outreach Senator in order to improve communication and collaboration with the university.
The Community Outreach Senator will now be required to coordinate a minimum of one community-based project per semester for senate members as well as meet with community outreach organizations at Drake University to discuss future initiatives.
“These changes are reflective of the members of (the Community Action Board) and the Office of Community Engagement and Service-Learning to make sure there is collaboration between senate and those organizations,” Vice President Zachary Blevins said.
Several senators had reports on the progress so far and future initiatives to look for.
Sen. Freemon said between 11 and 13 student organizations have been approved so far this academic year. He is currently working with his committee to update the current active organization list, so the university will have a revised list for all of campus.
Sen. Serrano has been contacting those newly approved organizations to see how they are running and if they need help. He and Vice President Griffin hope to have a basic “how-to” manual for new organizations written by the end of the semester.
Senators Lee and Bernard are working together on a new diversity, equity and inclusion program for first-year students. This is set to be implemented in the fall of 2017, but progress is already being made on the structure and foundation for the program.
“Safety Zone,” a program to teach students about campus safety and personal defense, is the current project Sen. White is working on. It will feature talks from Alysa Mozak and Scott Law.
With spring break nearing, Dean of Students Sentwali Bakari spoke about safety for the students.
He also updated Student Senate on Drake’s new continuous improvement plan. A consultant is analyzing each school, college and department at Drake and giving feedback on how to improve.
So far, the College of Business and Public Administration, University Communications and the University Office of Admission have received feedback. President Marty Martin plans to have all university departments, colleges and schools complete in April.
