From the Senate Chambers this week: a request from the Faculty Senate President, two passed bills and a resolution and a general discussion regarding COVID-19 protocols.
Faculty Senate President Audrey Cardany attended the Student Senate Meeting this week and proposed to invite a member of the Student Senate to join Faculty Senate meetings as part of the Academic Calendar Committee. Cardany said that academic calendars are made 5 to 7 years in advance, but that there are exceptions that can impact current students enrolled at the University.
“If you are sitting on that committee you might think ‘well why would I be on that committee? I’ve already graduated at that point,’” Cardany said. “Number one, you’re serving the entire institution, but any changes we make to the calendar must be made 18 months prior, that is the decision unless of an emergency.”
Academic Affairs Chair Kyra Shindler volunteered for the role.
Cardany also sent out a request for a student to read the University of Rhode Island land acknowledgment at the beginning of the next Faculty Senate meeting held on Dec. 9.
“The University has been working hard at justice, equity, inclusion and diversity,” Cardany said. “The Executive Committee would like to bring that acknowledgment statement to all the general facilities and Faculty Senate meetings.”
The two bills that were voted on were proposed for the Senate acknowledgment of two student organizations: the Young Democratic Socialists of America and Surf Club. Both motions were passed, with all members of the Senate voting in favor of the bills.
The resolution that was voted on was proposed by Moderator Christopher Bove to URI’s Housing and Residence Life, and requested the addition of at least one printer to each residence hall.
“If any of you live on campus, you know that having to go to the Union or the library can be really time-consuming and inconvenient,” Bove said. “We felt that it’s something the University could do at a low price point, and I think it’s a reasonable request.”
Bove reminded all members that this was just a request for consideration, and the bill was passed with all members voting in favor.
He also announced that the Student Senate would be conducting an internal election to fill the vacancies in positions in the Senate. The elections are scheduled to take place during the Senate meeting next week.
During the general discussion and open forum, Senator Lauren Peckham raised concerns for off-campus students whose roommates tested positive for the COVID-19 after attending the Public Health Club.
“The school is expecting [roommates of infected students] to pay for a hotel room out of pocket,” Peckham said. “One of the girls in the club was talking about how her roommate has to pay [about] $500 now for a hotel room. She called the director of the Health Department, and they were essentially blaming her and refused to help with finances.”
Student Senate President Bolu Taiwo agreed with the importance of being clear on the precautions and mandates the University is taking in these situations. Bove resolved to reach out to Health Services Director Ellen Reynolds in order to address these questions.