The University of Rhode Island student senate met with Envision Strategies to discuss the future of campus dining, recognized two new student organizations, heard updates from various committees and discussed changes to the student organization recognition policy.
External Affairs Chair Arpan Singh spoke to a recent comment made at a Narragansett Town Council meeting, claiming that the URI student body contributes “nothing” to neighboring towns and leaves the towns responsible for supporting students living off-campus.
“When it comes to defending our institution, I stand unshaken and unapologetic,” Singh said. “Dear Mr. Town Hall, I respectfully challenge you … and I want to tell that [townsperson] mind your words.”
Campus Affairs Chair Cameron Hudson met with URI Transportation and Parking Services to discuss the recent 72% price increase for parking passes. URI TAP has little control over the pricing of parking passes, according to Hudson. Instead, Director of Planning and Real Estate Development Ryan Carrillo and the vice president for administration and finance, Abby Benson, are responsible for the increases in pricing. Hudson specifically identified Benson as a key player in the increase.
URI TAP supports the student senate’s resolution condemning the price increase, according to Hudson.
The senate discussed adding a deadline for student organization recognition. Student organizations will have a six-week period at the beginning of the semester to submit their applications. Organizations that miss the deadline can still operate and participate in events, but will not be recognized until the following semester.
Consultant Eavan Jennings from Envision Strategies, an independent dining consulting firm, asked students for feedback on current dining options available at URI. Jennings and her team will survey the URI student body in order to determine future plans for dining options.
Director of Dining Services Pierre St-Germain spoke afterwards, also seeking feedback from senators on dining services. Students with dining concerns can contact dining services through the Dining Services website
The senate created a new campus development liaison in a 22-3 vote.
The senate recognized two new organizations, the Crochet Club, and Rams and Culture Collective Associate.
The next student senate meeting will take place on Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. in Memorial Union Room 300.
