This week from the senate chambers: a discussion with chief of police and director of public safety officer Michael Jagoda and director of transportation and parking services Joe Paradise.
Jagoda began by addressing safety concerns at the Memorial Union in relation to public transportation. Recently, the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) modified the number of lines arriving on campus, using the University as a hub.
As a result, commuter foot traffic around the Memorial Union has increased, especially people from outside of the University community. This has coincided with an increase in complaints about stolen belongings, according to Jagoda.
Senator Argha Goswami raised a question about these individuals and what the campus police department is doing in response. Jagoda responded that the police are working to increase their presence in the area. Paradise later addressed this issue as well, confirming that there will be upgrades to security cameras in and around the Memorial Union in response to increased traffic.
Paradise highlighted what he called “improved communications” from Parking Services to students.
“I think this year we’ve done a great job with marketing and communication in that respect,” Paradise said. “We sent out emails to various students, commuters, residents, the whole population.”
The parking issues continued to be a point of concern, however, as Paradise said Parking Services needs to find a balance between parking for commuters, residents and guests. When their new lot opens, Keaney Lot will increase the number of parking spaces reserved for residents, as the new lot will be reserved for commuters.
The shuttle system has received changes with increased frequency in mind. Routes like the hill climber shuttle have had stops relocated to redirect buses from the heavily walked West Alumni Avenue to allow the transport to travel faster. Additionally, a new stop has been added along Butterfield Road, and the University now has an additional shuttle to be allocated to busy lines at peak times.
Assembly speaker Christopher Bove raised a question surrounding the Rhodyville line only having one bus. Paradise confirmed that long waits involving the line were being addressed, but that the line did not have sufficient ridership to require a second shuttle.
Paradise and Jagoda informed the Senate that warnings had been issued by Kingston Station that students cannot leave their cars in their lot, and their cars may be towed. Bove said that the public forum with Paradise and Jagoda was successful.
“We have not had an interaction with University officials this pleasant in forever,” Bove said.
Following the discussion with Paradise and Jagoda, each committee proposed its upcoming events. The Student Organization Committee addressed their upcoming Student Organization Fair in October, as well as three new clubs attempting to be recognized.
The Cultural Affairs Committee is looking to organize multiple events for Hispanic Heritage Month, as well as a donation drive for a refugee center in Providence.
The Senate is working on planning their first Fall Fest on the Quad as a fundraiser for local charities. They are hoping to have cornhole and pumpkin carving and painting as well as other fall activities.
Before moving on to the bills put before the senate, Bove requested a five-second moment of silence in honor of the passing of Queen Elizabeth II.
The primary proposal regarded funding for piloting a program to provide free public transportation for students. Bove had pushed for this proposal for years, with it passing the floor unanimously.
Two new bills entered the chamber this week. The first proposal called for amending Senate bylaws to require only one board member to receive bystander awareness training. The bill was motioned to be voted upon in their next meeting.
The other proposed bill would denounce the town of Narragansett’s student housing policy. This bill faced opposition from most senators, however, as it could affect connections between the Senate and town. A motion was made to push the vote on the bill to next week to allow time for thought and discussion, which passed. Following this, the Senate was adjourned.
The next Student Senate meeting will be held Sept. 21.